Do you have elevated cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol levels often increase as people age, with hormonal changes, due to a high sugar or fat diet, poor lifestyle choices and/or a poor general state of health. Genetics also play a significant role in the development of this condition.

It is a common belief that cholesterol only has negative impacts on the body, however this is not entirely true.  It can also play numerous important roles including its use as a building block for hormone synthesis and vitamin D production, and it is also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals.  The issue results when cholesterol becomes oxidized and forms sticky plaques on the walls of the arteries.  This can lead to blood clots, heart disease and strokes.  At KIH clinic, we work with patients to not only bring cholesterol to a more healthy level, but to also decrease their levels of inflammation, thereby minimizing the negative impact cholesterol can have on the body.

Advanced Laboratory Testing Methods:

If you have been advised by your doctor that you have elevated cholesterol levels, you may wish to investigate which type of cholesterol is elevated.  Many people are aware that LDL cholesterol is considered to be the “bad” type of cholesterol, however this does not give you the full picture.  Also important are the  number, type and size of LDL (low density lipoprotein) particles.  Unfortunately the most commonly ordered blood tests do not provide that information. There is an advanced cholesterol test available however through a lab in the USA, which can help to identify your ratio of healthy vs unhealthy lipoproteins.  The Naturopathic Doctors at KIH can order the specific diagnostic tests required to identify and monitor these molecules.  They will also provide you with a review of findings and recommendations on how to make improvements through natural means.