Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol/Triglycerides)
Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook
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Overview
Disruption of the fat and cholesterol balance in the blood is referred to as dyslipidemia. Studies show that dyslipidemia is associated with increased risk of heart attacks. While diet and exercise play an important role in both the cause and treatment of dyslipidemia, conventional medicine relies heavily on avoidance of animal products containing cholesterol and the use of statin drugs to treat dyslipidemia.Dr. Weyrich believes that the use of statin drugs is misguided, since cholesterol is an essential component of all cell walls, and the metabolic pathways blocked by statin drugs also produce CoQ10, a nesseary component for the metabolism of mitochondria, as well as a variety of important hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Furthermore, Dr. Weyrich believes that avoidance of foods containing cholesterol, such as eggs, is also misguided, since the body is perfectly capable of making cholesterol from any dietary source of calories - carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Instead, Dr. Weyrich believes that the focus should be on avoiding "bad fats" - trans-fats (margerine, partially hydrogenated oils), and fats from corn-fed animals.
Hypothyroid conditions have also been strongly associated with dyslipidemia, and treatment of underlying hypothyroidism has been found to be very effective in addressing dyslipidemia and reducing associated diseases [Barnes1976a; Barnes1976b; Starr2005, pg 10].
At least one study shows that a 60% fat diet is more effective in improving dyslipidemia and losing weight than a 30% fat diet. As summarized by Dr. Starr, the results of the study reported by Duke University in 2002 are as folows [need reference]:
| % Fat in diet | Weight loss # | % Change HDL | % Change TG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | 30 # | +11% | -49% |
| 30% | 20 # | 0% | -22% |
In conclusion, avoidance of dietary animal fats is counterproductive in avoiding dyslipidemia. On the other hand, correcting hypothyroidism appears to benefit dyslipidemia.
Treatment
In one study, treating underlying hypothyroidism resulted in a reduction in total cholesterol of between 25 and 200 points in over half the patients treated [Starr2005, pg 10; Gelb1977].Hypotheses
The liver is very metabolically active and consumes large amounts of ATP energy. As a result, the liver is sensitive to mitochondrial dysfunction such as occurs in hypothyroid conditions. In addition, myxedema in the liver may interfer with the liver's secretion of bile into the canaliculi by compressing the canalicui [Hertoghe1914; Starr2005, pg 139].ICD-9 Codes
| ICD9-Code | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|
References
Unless specifically noted above, references used in the construction of this web page include the following:[FDM] Lecture notes from Functional Medicine University.
[SCNM] Lecture notes from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
[UT] Lecture notes from the University of Tennessee graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
[Barnes1976a] Barnes B & Galton L. Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness. New York: Harper & Row (1976). [Cited by Starr2005].
[Barnes1976b] B.O. Barnes. Solved: The Riddle of Heart Attacks. Trumbull, CT: The Broda O. Barnes M.D. Research Foundation (1976).
[Gelb1977] H. Gelb. Clinical Management of Head, Neck, and TMJ Pain and Dysfunction. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders (1977), pg 162. Cited by [Starr2005, pg 10].
[Hertoghe1914] E. Hertoghe. Thyroid Deficiency. Lecture presented to the International Surgical Congress at the New York Polyclinic School and Hospital (April 1914). Copy availaible from Broda O. Barnes M.D. Research Foundation at http://www.brodaobarnes.org [Cited by Starr2005].
[Starr2005] Mark Starr. Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic. Columbia, MO: Mark Starr Trust (2005).
Copyright © 2007-2010 Dr. Weyrich (Naturopathic Medical license number 07-1008). The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This web page is http://www.DrWeyrich.com/disorders/dyslipidemia.html - Phone Dr. Weyrich at (480) 423-6952