Betty,
Tell your doctor that you do not have a cholesterol problem. Your total
cholesterol (230) divided by your HDL (57) is approx. 4.0 which is o.k. Your
LDL (167) divided by your HDL (57) is approx. 3.0 which again is satisfactory
(see "Protein Power", Eades, p. 103). The only thing that may be problematic
is your triglyceride to HDL ratio. Do you know what your triglyceride level
is? You should also get readings for homocysteine and lipo-protein (a).
Tell your doctor that the triglceride:HDL ratio is not only the best indicator
of CHD risk, but will also indicate if you are insulin resistant (see
JAMA,vol.276,p.882,'96; also Family Practice News,vol.21,no.23,'91; also
Atkins newsletter Jan.&Feb. '97). Personal history (overweight, fatigue,
gestational diabetes) and family history (diabetes) also indicate insulin
resistance. If you correct the cause, then a "throw away" diagnosis like
"seasonal affective disorder" (what are the signs and symptoms and lab tests
for this diagnosis) goes away.
A carbohydrate-heavy diet is what elevates triglycerides, and causes weight
gain. Excess sugar and alcohol raise triglycerides the most. Eating more
paleo foods like meat, fish, and vegetables instead of starches, cereals and
sugars will lower triglycerides. Linus Pauling said in his last published
book that meat and eggs were good foods. He also lamblasted the large
consumption of sugar in the American diet. Pauling did not die of heart
disease at age 93.
For weight loss, lower your carb intake to approx. 30 g. (no fruit or juice).
Start exercising. Resistance training is the best, because it will increase
your LBM and metabolism, but aerobic exercise is also o.k. Exercise also
lowers insulin resistance, i.e. better glucose metabolism. If you establish
ketosis by lowering carb intake to 30 g or less, you will stop craving carbs
and sweets, and find your appetite much more under control. As your weight
normalizes, you can begin to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet.
For your sleep disorder and hot flashes, try using a natural progesterone
cream. Also, consider supplements of melatonin, DHEA, pregnenolone, and the
herb Kava. If you use the Kava and melatonin 30 min. before bed, it can
produce very restful sleep. You should have levels of DHEA and pregnenolone
drawn so you know proper amount to supplement. You should also take your
temperature in the morning to access thyroid function.
We live in a toxic world, much different from our paleo ancestors. Therefore,
I would advise you to take antioxidants as well.
Hope this helps.
Ed Campbell, DC,CSCS
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