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The Overlooked Artery Adversary-- Knowing Your Levels Could Save Your Life
Sep 11, 2023

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP


Most traditional physicians almost always order a standard lipid panel which includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.


Unfortunately this standard lipid test will put most people at risk causing plaque to silently build up in there arterial walls if this one test is not ordered.

Most people I bet have not even heard of this life-saving test and even worse most people would believe if their total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are within the optimal range they are free from a serious cardiac event.


WRONG!


The lab test I am referring to is called oxycholesterol, or oxidized LDL cholesterol (OxLDL).


Its role in cardiovascular disease has been well documented. (See references below)


The optimal value for OxLDL is less than 60 U/L.


Learning how to lower OxLDL levels (if elevated) is critical to preventing or reducing the plaque buildup in your arteries known as atherosclerosis.


When OxLDL increases in your bloodstream they cause massive inflammation and significantly decreases the elasticity of your arteries.


Even worse this ominous lipid (OxLDL) also increases blood clot formation in your arteries leading to atherosclerosis and sending your stroke risk skyrocketing.


Again mainstream medicine has unfortunately overlooked this test.


I see time and time again patients having a false sense of confidence taking statins to lower their total and LDL cholesterol only to see significantly elevated OxLDL. 


This is a recipe for disaster.


This article is not to deter anyone from addressing elevated LDL cholesterol with statins but to be certain that they are not going down the road toward a cardiac event with high levels of OxLDL.


Unfortunately statins will not lower OxLDL.:(


Fortunately, the technology to measure OxLDL levels is available.


Simply ask your doctor to order OxLDL from Labcorp or Quest. The code from Labcorp is: 123023. The code from Quest is: 92769


In the next 3-5 years, this type of testing will likely become much more mainstream. But why wait? Knowing your OxLDL levels and working on lowering them, and keeping them low, can mean the difference between no plaque buildup and severe plaque buildup in your arteries!.


The peer reviewed medical papers listed below clearly shows us that OxLDL levels are linked to heart disease.


In just one study published in Circulation the plasma OxLDL level in patients who had had heart attacks skyrocketed about 3.5-fold over control subjects.


Knowing if the amount of oxidative damage to your LDL cholesterol is elevated or not is critically important. That's why testing is essential.

But equally as important is to know why the oxidative damage is occurring in the first place so you can do something about it.


What do we know about the possible causes of elevated OxLDL?


While the experts aren't positive yet what triggers the oxidation of LDL molecules, it's likely that much of it is related to diet, stress, infections, thyroid issues and environmental toxin exposure.


What Steps Can One Take to Lower Elevated OxLDL?


1: Mediterranean-style diet, high in monounsaturated fats, reduces LDL oxidation. One study of 372 adults at high risk for heart disease found that diets rich in olive oil or nuts decreased OxLDL levels.


2: Eating a diet high in polyunsaturated fats—like the ones you'll find in fast foods, junk food, and baked goods increases OxLDL. In fact, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil and soy oil all seem to raise OxLDL levels.


3: Besides the Mediterranean diet there are a couple more dieting “secrets” that can drive down LDL oxidation. To no ones surprise gluten-free diets have been shown to reduce levels of OxLDL.


4: Pomegranate juice have been shown to ward off LDL oxidation.


5: Green tea also fights LDL oxidation as well.


6: Vitamin E is a powerful nutrient that prevents oxidation damage in the body. (Make sure you are taking all eight of the vitamin E family)-Naturally occurring vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol


7: A heart supplement superstar Coenzyme Q10 because it targets and reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol molecules. I recommend 200 mg daily as a supplement.


8: Other natural solutions for fighting oxidation include garlic, resveratrol, and grape seed extract. 


Other Factors to Consider in Lowering OxLDL Include the following


1: Research has shown that either a low functioning or an over-functioning thyroid gland can drive up your OxLDL levels.


2: Chronic infections can increase levels of OxLDL. Studies show that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) commonly associated with increased intestinal permeability aka: Leaky Gut will negatively impact LDL particles leading to elevated OxLDL. (Good reason to go gluten-free). Covid has been found to associated with elevated OxLDL. In addition the following infections have also been associated with elevated OxLDL and should be ruled out and addressed: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and cytomegalovirus


3: Rule out environmental toxins 


Be sure to get your OxLDL level tested and work with a functional practitioner to treat the root reasons if your level is elevated.

You can find a qualified and certified functional medicine practitioner by going to: www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com


Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5627698/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.atv.21.5.844
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2631666/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.613780/full
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.104.529297
//www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/OxLDL.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/68/3/353/309912
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622147838?via%3Dihub
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28371298/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16115546/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286305000586
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18689551/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26773777/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23456579/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21812107/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0098299797000319
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063630/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622071711
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2012.2408
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17616006/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10845869/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7214326/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109706008515
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/83/5/1752/2865698


The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required


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Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMPXylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic. Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake. It's found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more. According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death. The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe. The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024 showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels. The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk? Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals. . Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease. These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol? Chewing gum Candy Ice Cream Breath mints Some Dietary supplements Mouthwash Toothpaste Sugar-Free Desserts Liquid compounded medications Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces Dr. Grisanti's Comments For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors. Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk. All in all, I say why take the risk. I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it. Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe. But using it in very high doses and long-term isn't a good idea. It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events. If you're looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts. Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added. --------- ATTENTION DOCTORS, ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS, PATIENTS and POTENTIAL NEW PATIENTS If you found this article of value may I ask if you can tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine as well as having the opportunity to stay current on the latest medical news on a variety of important health issues. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com References: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/ https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 ** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations. You can find a qualified and certified functional medicine practitioner by going to: www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com . This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required

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https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/2000.cfm ** Feel free to use this article on your website. Compliments from Functional Medicine University . ** Read my past articles: http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/department88.cfm ===================== View Rick Bramos Fitness YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_x4I27Z0DfYkfcroXxAhcA/videos Here is Rick's New Video of the Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W__EwtXJkyY Rick is now offering phone consultations for those wanting to lose weight or simply to improve their fitness. Rick can be reached at 2days2fitness@gmail.com for more details. ===================== ATTENTION DOCTORS AND ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS Tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com Take care, Ron P.S. Please visit our facebook page and "Like It" Of course if you really like it. :) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Functional-Medicine-University/161486170671332

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