Mind Blowing Results
I have a history of high cholesterol. HISTORY!! As of this month, I now am back to the borderline level for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. You may be thinking, still at the borderline, why is she excited? Here is why.
My total cholesterol crept up after I hit 50. All the things I can control; my food intake, weight, sleep, activity, and lifestyle remained the same or improved. But the things that I cannot control; age, hormone status and my family history became more present and impactful. As someone who prefers to be in control of everything (aka control freak), this increasingly poor cholesterol profile was frustrating.
Are you in this situation? Is your cholesterol rising? Do you want to know what I did to create results for myself that I had not even dared to consider possible? Here they are. I am an N of one-meaning I am my own research group so my results are not for sure going to happen for someone else but they are certainly worth reading about.
Step 1- I began working with Vicki Kirby APRN an integrative health practitioner to explore an integrative health approach to my high cholesterol.
Step 2- I had blood work done by Boston Heart Diagnostics.
“Boston Heart is focused on the treatment and prevention of disease by offering novel diagnostics that drive a personalized approach to improve patient health.”
This blood work included a deep dive into my metabolic health, a much broader look at my blood lipid profile (components of cholesterol and blood fats) than a standard blood draw, examination of markers of inflammation that are indicative of risk of heart disease, and my essential fatty acid profile ( Omega 3 Omega 6 and Omega 9). The examination included a lot more indicators of health but will stick to the topic of my cholesterol for this blog. The results from all this blood work was incredible and provided me with the information to understand so much more about my health. I learned that I was at low risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. It did point out that one of the Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) was higher than it should be and it is a troublesome one because it is “sticky”. The data did not support taking a lipid lowering medication as my best option. Instead it supported targeted nutrition- telling me exactly which foods would be healthiest for me . The data takes the next step in making dietary recommendations based upon my unique profile- so cool.
Step 3- Treatment plan laid out by my Integrative Health Provider, Vicki Kirby APRN with a goal of lowering my total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. I started taking Cholestoff- plant stanols twice daily and Red Rice Yeast twice daily. I continued taking Omega 3 fatty acids- 3000 mg of combined EPA and DHA- I use Nutrametrix which is the nutrition line I carry in my practice. Continue taking my daily isotonic delivery multivitamin supplement with 1500 IU of vitamin D and methylated B vitamins.
Step 4- tweaks to my food intake to reduce overall added sugar intake. Vegetables with two meals, leafy greens daily. Continue intermittent fasting 14 to 16 hours per day. Variety of nuts every day.
Step 5- Continue my work out routine of strength training, cardio and yoga.
I diligently followed the treatment plan and I am THRILLED TO SAY that it worked. My blood work this month- 7 months after beginning this journey indicated that all my “bad” cholesterol numbers are now normal or borderline from high/very high. My HDL (good cholesterol is even better). My overall cardiovascular risk is way below any concern especially given my family history and my previous trajectory. I will take borderline as a gift. I visited with my primary care doctor, Dr. Jennifer Fishbein, yesterday for my annual visit which included a review of my blood work done on January 17, 2024. She was thrilled with my results. (Probably as she had grown weary of my yearly temper tantrums in her office). Dr. Fishbein, while in a traditional medical practice, is very much inclined to include integrative practice as part of her recommendations. She researches all types of treatment modality and has a scholarly approach to supplementation, intermittent fasting and blood sugar monitoring.
So what is the take away.
- We are responsible for our health.
- If you do not like where your health is, find another path. Look into integrative health modalities. Find an integrative health provider such as Vicki Kirby. Read scholarly resources such as The Harvard Health Letter. Listen to podcasts with educated content. My favorites are; Zoe Science& Nutrition, Huberman Lab, Feel Better Live more with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, The Doctors Farmacy.
If you want more information on my journey or if you want help with your journey. Reach out. You can find a contact box on my website. www. kimlovelyrd.com
