QUESTION: I am trying to lower my cholesterol - I think
there are a few factors as to why it is too high - Wellbutrin - which I used to
quit smoking and my thyroid. At 283 my doctor gave me the long face and said I
ABSOLUTELY have to be on them. I tried them once before and the leg cramps were
unbelievable. So I made a deal with him to check back in 3 months. (I also have
a thyroid issue) So diet change, exercise and off the Wellbutrin..Is there
anything else I can do?
RESPONSE: Without getting too detailed, I need you to
understand that I completely disagree with the IDEA that we all need to lower
our cholesterol levels (283 is not TOO HIGH in my book). In fact, low
cholesterol is by far more dangerous than higher levels. EVERY hormone in the
body begins life as cholesterol. Using any method to reduce cholesterol -
especially drugs - depletes the raw ingredient that is used to make all of the
other hormones. Thyroid problems are to be expected when the cholesterol is
removed - as are a host of other diseases, including cancer.
Wellbutrin might have been helpful, but you should have
stopped using it by now. If not, please ask your doctor to help you quit using
it.
The primary diet changes are simple but not easy. Disease is
often grounded in internal inflammation. There are many inflammatory
substances, but two you can do something about are sugars and wheat. Simple,
huh? Yes, but it is difficult to remove those drugs from your diet. Yes,
they're natural - or at least USED to be natural. There have been so many
changes over the years that they are more toxic today than ever before.
When I say eliminate sugars I also mean all artificial
sweeteners. Honey, however, is nutritious - but not if you devour it at the
rate most of us consume sugar (over 70 pounds per year on the low side).
Drink plenty of water (especially before going to bed) - not
bottled. City water is okay if its filtered (reverse osmosis to remove
fluoride).
You understand that exercise is important. It strengthens
muscles and reduces inflammation. 30 to 40 minutes three days a week. BRISK
walking is very good, as is light weights.
I have written extensively on these issues on our website
(http://www.thecompounder.com/) so I haven't gone into details about WHY in
this email. Just the basic conclusions. Doctors disagree with this approach and
honestly BELIEVE cholesterol is dangerous. It isn't, but efforts to lower
levels with drugs are very dangerous.
