High Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Definition
Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of plasma lipids. This includes cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids and triglycerides. Lipids are found in blood plasma and are bound to proteins. In this form, they are called lipoproteins. There are several forms of lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL). VLDL and LDL levels are considered ‘bad cholesterol’ because they tend to clog arteries whereas HDL is considered ‘good cholesterol’.

Drug Treatments
The four most popular classes of drug used to treat hyperlipidemia are:
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)
Bile acid sequestrants
Nicotinic acid
Fibric acids

Statins reduce LDL levels up to 55 percent, bile acid sequestrants up to 30 percent, nicotinic acid up to 25 percent and fibric acids up to 20 percent. Statins reduces triglycerides up to 30 percent, bile acid sequestrants do no lower triglycerides, nicotinic acids up to 50 percent and fibric acids up to 50 percent.

Conventional Wisdom
Standard recommendations to address hyperlipidemia are to lower saturated fat to under 7 percent of the diet, increase fiber (cereal grains, beans, peas, legumes, fruits and vegetables), increase plant stanols/sterols (found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils and other plant sources), control weight levels and engage in physical activity.

Stress and Genetics
There are genetic predispositions towards hyperlipidemia. Also, high cholesterol may be a symptom of mental stress, a cause of high cholesterol and a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, it is not enough to simply lower cholesterol levels to avoid heart disease. The stress levels must be reduced.

Nutritional and Herbal Therapy for High Cholesterol
-Shitake and oyster mushrooms. These are helpful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
-Nuts. Nuts tend to reduce LDL and increase HDL.
-Increase you intake of fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal, wholegrains, fruits, vegetables and legumes (beans, soybeans).
-Soy products help lower cholesterol levels due to their isoflavone content.
-Include garlic, onions, avocados, salmon, almonds and walnuts in your diet.
-Omega-3 oils such as flax seed oil and fish oil helps lower cholesterol.
-The herb, Shan Zha, otherwise known as Hawthorn berry, can help lower bad cholesterol.

Acupuncture and Herbs
-Treatment for high cholesterol involves draining the body of excess dampness, boosting your spleen channel Qi to help it process dampness properly, and balancing the flow of the liver channel to help ensure the even flow of Qi. Dietary suggestions, similar to the ones your doctor recommends, and simple lifestyle suggestions may be made to help increase the overall effectiveness of the treatments. There are many acupuncture points on the body that can help drain dampness, boost your spleen Qi, and balance the Qi flow of the liver channel. Additionally, there are many Chinese herbal formulas that can help drain excess dampness from the body.