Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe AZ

by Tara Peyman, ND

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a medication often used to treat bipolar disorder, and can also be used for schizophrenia and acute manic episodes. This medication may be helpful to reduce severe symptoms, but it may not be necessary for everyone. Many people who are taking Zyprexa, or similar medications such as Abilify or Seroquel, may be able to taper off of this medication under the supervision of a naturopathic physician with an expertise in psychiatric conditions.

People taking Zyprexa run the risk of developing potential problems because of this drug, including high blood sugar which can progress to diabetes, high cholesterol, and increased risk of death from stroke. There are multiple side effects from Zyprexa which can be troubling for some patients, such as weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and increased fatigue.

Zyprexa increases GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) activity and decreases the activity of some types of serotonin and dopamine. For people with depression, but not mania, this can cause a feeling of dulled emotions and even lower motivation. Most people with depression already have weight gain and fatigue, and don't need to increase those symptoms with a drug like Zyprexa.

You may feel like you need a drug to control your symptoms. However, I have used individually prescribed homeopathic medicines to completely control the symptoms of severe depression, bipolar disorder, and debilitating anxiety or disorder. Homeopathic medicine works with your body to balance your neurotransmitters and improve your mood. Homeopathy can also safely treat physical symptoms, whether these symptoms are related to your mood disorder or another health condition. Many patients also benefit from specific nutritional or botanical medicine protocols to improve health.

The first step in successful treatment of any health concern is a proper medical diagnosis. Many people may have been told that they have bipolar disorder, depression, or another illness, but there is in fact an underlying chemical or hormonal imbalance causing their symptoms. It is vital to have a complete workup, and appropriate laboratory testing to rule out potential physical causes of your symptoms. With an accurate diagnosis, natural treatments can begin.

Homeopathic medicine can be used in conjunction with medications, or to help you taper off of medications safely over time. This will help to control symptoms and help you to return to a truly natural state of emotional and physical health.

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Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit her website for more information.

 

 

References:
Asher WL, Harper HW. Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on weight loss, hunger and feeling of well-being. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 26:211–218, 1973.
Bosch B et al. Human chorionic gonadotropin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. South African Medical Journal 77:185–189, 1990.
Frank BW. The use of chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the treatment of obesity. A double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 14:133–136, 1964.
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Greenway FL, Bray GA. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method. West Journal of Medicine 127:461–463, 1977.
Lijesen GK et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 49:237–243, 1995.
Miller R, Schneiderman LJ. A clinical study of the use of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction. Journal of Family Practice 4:445–448, 1977.
Simeons A.T.W. The action of chorionic gonadotropin in the obese. Lancet 2:946-947, 1954.
Stein M.R. et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a  double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29:940–948, 1976.
Trudeau K. The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About. Alliance Publishing, 2007.
Young R.L. et al. Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA 236:2495–2497, 1976.

Did you know that after only 8 hours of quitting smoking, your blood pressure drops by 5 to 10 points? After one month, your immune system will have begun to recover from the effects of cigarette smoke, and your energy is likely to improve. After only one year of quitting smoking, your risk of dying as a result of a heart attack will be half that of someone who still smokes.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. There are 3 reasons you or someone you know may have trouble kicking the habit: 1) Nicotine is powerfully addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to overcome, and physical nicotine cravings, although typically only 1-2 minutes in duration, can be quite strong. 2) Smoking cigarettes can become a habitual part of your life; you may smoke every time you have a cup of coffee, when you are driving to work, or while on the phone. If you are used to having a cigarette at certain times of day or during certain situations, it can be a challenge to change these habits. 3) People smoke for a reason. Whether it is the stress of a hard day at work, a difficult relationship, or small worries that add up to a stressful day, there is often an emotional aspect to a person’s smoking addiction. In order to quit smoking for good, this underlying emotional element must be addressed.

Despite these challenges, you can break your smoking habit, and you can do it naturally. The first step is to become more aware of the reasons you smoke. By identifying your smoking triggers, you can take control of your habits and turn them around. Quitting smoking is more than just giving up cigarettes; it is an opportunity to transform your life and the way that you react to situations. It is a chance for you to start thinking and living in a healthier way, for the benefit of not only yourself, but for everyone in your life.

There are several safe and natural therapies that can help you quit smoking. Acupuncture is one of these natural options for reducing nicotine cravings, promoting better mood and energy, and improving overall health. Acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than most conventional anti-smoking medications, and has twice the success rate of nicotine replacement medications for smoking cessation. There are botanical formulations that act by a similar mechanism as the anti-smoking medication Chantix, without causing as many side effects or risks. These herbal supplements can be used in combination with other therapies to increase your success rates of quitting smoking.

If you want to permanently end your dependence on cigarettes, your greatest chance of success is with a program that addresses all three elements of your smoking addiction. You may be able to do this on your own, depending on the extent of your addiction. Professional assistance ensures a greater likelihood of long term success.

Article References:

Circulation. 2006 Oct 3;114(14):1490-6.

Am J Public Health. 2002 Oct;92(10):1642-7.

More Natural Smoking Cessation Options

Dr. Tara Peyman offers a free 15 minute phone consult to get all the details about how we can help you.

So many of us wake up feeling tired, and struggle to find enough energy to simply get through the day. If you feel the need to drink one or more cups of coffee or energy drinks on a daily basis, you may be deficient in essential nutrients for energy production. It is also possible that there is a hormonal component to your fatigue.

Most people who feel fatigued on a regular basis have an imbalance in stress hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol levels are naturally supposed to rise early in the morning to help us wake up, and decrease towards the end of the day to allow for restful sleep. When we are under stress for an extended period of time, cortisol levels will increase and remain elevated into the evening. Elevation in cortisol late in the day can cause weight gain and insomnia, and this difficulty sleeping can lead to fatigue. If cortisol is elevated in the evening, the levels typically drop in the early morning hours, and low cortisol in the morning can cause additional fatigue.

There are a variety of safe and effective options for treating the causes of fatigue with natural medicine.

Botanical supplements can increase your cellular energy production and also help to decrease cortisol. These supplements are available as capsules or  in liquid formulations. With the right botanical medicine, you can enjoy increased energy without side effects or energy crashes. It is important to take high quality botanicals, to ensure you are getting a therapeutic dose of the active constituents in the herbs. Check with a doctor before taking botanical supplements to avoid interactions with any prescription medications.

Another natural therapeutic option that can give you a quick boost in energy is intravenous or intramuscular nutrient injections. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 in combination with other B vitamins can provide a rapid increase in energy. Intravenous nutrient therapy allows vitamins and minerals to enter your cells directly, without having to worry about whether you are absorbing the nutrients you need.

If you suffer with long-term fatigue, homeopathic medicine or acupuncture can be very effective for improving energy and overall health. Homeopathy is a safe and natural form of medicine that stimulates your body’s innate ability to heal. Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances, such as plants or minerals. Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-thin sterile needles at specific points in the skin, to stimulate circulation and improve energy distribution. There are no side effects from homeopathy or acupuncture, and results can usually be seen within 2-3 weeks of treatment.

There are specialty tests available to determine whether an imbalance in your stress hormones is contributing to your fatigue. Other testing may be appropriate as well, to clarify the underlying cause of your symptoms. With a variety of safe and effective natural options available, you don’t have to struggle with fatigue any longer. 

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To get more information on natural treatments for fatigue, call to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Tara Peyman.
Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000
Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402
You can also email your questions to admin@drtarapeyman.com.

For more information, please visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com.

Following these 10 strategies may help to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Depending on the extent of a person's dementia, some treatments may even reverse damage and improve memory and cognition.

Always consult a naturopathic doctor or qualified clinician before beginning any nutritional supplement, especially if you are taking medications or have a medical condition.

1. Consume a diet rich in antioxidants with plenty of whole fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
2. Exercise your body and your mind. Keep your mind active with puzzles, games, and enjoyable conversation. Challenge your brain by breaking mental routines; try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, or open doors using the other hand. These tasks can increase brain activity and may improve cognition. Increasing your circulation by biking, swimming, walking, or other physical activity can help to improve blood flow to your brain. This can be beneficial for your memory and cognition.
   
3. Regularly consume of cold-water fish to increase essential fatty acid (EFA) levels. EFAs are fatty acids (also known as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids) which are essential to life, but which cannot be produced in the body and must be taken in through diet.
4. Phosphatidylserine (PS). Decreased phosphatidylserine in the brain has been associated with poor memory and depression in the elderly. Taking PS capsules can help to improve memory, learning, concentration, and can assist in improving mood relaxation.
5. Take extra magnesium and focus on magnesium-rich foods. Increase the consumption of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, which are excellent sources of magnesium.
6. Supplement with vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency is significantly common in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Supplementation of B12 and folic acid in people at the very early stages of dementia (with less than 6 months of symptoms) may result in complete reversal in some patients.
7. Supplement with zinc. Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the elderly and has been suggested to be a major factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine can improve cognitive performance.
9. Supplementation with inositol may help to reduce dementia symptoms.
10. Thiamine has been shown to increase the effects of acetylcholine in the brain. High dose thiamine supplementation can benefit mental function in people with dementia.

Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit her website for more information.

ANXIETY
Anxiety (also known as generalized anxiety disorder) is excessive nervousness or worry that interrupts daily activities, without reasonable cause for nervousness. Anxious feelings occur along with physical symptoms that are similar to those of depression, such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness or fatigue, and insomnia. The diagnosis of anxiety requires at least 6 months of these symptoms. People with anxiety can also experience feelings of depression, often alternating with anxiousness. Anxiety can also occur by itself, without ever having any feelings of depression.

PANIC DISORDER
Some people with anxiety also have panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear without reasonable cause. The fear associated with panic attacks is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, a racing heart beat, nausea, dizziness, or a headache. Some people also experience a sudden feeling of heat or coldness, tingling of the hands or feet, or chest pain.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Post traumatic stress disorder is another type of anxiety disorder. PTSD occurs after witnessing a life-threatening experience. This condition is prevalent among veterans, and is also common in victims of violent crimes, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and other psychologically traumatic events.

Symptoms of PTSD may occur immediately after the event, or several months later. It is expected to be in shock for a few hours to a few days after any highly stressful experience. However, if the symptoms interfere with your daily life to a significant degree, or if the symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, professional treatment may be necessary.

People with PTSD often have difficulty sleeping, may feel more “on edge” than normal, and can have flashbacks or disturbing thoughts that interrupt their daily activities. Some people will block out memories of the traumatic event, or become emotionally “numb” in an attempt to avoid the stress caused by the experience. Many people with PTSD will feel depressed or detached from others, and often turn to alcohol or substance abuse to medicate their depression or anxiety.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder in which the person experiences obsessive, frequent, intrusive thoughts or impulses that cause significant anxiety. Common obsessions involve fear of infectious disease, anxiety about things being done in a specific order, or things being positioned in a specific place. These thoughts or impulses are not simply worries or obsessions about real life problems. The person recognizes that these thoughts and behaviors are excessive and inappropriate, but cannot sufficiently control them.

In order to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts or impulses, the person must compulsively perform specific mental or physical tasks, such as repeated hand washing, counting to a specific number or pattern of numbers, or repeating words silently. The diagnosis of OCD requires that these obsessions and compulsions cause significant impairment in the person's work or relationships.

Somewhat more common is obsessive compulsive personality disorder, in which the person has a rigid personality and requires that things be performed in a specific way, but this does not cause major impairment for the person. It is noticeable to others, and certain obsessive behaviors may appear somewhat excessive. In OCD personality disorder, the person may need to check and recheck whether the doors are locked or whether the oven was left on, but there are not necessarily distinct, intrusive, obsessive thoughts and compulsions that create significant anxiety.

Depression and bipolar disorder are diagnosed based on your symptoms. Testing of certain hormones and basic blood tests can be helpful to rule out underlying physical causes of changes in mood or fatigue. Your doctor will ask specific questions to determine the severity of your mood disorder, and also to understand associated symptoms and possible causes.

DEPRESSION
Depression is defined as feelings of sadness, low mood, or loss of interest in activities that would normally be enjoyable. If these symptoms interfere with your daily life, and occur at least 4 days per week for 2 weeks or more, you may have depression. Along with the mood changes, people with depression often experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Poor appetite with weight loss, or increased appetite with weight gain
• Physical sluggishness or restlessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased desire for sleep, or difficulty sleeping
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide

DYSTHYMIA
Most people with depression experience these symptoms for several weeks, and then the depression lifts. Periods of depression can recur multiple times throughout the year. If you have these symptoms continuously, rather than feeling depressed for a shorter period of time, you may have dysthymia. Dysthymia is defined as depressed mood that persists for 2 years or more, without a break in the symptoms. Low self-confidence often plays a part in the mood problems associated with dysthymia. People struggling with dysthymia can also have more intense depressive episodes that come on in the midst of the dysthymia.

BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION)
Bipolar disorder is more rare than depression. This condition involves cyclical periods of depression and mania. This is why it is called bipolar disorder, meaning that the person has mood swings from one extreme (depression) to its polar opposite (mania). People with depression alone can have mood swings, irritability, or changes in energy; it is important to distinguish mood swings from a manic episode. Symptoms of mania include:

• Increased energy
• Inflated self-esteem
• Decreased need for sleep
• Impulsive, risky behavior
• Excessive, rapid speech
• Inability to concentrate with racing thoughts
• Restlessness and extreme irritability
• Excessive time spent in social or work activities
  

The depression symptoms last at least 2 weeks, and the mania lasts at least 5 days. Because of the increased energy and inflated self-esteem, most people with bipolar disorder actually enjoy the manic periods, because it is such a change from feeling depressed. However, the impulsive, risky behavior can be very detrimental to a person’s safety and well-being. These behaviors can include gambling all of one’s savings, purchasing expensive items that one cannot afford, or engaging in sexual promiscuity. Some people with mania may not sleep for 3-4 days at a time, and can forget to eat or take care of themselves. They may work all day and night for days, or constantly go out to try to meet new people, to the point that it damages their health.

There are two primary types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I involves cycles of depression and manic episodes. Bipolar II involves cycles of depression and hypomania (symptoms similar to mania but less intense or of a shorter duration). Bipolar II is more common than bipolar I. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on your symptoms, so your doctor will ask you questions to determine whether this condition affects you. Tests may be performed to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

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Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. She has an expertise in treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. Dr. Peyman has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

If you are taking Prozac or another antidepressant and want to find a natural alternative that is non-addictive and does not have side effects, here are a few tips from an expert in natural medicine for mood disorders.

1. Feed your brain with healthy nutrients.

Your brain needs specific vitamins, minerals, and healthy oils in order to function properly. Nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin B5, and other B vitamins are essential for proper cognitive and emotional health. Omega-3 oils are very important when treating depression, and are also helpful for improving memory, heart health, and a wide variety of other concerns.

If you are interested in reducing or eliminating Prozac, or other antidepressants, the first important thing to do is to make sure that you are supplying your body and mind with the key ingredients it needs for healthy functioning. Each person needs a slightly different nutritional regimen, based on your body weight, age, and any other health concerns or risk factors you may have. If you are interested in losing weight as well, or treating other health problems while you get off your psychiatric medications, a naturopathic physician is the perfect resource to help you reach your goals.

2. Address the underlying causes of stress in your life.

We can experience depression or anxiety because of stressors in our lives. Transient feelings of sadness or frustration are normal as we go through a stressful event, however, if the sadness or anxiety persists, something needs to be addressed. Sometimes we need to make a change in our career, relationships, or personal life, in order to reduce stress and truly address the underlying problem. Certain external factors cannot be changed, but we can change the way we respond to these stressors.

Often we can resolve these problems on our own, or with the sound advice of a close friend who is a good listener. However, a psychologist or counselor can be an excellent resource when addressing these issues. Many people will find themselves in similar stressful situations repeatedly, whether that is in relationships or in other aspects of their lives. The reason for this is that we often get stuck in the same patterns of thinking, which leads us down the same paths into the same problems. With professional counseling, these psychological patterns can be transformed, which can allow for improved emotional health and a lower level of stress overall.

3. Rebalance your neurotransmitters and restore your health with homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic medicine is a natural method of treating a wide variety of health concerns, from depression to a common cold to autoimmune disease. Homeopathy works with your body to stimulate an innate healing response, rather than suppressing your symptoms as other medications often do. For people with depression, homeopathic medicine has the ability to rebalance your brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin and dopamine, which may be out of balance. Prozac does not actually restore balance to your brain chemistry; it basically tricks your brain into thinking that there is enough serotonin, when in fact your levels may be low. Homeopathy can bring your levels up by stimulating your body to make more, naturally.

Homeopathic medicine is made from naturally occurring substances such as plants or minerals, and these natural products are made into small sublingual pills. There are hundreds of homeopathic remedies that can be used to treat depression, and each remedy can be used to treat a specific set of symptoms. Because every person is a little different in terms of what their depression symptoms are, a different homeopathic remedy may be used for each patient when treating depression. When treating long-term conditions such as depression, it is essential to work with a practitioner of homeopathic medicine who has been trained in classical homeopathy and is licensed and educated to understand your full health history. A naturopathic doctor can listen to your case and determine the precise homeopathic medicine that you need for your depression or anxiety, in addition to any other health concerns you may have.

A nice benefit of homeopathic medicine is that it does not interact with medications or cause any side effects. It is also safe for use in children, and safe during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, it is an excellent alternative to antidepressants in pediatric cases, especially with the increased risk for suicide in this population with conventional antidepressant use. Homeopathic medicine can safely be used for women with post-partum depression. It is also a perfect way to ease the gradual transition off of Prozac or other antidepressants, because it can provide symptom relief while reducing withdrawal symptoms. Homeopathy can provide a natural and lasting solution for people with depression, and is a safe and affordable alternative to prescription drugs.

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Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit her website for more information.

A variety of problems can cause symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, including hormonal irregularities, physical or emotional stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and many other causes. As a naturopathic doctor, I am committed to finding the underlying cause of your symptoms. With specialty testing or even simple labs, we can uncover the causes of your mood disorder. Based on this testing, we can create a plan that is individualized to each patient.

There are many options for treating these conditions, from conventional antidepressants, such as Prozac, Effexor, or Cymbalta, to natural treatments such as homeopathic medicine and herbal supplements. Most of my patients are interested in reducing or avoiding conventional medications, and I have helped many patients in finding natural alternatives for improving their mental and emotional health. We can explain all of these options to you and make sure your questions are answered, including how natural treatments might affect current medications.

Naturopathic doctors in Arizona have prescription rights, meaning that your naturopathic doctor can write you a prescription for an antidepressant if he or she feels it is necessary. This also means that if you are currently on a prescription medication for depression or anxiety, and you want to taper down to a lower dose before going off the medication, we can write you a prescription for the lower dose, while transitioning you to natural therapies. Some medications, such as certain antipsychotic drugs, may only be prescribed by psychiatrists, so we may have to work with your psychiatrist to taper these medications down. Some of these medications can be split as well, which may allow for an easy taper without a new prescription.

When a patient with bipolar disorder comes to our office, I will usually begin my natural treatment program with a homeopathic prescription that is designed to balance one’s mood and improve health naturally. This homeopathic medicine will not interact with any current medications, so it is ideal for patients who want to taper off medications gradually, while beginning a natural protocol. Homeopathy is also safe during pregnancy and lactation, and for children. I also may offer an acupuncture session to my new patients, which can help to reduce muscle tension and stress, and improve energy and relaxation. After a few weeks, we will assess the patient’s response to the initial prescription, and then possibly begin a gradual taper of medications, if desired. At any point during the treatment, we can make changes as necessary, and add supportive nutritional or botanical therapies to improve mood, reduce withdrawal reactions, and assist in a healthy recovery.

When it comes to treating depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, the best course of action is to address the underlying cause. You may just want to take a pill that covers up your symptoms. But if you prefer to get to the root of the problem and treat it naturally, there are many options that are safe, effective, and affordable.

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Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

Most of us know that high cholesterol can be dangerous, but we need cholesterol. If your cholesterol is too low, that can increase your risk of developing certain diseases as well.

Cholesterol is a waxy molecule that is made by your liver, and is found in animal products such as meat, butter, and eggs. Because cholesterol is not water-soluble, it needs to be transported in the blood by carrier molecules in order to be used by your cells. It combines with carrier molecules to form complexes that travel to your cells to be utilized for various functions.

Low cholesterol has been associated with serious diseases (see references below) such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Aggressive, violent mood disorders

We need cholesterol for production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. We also use cholesterol for the formation of bile, which breaks down fats in your small intestine. Cholesterol is essential for creation of healthy cell membranes in all the cells of the body. We also use cholesterol to make vitamin D, which is very important for bone health, heart health, cancer prevention, and more.

So, clearly we need a healthy amount of cholesterol in order to prevent diseases and make sure our cells are functioning properly. If we do not get enough cholesterol in our diet, our liver has the ability to produce all the cholesterol we need, so even strict vegetarians can have adequate amounts of serum cholesterol.

How can cholesterol hurt you? Excess cholesterol from foods can cause a fatty build up, called plaque, in your arteries. The most dangerous type of fat that we can consume is called trans fat, or partially hydrogenated oil. Cholesterol deposits harden, a condition called atherosclerosis, leading to high blood pressure and increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

When people talk about low cholesterol or high cholesterol, that typically means elevated total cholesterol levels. This is just the tip of the iceberg when measuring cholesterol. There are ways of measuring not only your total cholesterol levels, but also your “good” and “bad” cholesterol as well.

What makes cholesterol “good” or “bad” are the transporters, or carrier molecules, that bring the cholesterol around in your bloodstream. When you eat food that contains fats, your intestines absorb the fat molecules and transport them to the liver to be processed. The liver then packages the cholesterol with the carrier molecule into complexes that can travel through the blood.

LDL is called “bad cholesterol” because it transports cholesterol from your liver to your tissues. If you eat too much cholesterol, LDL will deposit it in your arteries, heart, and around your organs. This is potentially very harmful, and leads to heart disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of diabetes, as well as many other diseases. As a naturopathic physician, I want most of my patients’ LDL cholesterol to be lower than 100 mg/dL.

HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it picks up extra cholesterol in the blood and brings it back to liver to be processed. You can think of HDL as the clean up crew of the cholesterol team. I like to see my patients’ HDL measured at 60 mg/dL or higher. As far as I am concerned, the higher your HDL is, the better.

Triglycerides are another element of cholesterol testing. They are a type of fat that is made by your liver after a meal that is high in sugar or carbohydrates. Trans fats also raise triglycerides. Triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL, and if they are too high, it is likely that you are eating too much refined sugar or carbohydrates, or that your blood sugar levels are too high. People with diabetes often have elevated triglycerides, and balancing blood sugar will help to bring these numbers down.

I can also provide my patients with specialty cholesterol testing that goes beyond the standard measurements. These specialty tests measure the specific types of LDL and HDL cholesterol you have. LDL and HDL cholesterol are further broken down into subtypes. Small LDL particles put you at higher risk for heart disease, because these particles can sneak through the blood vessel wall and cause damage. Larger LDL particles cannot get through, and therefore do not pose as great a risk. This testing gives us a much clearer idea of your real risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or developing other types of diseases.

There are many ways that I can help my patients to balance their cholesterol naturally, including specific herbs, vitamins, and nutritional protocols. Every person is different and has unique nutritional needs, so with appropriate testing we can determine which therapies to use to help balance your cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart disease and other illnesses.

References:
[1] Relation between cholesterol levels and neuropsychiatric disorders. Rev Neurol. 2009 Mar 1-15;48(5):261-4.
[2] Low serum cholesterol and external-cause mortality: potential implications for research and surveillance. J Psychiatr Res. 2009 Jun;43(9):848-54.
[3] Low serum cholesterol may be associated with suicide attempt history. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008 Dec;69(12):1920-7.

 
Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). www.DrTaraPeyman.com.