It's been said that when you look at something, intentional or not, you will walk in that direction. Motivational speakers all say that to make a dream become reality, you must see it in your mind so you can walk in that direction. Before the first man ran a four minute mile it was thought to be impossible, so runners didn't see it in their minds. After the first person ran that four minute mile many more did.
Last week I overheard two older women talking about their health problems. I found myself wondering if their health problems weren't worse because they were spending so much time looking at them that they couldn't help but walk towards their problems. Then I found myself wondering what direction I was looking?
Many of my patients have been to more than ten different doctors and still seek answers. Doctors label my patients with some ill defined malady or none at all, and tell them there is no treatment, no cure, no answer. If a patient improves they are told it is probably placebo, psychosomatic, coincidental, or nothing was wrong with them in the first place; because statistically they shouldn't be getting better. As a doctor, I truly understand how easy it is to walk in the same direction as most people and believe the statistics; that a four minute mile is impossible. It is harder to believe in a reality few people see.
I find myself wondering if it is not answers my patients seek, but hope? Maybe, for some, the only real cure is to believe a four minute mile is possible.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Cholesterol - The Good Stuff
If you had a truckload of dirt dumped in your front yard because you intended to build a beautiful landscape, would it make sense to get rid of it because having it there devalued your property? So I wonder why you want to get rid of the cholesterol your body is making? Do you not know what masterpieces your body intends to create with this cholesterol?
Cholesterol is essential for creating healthy cell membranes. We need cholesterol to repair damaged tissues, from sprain/strains to heart and vessel damage. Everyday I see people healing much slower, and developing new muscle aches and pains because of the cholesterol lowering drugs they take. It is important to recognize that often cell membranes are damaged from eating too many chemicals, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and don't worry about eating enough cholesterol because your body will make what you need.
Cholesterol is used to create hormones like DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and many more. It seems logical to me that if you have hypothyroidism, andropause, perimenopause, diabetes, or any disease affecting your hormone levels that your cholesterol numbers would be a little high. It is important to remember here that many hormone imbalances are caused by eating too much sugar. Eating less sugar can definitely help lower cholesterol.
Cholesterol is used in the liver to create bile acids. Bile acids are used to break down foods in your gut, so if you have any number of gut issues your cholesterol levels can start to climb. So maybe all those antacids aren't helping you?
Cholesterol is used to convert sunlight to vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the many miraculous creations your body intends to make with cholesterol. It helps prevent cancer, builds stronger bones, and is essential for proper immune function. I believe our bodies are the best pharmacies around, just give it what it needs and it will make what you need.
Currently 66% of adults are overweight or obese. Obesity in the United States is largely due to a poor diet resulting in cell membrane damage. Fat cells produce estrogen and cause hormonal imbalances. For a lot of people lowering cholesterol is as simple as loosing weight with a good diet and exercise program. If your cholesterol level is high but your triglyceride level is low it is unlikely you will lower your cholesterol with diet and exercise, so look deeper to discover what your body is making with that cholesterol.
If you find yourself on cholesterol lowering medication and wondering what your alternatives are, I would suggest reading the books below. I would never suggest going off any medication without consulting your doctor first.
NOTE: recommended reading "The Great Cholesterol Con" by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick (my favorite); and "Heart Disease, What Your Doctor Won't Tell You" by Rodger Murphee
Cholesterol is essential for creating healthy cell membranes. We need cholesterol to repair damaged tissues, from sprain/strains to heart and vessel damage. Everyday I see people healing much slower, and developing new muscle aches and pains because of the cholesterol lowering drugs they take. It is important to recognize that often cell membranes are damaged from eating too many chemicals, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and don't worry about eating enough cholesterol because your body will make what you need.
Cholesterol is used to create hormones like DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and many more. It seems logical to me that if you have hypothyroidism, andropause, perimenopause, diabetes, or any disease affecting your hormone levels that your cholesterol numbers would be a little high. It is important to remember here that many hormone imbalances are caused by eating too much sugar. Eating less sugar can definitely help lower cholesterol.
Cholesterol is used in the liver to create bile acids. Bile acids are used to break down foods in your gut, so if you have any number of gut issues your cholesterol levels can start to climb. So maybe all those antacids aren't helping you?
Cholesterol is used to convert sunlight to vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the many miraculous creations your body intends to make with cholesterol. It helps prevent cancer, builds stronger bones, and is essential for proper immune function. I believe our bodies are the best pharmacies around, just give it what it needs and it will make what you need.
Currently 66% of adults are overweight or obese. Obesity in the United States is largely due to a poor diet resulting in cell membrane damage. Fat cells produce estrogen and cause hormonal imbalances. For a lot of people lowering cholesterol is as simple as loosing weight with a good diet and exercise program. If your cholesterol level is high but your triglyceride level is low it is unlikely you will lower your cholesterol with diet and exercise, so look deeper to discover what your body is making with that cholesterol.
If you find yourself on cholesterol lowering medication and wondering what your alternatives are, I would suggest reading the books below. I would never suggest going off any medication without consulting your doctor first.
NOTE: recommended reading "The Great Cholesterol Con" by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick (my favorite); and "Heart Disease, What Your Doctor Won't Tell You" by Rodger Murphee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)