How I Managed Cholesterol Imbalances Naturally — A Quick Reflection on 30+ Years of Research and Experience
Like a mindmap with every link, this short story reflects my three decades of research and personal experiences in understanding and managing dyslipoproteinemia without medication.
I studied the impact of cholesterol imbalances on cardiovascular health and practiced steps for managing dyslipoproteinemia without medication. As well documented in the medical literature, some people with high risks, of course, will need medications like statins and natural interventions like vitamin K2 and Niacin.
Dyslipoproteinemia occurs when the levels of lipoproteins (the particles that carry cholesterol and fats in the blood) become abnormal.
These lipoproteins include LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. When their balance is off, it can lead to severe cardiovascular issues like heart disease and stroke.
I am not talking about dietary cholesterol here, which behaves in a paradoxical way. Surprisingly, the more cholesterol-rich foods like eggs, cream, or red meat I eat, the lower my LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) drops, and the higher my HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) rises.
It is indeed a counterintuitive pattern I have explored in depth before. Interestingly, this paradox well proven by the French people, challenges much of the conventional wisdom around cholesterol and heart health.
Why does this condition (Dyslipoproteinemia) matter so much?
An improper balance of these fats in the blood can clog arteries (Atherosclerosis), restrict blood flow, and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes over time.
We need to improve endothelial cells as they regulate blood flow, prevent clotting, and more. Damage or dysfunction of the endothelium leads to cardiovascular disorders. I offer a nine-step prevention approach.
Through natural, non-pharmaceutical approaches, I have learned how to keep my heart and blood vessels healthy while managing the complexities of dyslipoproteinemia.
By monitoring cholesterol levels, embracing lifestyle changes, and relying on more nuanced testing when needed, there are ways to manage this condition effectively — without resorting to medication.
To manage dyslipoproteinemia and reduce the risk of heart disease, we can take some practical actions. We need to monitor our cholesterol levels with regular blood tests and follow the doctor’s recommendations. However, if the risk is high, there will be new and more nuanced tests.
I covered many tests in the attached article:
9 Essential Biomarkers for Preventive Cardiometabolic Health
One of the emerging tests for cardiovascular health is the LPIR Score.
It is important that, according to some researchers, the most promising biomarker for heart disease is no longer LDL or HbA1c but an abnormal level of LPIR (Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score), which is identified by nuclear magnetic resonance technology.
The LPIR (Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance) score is determined through specialized laboratory testing using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which analyzes lipoprotein subfractions in blood samples to assess insulin resistance.
Why are traditional heart disease biomarkers like LDL and HbA1c being re-evaluated in favor of emerging indicators like LPIR?
I explained the details in the attached story with links to credible sources that you can further explore in the scientific literature.
Dyslipoproteinemia: Why an Abnormal LPIR Score Might Be a Valuable Indicator of Heart Disease
It is important to remember that before developing type 2 diabetes, people go through two stages: insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance means tissues don’t respond well to insulin, so the body makes more insulin.
This can lead to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, where the cells lose their ability to produce insulin effectively. Over time, this dysfunction can contribute to insulin resistance, more inflammation, and the development of type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease.
I wrote multiple stories about insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, looking at them from different angles and providing practical tips to optimize them, especially to lower visceral fat and increase lean muscles.
The two critical concepts I introduced were insulin resistance and sensitivity, which determine our metabolic health and might also play a critical role in neurological and mental health.
Here are seven tips you may consider to address dyslipoproteinemia:
1 — Eat a heart-healthy diet
2 — Try to skip meals without causing nutritional deficiency.
3 — Exercise Regularly at least 150 minutes per week.
4 — Maintain a healthy weight.
5 — Stop smoking and reduce/quit alcohol.
6 — Reduce stress and improve your mood.
7 — Take prescribed medication when needed.
Personal Experience with Dyslipoproteinemia
For me, the most effective way to address dyslipoproteinemia in my younger years was intermittent fasting and, later, periodic fasting. They might not work for everyone, but they do many people, and there is significant evidence about the value of fasting for cardiovascular health.
Here are some stories that might inspire you and get you started with intermittent and periodic fasting with the support of qualified healthcare professionals.
Here is my experience with periodic fasting.
I don’t believe intermittent fasting causes any heart issues if it is done properly and if there are no underlying conditions. I explained it clearly with evidence.
Perfect Storm in a Teacup: Can Intermittent Fasting Increase Heart Disease Risk by 91%?
I follow a low-carb diet, and it works for me.
A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.
A low-carb diet keeps me in ketosis and also helps with my brain health.
β-Hydroxybutyrate: 2 Vital Role of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention / Treatment
You can learn about the biochemistry of ketogenesis in the attached story. I have been in ketosis for over three decades now. Sometimes, my BHB is over 7 nmol.
Biochemistry of Ketosis Simplified with Nuanced Perspectives and Personal Experiences
When I moved from sugar to fat-burning metabolism, all my metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, prediabetes, and abdominal obesity, naturally disappeared.
Here’s Why and How to Shift from a Sugar to a Fat-Burning Metabolism
Fats are valuable in our diet and essential, unlike carbs, but not all fats are equal. Here is what you need to know about healthy and unhealthy fats.
Nuances of Healthy and Unhealthy Fats with Practical Tips
Eating fat is essential to lowering body visceral fat and staying healthy, but not all fats are healthy.medium.com
I leave you with Six Tips for a Youthful and Healthy Life as We Age. If you are also interested in the mental health aspect of diet. I invite you to check out β-Hydroxybutyrate: 2 Vital Role of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention / Treatment. This information can be a lifesaver for some people suffering from cognitive decline.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life. I am here to help, so reach out when you need support. More stories like this are in this collection and you may subscribe to my Health and Wellness newsletter to benefit from my decades of health, science, and technology experience.
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