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Cholesterol is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. About 80% of total body cholesterol is manufactured in the liver, while 20% comes from dietary sources. Cholesterol is used by your cells to build membranes, in sex hormones and in the digestive process.
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Cholesterol travels from the liver through the bloodstream by means of a special class of protein molecules called lipoproteins. The cells take what they need and any excess remains in the bloodstream until other lipoproteins pick it up for transport back to the liver.
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There are three main types of Cholesterol:
- LDL which is often referred to as bad or sticky cholesterol. LDL is responsible for plaque build up and transporting homocysteine which is an amino acid in the blood that damages the inner lining of arteries and promotes blood clots.
- VLDL is the very worst cholesterol.
- HDL is often referred to as good cholesterol, it helps to keep the arteries clear. Dietary cholesterol is only part of the story. Stress and poor nutrition can result in an overproduction of cholesterol, lipoproteins, and homocysteine. Thyroid and liver problems, hepatitis, infection and other problems can also affect cholesterol levels.
High Cholesterol is bad but cholesterol that is too low can predispose to cancer, autoimmune disease and lowered immunity. Taking Statin medications or other drugs to lower cholesterol could have serious side effects, which is why thorough testing is so important to find the cause of the high cholesterol and then be able to avoid statin cholesterol lowering drugs or to return to health to the point that statin drugs are no longer needed.
We can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your cholesterol control issues. Working together, in a partnership for health and wellness, we can address your cholesterol and cardiovascular health in a safe, drug free manner that will protect your good health and well-being now and into the future.
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