Seeking Indigo

The Cholesterol Myth!

Nutrition never gets boring (thankfully!). In our modern society, we tend to go all or nothing and we have done it again with cholesterol. Cholesterol by itself is not the villain. Quickly, let me run through the benefits *yes, I said benefits* of cholesterol.

Carries vitamins through the blood stream into your tissues
Allows the brain to form nerve synapses
Powerful antioxidant
Cholesterol produces sex steroid hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
Cholesterol helps fight infection (virus and bacterial)
Helps produce Vitamin D

There is so much more to the cholesterol story that meets the eye. A few times a year, I am a health coach at large corporate health screening events and I see (in mass amounts) how many people are deathly afraid of their cholesterol numbers. All they can focus on is- how low can I get my numbers! Do your research and learn about cholesterol biochemistry...you will be suprised. Inflammation and your cholesterol breakdown, beyond HDL and LDL, are much more important. Extremely low cholesterol numbers do not equal good health.

Want an ideal cholestorol ratio and minimize inflammation...here is your answer!

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and buy whole foods whenever possible. 
• Food sensitivities lead to inflammation. Find out if you are reacting to any foods in your diet.

• Exercise regularly. Resistance training and interval training (mixed with yoga of course!) are ideal.
  

• Don't smoke

• Manage stress in your life and take time for relaxation (massage, meditation, facials, yoga, migun beds, saunas)
  

• Detox regularly. There is evidence that heart disease (and other chronic illnesses) are caused or exacerbated by an accumulation of heavy metals and other toxins in your body!

Why Natural Medicine Does Not Work!

I hear this from time to time, someone will say “natural medicine does not work for me.” Most of the time, they are correct…

Most people’s experience with natural medicine is from going to a health food store and buying something off the shelf. They are usually guessing at what they need and going by the label to tell them the dosage.

Here is a great example- Vitamin C. Someone will tell me they are taking vitamin C to get over a cold. Occasionally they will tell me they are getting Vitamin C by drinking orange juice ( I’ll save this for another post, but the exact OPPOSITE of what you need when you are sick!).  Usually they say they are taking a capsule or 2 of vitamin c…so maybe 1,000-2,000mg. If they are taking a cheap form of Vitamin C, it is probably extracted from corn (I’ll save for another post, but also something you don’t need!). This is entirely too small of a dosage if you want to get over your impending cold!! This person walks away thinking- Natural Medicine Does Not Work!

Homeopathics are another great example. When you grab a blend of homeopathics made for the masses, chances are it will only work for a small percentage of people. Homeopathy is very individualized. The “one size fits all” approach usally does not work, particularly with homeopathy. Again, this person may walk away thinking…natural medicine does not work for me!

Natural medicine works when you know what to take, how to take it and when you choose the right supplements for your body!

Please take care of yourself.

Dr. Sherri