Heart Disease: Understand the Difference between Truth and Myth, Part II

Saturday, August 21, 2010 by: Dr. David Jockers
Tags: heart disease, myths, health news

(NewsTarget) It is known today that cholesterol itself does not cause heart disease. Free radicals that interact with cholesterol molecules cause them to oxidize. It is oxidized cholesterol that causes major problems within the vasculature of the body.

When inflammatory pathways are elevated it decreases the anti-oxidant protection around the cholesterol molecules. Without this protective wall of anti-oxidants the cholesterol molecules are easily oxidized and blood vessels are damaged.

Increasing evidence has revealed that the concentration and size of the LDL particles more powerfully relates to the degree of atherosclerosis progression than the concentration of cholesterol contained within all the LDL particles. One may have very high levels of LDL particles yet still have a low risk of atherosclerosis. This is due to the anti-oxidant protection around the LDL particles.

Pattern A lipid profile consists of larger and more buoyant LDL particles. These larger particles carry a high volume of the antioxidant Vitamin E which helps to fend off free radicals. They pose only a very small chance of being oxidized while traveling through the circulatory system. Due to the anti-oxidant protection this is a very healthy blood lipid panel.
Typical Pattern A lab findings: LDL: Anywhere from low-normal-high
HDL: Normal
Triglycerides: Normal (should be under 70)

Pattern B lipid profile consists of small LDL particles. The particles carry less fat-soluble antioxidants such as Vitamin E. This increases the likelihood of oxidation by free radicals. Due to their lesser size they also pose a major threat of slipping into the endothelial wall. Once they slip into the endothelial wall there is high probability they will become oxidized and damage the vessel. Regardless of the total number of LDL particles this is a very dangerous blood lipid panel.
Typical Pattern B lab findings: LDL: Anywhere from low-normal-high
HDL: Low
Triglycerides: High

Pattern B lipid profile is strongly linked to poor diet and blood sugar control. A diet high in refined fats and sugars and low in anti-oxidants and good fats is the typical culprit.

Trans-fats and high omega 6 fats (vegetable oils and grain-fed meat) cause a rampant increase in prostaglandin E2 and other inflammatory mediators. A diet high in these anti-nutrients causes massive amounts of free radicals to be produced and significant tissue damage to occur.

Healthy fats like the saturated fats common to coconut oil & grass-fed animal products have been shown to increase HDL and enhance Pattern A lipoprotein function. Additionally, good fats such as EPA/DHA within fish/krill oil and Omega 9 fats common to olive oil, avocados, and almonds play a significant role in lipoprotein function.

Sugar consumption causes a very quick increase in blood sugar. When blood sugar rises quickly the pancreas pumps out massive amounts of insulin to clear the sugar out of the bloodstream. High circulating insulin increases the inflammatory pathways. High insulin also triggers triglyceride and cholesterol formation while draining the system of its anti-oxidant protection.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) immediately stimulates lipogenesis (fat generation) by turning into activated glycerol (G-3-P). This provides the very backbone for triglyceride formation. The fatty acids created during fructose metabolism accumulate as fat droplets in your liver and skeletal muscle tissues. Over time this causing insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The metabolism of fructose by your liver creates a long list of waste products, toxins, and free radicals. These free radicals steal anti-oxidants from our system and damage tissues in a process called glycation. Glycation accelerates the aging process and dramatically decreases our overall health and well-being.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/a...

http://healthcorrelator.blogspot.com/2010/04...

http://www.medicinenet.com/your_cholesterol_...

About the author

Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com