In previous articles, I have highlighted evidence showing that eating foods high in saturated fat and/or cholesterol, as well as trans fats and deep-fried foods, are main culprits in promoting high blood cholesterol levels (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol). Many studies have shown that consuming foods lower in these fats, and higher in soluble fiber, help to reduce blood cholesterol and improve outcomes for cardiovascular disease patients. Although certain saturated fats raise cholesterol more than others, the principle saturated fats found in the North America and Western European diet appear to raise cholesterol to the greatest degree.1-6
That said, overconsumption of carbohydrates can also contribute to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Excess carbohydrate calories are converted into fat within the liver (some of them saturated fat), which activates cholesterol production in order to transport the fat to adipose tissue and muscle tissue, which store and burn fat, respectively. Thus, overconsuming carbohydrates also raises cholesterol, albeit to a lesser degree than saturated fat consumption, also raises triglyceride levels and may lower HDL cholesterol. (HDL cholesterol is capable of reversing arterial plaque.)7
In the final analysis, it is a combination of dietary, genetic, inflammatory, lifestyle and other factors that must be analyzed as a whole to establish the patient's overall risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Click to download the Cardiovascular Risk Factor form I developed and use with patients in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. If the patient scores outside of the ideal range, then I address with dietary, exercise and supplementation interventions that can help them improve their profile, in concert with any concurrent medical interventions that are being applied. I hope you find it helpful.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
