What is the Optimal Cholesterol for Longevity? The answer will surprise you.

The Optimal Level of Cholesterol is much higher than the doctor may be telling you.

The article referenced below is very interesting and insightful. Your doctor will likely disagree with their data, even after observing over 12.8 million adults over a period of greater than 10 years.

Sang-Wook Y, Jee-Jeon y & Heelchour Ohrr (2019)

National Library of Medicine

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy or longevity is a 'U' shaped curve when plotted against cholesterol level. That is, there is a range whereby the 'optimal total cholesterol' is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality. It is slightly different between men and women, and there is an age factor, as well. Click on the above graph to go to the article from the National Library of Medicine.

One thing to consider when listening to opinions on cholesterol levels and 'statin' use is that statin trials were mainly performed in persons at a high risk of heart disease, especially in men with manifest CVD, in whom heart disease mortality constituted approximately 50% of all deaths.

According to the authors, "Total cholesterol (TC) had U-curve associations with mortality in each age-sex group. TC levels associated with lowest mortality were 210–249 mg/dL, except for men aged 18–34 years (180–219 mg/dL) and women aged 18–34 years (160–199 mg/dL) and 35–44 years (180–219 mg/dL). The inverse associations for TC < 200 mg/dL were stronger than the positive associations in the upper range."

Critical review of the graphical data would show that a patient is at greater risk of death having 'low cholesterol' than having a very high level. Somewhat at odds with the general consensus?

When you are told "the lower the cholesterol, the better," you may not be getting the very best advice.

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The Functional Medicine Difference.

Functional medicine doctors have a unique approach to health care. The number one pillar of functional medicine is a prevention-based approach.

We want to create the best conditions for your health to prevent chronic diseases so you can enjoy a long, healthy, high-quality life.

.

A functional medicine doctor also takes a comprehensive approach to patent care, focusing on the root causes of conditions instead of just treating the symptoms.

Functional Medicine Practice, Nutrition and Symptom Management

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

To become a patient, follow this link

Stages of Life Medical Institute

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

Tel: 407-679-3337

Fax: 407-678-7246

Know your Uric Acid Level! It could prolong your life. Long Ignored Cardiac Risk Factor.

Managing High Uric Acid, Naturally, for a Healthier Life. Levels over 5.5 increase risk of heart attack and death.

High uric acid is more than an indicator of gout. It has classically only been associated with gout, a severe, inflammatory joint condition that often manifests initially in the big toe. However, recent research has linked high uric acid levels with many other chronic health conditions.

Elevations of Uric Acid over 5.5 mg/dl are associated with dramatic increases in cardiac disease & mortality. The risk is far greater than the risk associated with elevated cholesterol, yet most patients never have their uric acid level tested, and fewer still receive treatment to lower it to safe levels!

This article reviews the topic nicely:

Serum uric acid and risk of cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies of over a million participants

Uric Acid Level and Relative Cardiac Risk

This article is one of the best that I've reviewed on the topic.

Over 66 million people in the United States have high uric acid levels, even though most do not know it. It can go undetected because many people do not have symptoms until it is well advanced and presents as an acute gout attack.

A significant problem with modern health care is that most primary care physicians do not screen patients for uric acid levels, even those that are at high risk.

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a breakdown product from purines, a protein component, as well as component of DNA. There are foods that contain higher amounts of purines than others. Furthermore, our body will raise uric acid after ingestion of fructose (corn syrup), sugar, or from alcohol consumption.

Once purines metabolize to toxic uric acid, the body needs to eliminate uric acid from the body largely through urine and to a lesser extent, through feces. Elevation of Uric Acid will damage the kidneys, damage the lining of the arteries & arterioles resulting in disease in the kidneys themselves and to other end organs such as the heart.

Certain health conditions or genetics can make elevations in uric acid more likely to occur, but the best management practice for high uric acid is a functional medicine approach.

The Functional Medicine Difference.

Functional medicine doctors have a unique approach to health care. The number one pillar of functional medicine is a prevention-based approach.

We want to create the best conditions for your health to prevent chronic diseases so you can enjoy a long, healthy, high-quality life.

.

A functional medicine doctor also takes a comprehensive approach to patent care, focusing on the root causes of conditions instead of just treating the symptoms.

Nutritional Product to Lower Uric Acid

What can be done?

Allopurinol is a prescription medication that has been used for many decades to treat gout. The approach that is taken at Stages of Life Medical Institute (SOLMI) is to start with 100 mg taken twice daily. Repeat blood work in 90 days, adjust the dosage to achieve a level between 5.3 and 5.5. If the level is lower, all the better.

Uloric is another prescription medication used to treat elevations in uric acid (hyperuricemia). The dosage there is 40 mg, daily.\

Alternatively, we use an over the counter preparation called "Uric Acid Balance" in patients that prefer to use 'all natural approaches,' and it works very well. The dosage is 3 capsules every morning.

Combining intelligent choices in diet and life-style, achieving a safe level of Uric Acid is easy and delivers lifelong dividends.

In short, elevations of Uric Acid over 5.5 mg/dl will result in atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and joint disease.

Functional Medicine Practice, Nutrition and Symptom Management

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

To become a patient, follow this link

A Marvelous Sleep Aid. No Side Effects. Reasonably Priced.

Sleep Time by Nutritional Frontiers

Nutritional Frontiers Sleep time 60 ct

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It costs 80 cents per day, or less. Great Value.

It is a balanced sleep aid, inexpensive and of tremendous quality.

About the Ingredients

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers. GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help to prevent seizures. As a result of these properties, GABA has also become a popular supplement in recent years. This is partly because it isn’t available from many food sources.

L-Taurine- is an essential amino acid is a GABA-receptor agonist, meaning it produces a GABA-like effect in the body. GABA is a sedating, inhibitory neurotransmitter. In animal studies, application of taurine with GABA, or taurine with glycine produced stronger effects than taking either glycine or GABA alone. Taurine is can be used to enhance sleep quality.

Suntheanine® (L-Theanine) stimulates activity in the brain known as alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. Human clinical trials have shown Suntheanine® to promote an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness, as indicated by an increase in Alpha brain waves, and a decrease in Beta brain waves. Suntheanine® is protected by over 40 U.S. and international patents for its various physiological efficacies and L-isomer specific production processes.

L-Glycine- is a non-essential amino acid. It has been used to protect brain cells after ischemic stroke. Glycine is also thought to promote a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety. Research has shown that glycine can subjectively and objectively improve sleep quality. In a study where people’s sleep was restricted, glycine also reduced daytime sleepiness.

5-HTP- stands for 5- hydroxytryptophan, and is used by the body to make serotonin. 5-HTP is not found in food sources, the body manufactures 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in dietary protein. Many conditions have been shown by studies to be helped by 5-HTP supplementation, including insomnia, depression, fibromyalgia, obesity (by reducing appetite), and headaches. 5-HTP should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. In addition, the lowest possible dose should be used first and the dose should be titrated up slowly. 5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with pharmaceutical anti-depressants unless otherwise directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Vitamin B-5 (D-Calcium pantothenate)- is a water-soluble B vitamin with numerous biological roles. Vitamin B-5 is used by the body to manufacture, among other things, coenzyme A which is an important compound for energy metabolism and the production of fatty acids, cholesterol, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. D-Calcium pantothenate is the preferred, metabolically active form of B-5 used in higher quality nutritional supplements. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5-phosphate)- is a water-soluble B vitamin that performs many functions in the body. B-6 – dependent enzymes assist in the biosynthesis of the important neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Pyridoxal 5-phosphate is the preferred, metabolically active form of B-6 used in higher quality nutritional supplements.

Melatonin- is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). Melatonin secretion may be disrupted by aging, hormonal changes, and night-time exposure to light, among other things. Melatonin supplements are well known for their ability to combat insomnia.

A Marvelous Sleep Aid. No Side Effects. Reasonably Priced. Ingredients, below:

Supplement facts

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 2 Capsules Servings Per Container: 30 Vitamin B6 10 mg (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) Pantothenic Acid 10 mg (as Calcium-D-Pantothenate) Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) 500 mg Glycine 500 mg Taurine 250 mg L-Theanine (as Suntheanine®) 100 mg 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) 50 mg (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) Melatonin 3 mg

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (Capsule), Rice Flour, Vegetable Stearate.

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or nursing, experiencing long-term sleep difficulties; before use in children; before use in those with a medical condition, and those taking medication. Do not drive or operate machinery when taking melatonin.

Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules one hour before bedtime, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

It is a marvelous sleep aid, well tolerated and very affordable.

Pharmaceutical Grade Vitamin & Mineral Products

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

If you want to give this a try, you can order it on stagesoflifevitamins.com or you can get it online using our code "18368" and open an online account with them. Of course, you can stop by our store, we would love to meet you!

Click Here to Order through Nutritional Frontiers

Note: if you go to the Nutritional Frontiers Order site, use our code 18368 to create your own account, and you can choose from other flavors, and other products as well. I will feature products that I have personally tried, and if you leave me feedback on others, I'll be happy to personally get it, try it, evaluate it and stock it in the SOLMI Store.

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

Follow this link for our complete line of products