Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of many infectious diseases

This study was published in Epidemiology and Infection 1998 Oct;121(2):335-47

Study title and authors:

Cohort study of serum total cholesterol and in-hospital incidence of infectious diseases.
Iribarren C, Jacobs DR Jr, Sidney S, Claxton AJ, Feingold KR.
Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA 94611, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9825784

The study assessed the association between cholesterol levels and the risk of infections (other than respiratory and HIV) requiring hospitalisation. The study included 55,300 men and 65,271 women who were followed for 15 years.

The infectious diseases analysed in this study were thus classified:

o   Intestinal Infections: Salmonella, rotavirus (virus infection that can cause gastroenteritis).

o   Viral hepatitis.

o   Acute appendicitis.

o   All digestive and liver infections: Diverticulosis, abscess of the anal and rectal region, abscess of the intestine, liver disease, gallbladder inflammation, cholangitis(bile duct infection).

o   Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart).

o   Kidney infections.

o   Urinary tract infections.

o   All genito - urinary infections: cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis(inflammation of the testicles).

o   Venereal diseases: Syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted infection).

o   Muscle – skeletal infections: Arthropathy(disease of the joints), Infective myositis(skeletal muscle infection), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone or bone marrow),  periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds bone).

o   Skin and subcutaneous tissue: Herpes, eczema, ringworm, thrush, carbuncle, boils, cellulitis (common skin infection caused by bacteria), lymphadenitis (swollen or enlarged lymph nodes), impetigo (bacterial skin infection), pilonidal cyst (cyst or abscess under the skin of the buttocks), pyoderma(skin infection that exudes pus).

o   Septicaemia, bacteraemia.

o   Gangrene.

o   Central and peripheral nervous system: Meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), abscess on the brain, abscess on the spinal cord.

o   Endotoxic shock (septic shock).

o   Gynaecological: Salpingitis (infection and inflammation in the fallopian tubes), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), pelvic inflammatory disease (bacterial infection of the female upper genital tract, including the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries), cervicitis (inflammation of the uterine cervix), vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina),  bartholin cyst or abscess, (infection of the bartholin's glands which lie next to the entrance to the vagina).

The study found for men:

(a) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 29% increased risk of been hospitalised with any infection compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with intestinal infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L).
(c) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 63% increased risk of been hospitalised with viral hepatitis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 1% increased risk of been hospitalised with acute appendicitis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(e) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 15% increased risk of been hospitalised with all digestive and liver infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Men with lower cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with endocarditis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 10% increased risk of been hospitalised with kidney infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).
(h) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 27% increased risk of been hospitalised with urinary tract infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 18% increased risk of been hospitalised with all genito-urinary infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 140% increased risk of been hospitalised with venereal diseases compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(k) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 28% increased risk of been hospitalised with muscle-skeletal infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(l) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with skin and subcutaneous tissue infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(m) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 17% increased risk of been hospitalised with Septicaemia and bacteraemia compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(n) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 20% increased risk of been hospitalised with gangrene compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).
(o) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 67% increased risk of been hospitalised with central and peripheral nervous system infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(p) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 128% increased risk of been hospitalised with endotoxic shock compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

For women the study found:

(a) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 30% increased risk of been hospitalised with any infection compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 67% increased risk of been hospitalised with intestinal infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(c) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 51% increased risk of been hospitalised with viral hepatitis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with acute appendicitis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(e) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 19% increased risk of been hospitalised with all digestive and liver infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 137% increased risk of been hospitalised with endocarditis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with kidney infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(h) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L) had a 28% increased risk of been hospitalised with urinary tract infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 33% increased risk of been hospitalised with all genito-urinary infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 90% increased risk of been hospitalised with venereal diseases compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(k) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 4% increased risk of been hospitalised with muscle and skeletal infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(l) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 15% increased risk of been hospitalised with skin and subcutaneous tissue infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(m) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 39% increased risk of been hospitalised with Septicaemia and bacteraemia compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(n) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 93% increased risk of been hospitalised with gangrene compared to women with higher cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L).
(o) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with central and peripheral nervous system infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(p) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 44% increased risk of been hospitalised with endotoxic shock compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(q) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 2% increased risk of been hospitalised with gynaecological infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).

The results of this study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of many infectious diseases.

Cholesterol supplementation benefits patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

This study was published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics 1997 Jan 31;68(3):305-10

Study title and authors:
Clinical effects of cholesterol supplementation in six patients with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS)

Elias ER, Irons MB, Hurley AD, Tint GS, Salen G.
Department of Pediatrics, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9024564

Children with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome have very low cholesterol levels and most are either stillborn or die early because of serious malformations of the central nervous system. Those that survive have a small head size, learning problems and behavioral problems. They tend to grow more slowly than other infants and many affected individuals have fused second and third toes and some have extra fingers or toes.

The problems that occur in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is because of their very low cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is necessary for normal embryonic development and has important functions both before and after birth. It is a structural component of cell membranes and the protective substance covering nerve cells (myelin). Also, cholesterol plays a role in the production of vitamin D, certain hormones and bile acids.

The study examined the effects of cholesterol supplementation in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. The trial included six children, age range from birth to 11 years old.

The study found:
(a) Clinical benefits of the cholesterol therapy were seen in all patients, irrespective of their age at the onset of treatment, or the severity of their cholesterol defect. 
(b) The cholesterol therapy improved growth, gave a more rapid developmental progress, a lessening of problem behaviors, older patients progressed to puberty, they had a better tolerance of infection, improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms, and a reduction in photosensitivity and skin rashes
(c) Patients had no adverse reactions to treatment with cholesterol.

The results of the study suggest that cholesterol supplementation benefits patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Links to other studies:
The link between low cholesterol and autism
Low cholesterol and suicidal behavior

Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates from respiratory diseases

This study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology 1997 Dec;26(6):1191-202

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol and risk of hospitalization, and death from respiratory disease.

Iribarren C, Jacobs DR Jr, Sidney S, Claxton AJ, Gross MD, Sadler M, Blackburn H.
Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, CA 94611, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9447398

The study examined the association of cholesterol levels with respiratory diseases. The study included 48,188 men, 55,276 women, age range 25-89, who were followed for 15 years with a total of 976,866 person years of observation.

The study found for patients requiring hospitalisation:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of been hospitalised with pneumonia and influenza compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 17% increased risk of been hospitalised with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(c) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 13% increased risk of been hospitalised with asthma compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 35% increased risk of been hospitalised with other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

With regard to death from respiratory diseases the study found:
(e) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 87% increased risk of death from pneumonia and influenza compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of death from pneumonia and influenza compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 35% increased risk of death from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(h) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 79% increased risk of death from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 96% increased risk of death from other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 126% increased risk of death from other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with more hospitalisations and higher death rates from respiratory diseases.

Low fat diets induce unhealthy effects in type two diabetics

This study was published in Diabetes Care 1990 Apr;13(4):446-8

Study title and authors:

Effects of changing amount of carbohydrate in diet on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in type II diabetic patients.

Rivellese AA, Giacco R, Genovese S, Patti L, Marotta G, Pacioni D, Annuzzi G, Riccardi G.

Institute of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, 2nd Medical School, Naples, Italy.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2318105

This 15 day study investigated the effects of a low fat diet and a high fat diet on eight nonobese, mildly type two diabetic patients, average age 45 years old.

The two diets comprised of:
(i) 60% carbohydrate, 20 % protein, 20% fat (low fat diet).
(ii) 40% carbohydrate, 20% protein. 40% fat (high fat diet).

The study found:
(a) Triglycerides were 24% higher on the low fat diet.
(b) Apolipoprotein CII levels were 15% on the low fat diet. (Apolipoprotein CII (apoCII) is a protein found in large fat particles absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is also found in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. High levels of apoCII are associated with angina and heart attacks).
(c) Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were 43% higher on the low fat diet. (High VLDL levels are linked to diabetes. See here).

The results from the study show that a low fat diet induces harmful effects on cholesterol values in nonobese, mildly type two diabetic patients.

Low cholesterol levels predict death in patients with bacteria in the blood

This study was published in the Archives of Family Medicine 1995 Sep;4(9):785-9

Study title and authors:
Risk factors for the development of bacteremia in nursing home patients.

Richardson JP, Hricz L.
Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7647945

The study examined the association between cholesterol levels and death rates in people with bacteremia (bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood). The study included 26 patients who were admitted into a nursing home.

The study found that the only admission characteristic of patients that was associated with death caused by bacteremia was low cholesterol of 3.79 mmol/L (147 mg/dL) in patients who died, whereas patients who survived had higher cholesterol of 5.05 mmol/L (195 mg/dL).

Thanks to all who came into HWC!

Healthy World Café aims to be 'accessible to all'

The community-based kitchen debuted at First Moravian Church in a new partnership.

By LEIGH ZALESKI

Daily Record/Sunday News

York, PA - Cindy Plunkert moved through the food line at Healthy World Café at the Moravian Lunch Room with a wicker basket on one arm.

She filled the basket with spinach quiche, soups and apple crisp for her and two colleagues at Pressley Ridge in York. As she got ready to pay, volunteer Scott Simonds suggested a total of $22. What she paid at the community-based kitchen, was optional. Plunkert, 60, paid the suggested price and $5 more.

"I'm expecting good food," she said. "We really like to support the cause."

Healthy World Café opened Wednesday as a result of a partnership with the First Moravian Church in York. HWC aims to offer healthy meals made from local ingredients and has a pay-what-you-can system. People may pay the suggested price, more to support the nonprofit, or less by volunteering their time.

Chairman Sean Arnold said the nonprofit, which was established about two and a half years ago, had been looking for a location for the past year. The café won the 2011 YorIt Social Venture Challenge -- a $20,000 grant -- and had been promoting itself at events to raise awareness, fundraise and gain volunteers. Organizers wanted to start small, and they had difficulty finding a building that fit the nonprofit's price range.

Earlier this year, the Moravian Lunch Room at First Moravian Church -- which serves inexpensive food once a month as a way to raise its profile and provide the community with a meal -- knew it would lose some volunteers, making it difficult to continue the monthly event.

So the church and Healthy World Café teamed up.

"It was a good marriage," said the Rev. Steve Nicholas, coordinator of the Moravian Lunch Room. "We saw working with HWC as a way to continue offering a lunch at our church."

Arnold said 110 people attended lunch Wednesday. The menu offered spinach quiche with tomato sauce, asparagus and spring minestrone with chicken soups, salads, and apple crisp and dried fruit oatmeal cookies for dessert. Lime-and-arugula infused water and iced tea were free.

The café will open May 23 and every fourth Wednesday starting in September, with the possibility of staying open this summer. He said HWC hopes to eventually open twice a month. HWC's menu will change each month based on the availability of local produce in York, Lancaster and Adams counties.

Arnold said HWC bought most of the main ingredients for this lunch from local farmers and food vendors, including some from Central Market, Perrydell Farm Dairy and Round Barn.

"As we grow, we want to incorporate as many farms as possible," he said. Arnold said the church has been wonderful throughout the transition and that he hopes the community sees HWC as a viable nonprofit. "We want to sell and provide healthy alternatives that are accessible to all," he said.

If you go

What: Healthy World Café at the Moravian Lunch Room

When: 11:30 to 1 p.m. May 23 and every fourth Wednesday starting in September

Where: First Moravian Church, 39 N. Duke St. in York

The concept

Healthy World Café is a volunteer-based cafeteria-style kitchen that supports local farmers and aims to offer nutritious meals to people of all incomes. Chairman Sean Arnold said the nonprofit was established about two and a half years ago. Organizers modeled the café after the Salt Lake City community kitchen, One World Everybody Eats Café.

For details, visit www.healthyworldcafe.org.

Low fat, low cholesterol diets result in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate

This study was published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1978;109:317-30

Study title and authors:

Low fat, low cholesterol diet in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Woodhill JM, Palmer AJ, Leelarthaepin B, McGilchrist C, Blacket RB.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/727035

The study set out to determine the effects of a low fat, low cholesterol diet on death rates in men with existing heart disease. The study included 458 men, aged 30 to 59, who were followed for up to seven years.

The men were allocated in groups to consume either:

(i) A low fat, low cholesterol diet.

(ii) Their usual diet.

The study found:

(a) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet lowered their cholesterol levels 4.5% more than the men following their usual diet.

(b) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 49% increased death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

(c) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 44% increased heart disease death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

The results of the study show that a low fat, low cholesterol diet results in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate.

Analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1990 Aug 11;301(6747):309-14

Study title and authors:

Lowering cholesterol concentrations and mortality: a quantitative review of primary prevention trials.

Muldoon MF, Manuck SB, Matthews KA.

Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2144195

This study analysed the findings of six cholesterol reduction trials. The participants in the six cholesterol reduction trials received either diet based, drug based, a mixture of diet and drug cholesterol lowering treatment or placebo. The trials lasted for an average of 4.8 years and included 24,847 male participants who were followed for a total of 119,000 person years. The average age of the men was 47.5 years.

The analysis found:
(a) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment reduced their cholesterol levels by about 10%.
(b) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment had a 7% increase in death rates compared to the men taking a placebo.

The results of this analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases.

High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets are a feasible long-term treatment for type 1 diabetes

This study was published in Upsala Journal of Medical Science 2005;110(3):267-73

Study title and authors:

A low carbohydrate diet in type 1 diabetes: clinical experience--a brief report.

Nielsen JV, Jönsson E, Ivarsson A.

Department of Medicine, Blekingesjukhuset, Karlshamn, Sweden. jorgen.vesti-nielsen@ltblekinge.se

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16454166

This study examined the effects of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet on 22 patients with type I diabetes who were failing to control fluctuations in their blood sugar levels in higher carbohydrate diets. The diet was limited to around 70-90 grams a day of carbohydrate and excluded potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and cereals. The diet consisted of 20% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 50% fat.

After 12 months on the high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet, the study found:
(a) Hypoglycaemic episodes (where the blood glucose levels drop to abnormally low dangerous values) decreased from 2.9 episodes per week to 0.5 episodes per week.
(b) Meal insulin requirements decreased from 21.1 Iu per day to 12.4 Iu per day.
(c) Unhealthy high triglyceride levels decreased by 33%.

This study shows that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet is a feasible long-term treatment of type 1 diabetes and leads to improved blood glucose control.

Links to other studies:
Reduced saturated fat consumption has led to vitamin D deficiency
The beneficial effects of a low carbohydrate diet for diabetes
Type I diabetics have better blood sugar control on a high fat diet

Higher cholesterol levels and higher meat consumption are associated with decreased rates of heart disease deaths

This study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine 1995 Jan;237(1):49-54

 

Study title and authors:

High serum alpha-tocopherol, albumin, selenium and cholesterol, and low mortality from coronary heart disease in northern Finland.

Luoma PV, Näyhä S, Sikkilä K, Hassi J.

Oulu Regional Institute of Occupational Health, University of Oulu, Finland.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7830030

The study investigated the risk factors for, and the rates of heart disease deaths in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland. The study lasted for nine years and included 350 participants, average age 46 years.

The study found:
(a) The death rates from heart disease were 17% lower in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(b) Cholesterol levels were 6.3% higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(c) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were 7.0%  higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(d) Vitamin E levels were 14.2% higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(e) Vitamin E levels increased with the consumption of reindeer meat.

The results of the study show that higher cholesterol levels and higher meat consumption are associated with decreased rates of heart disease deaths.

Low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer

This study was published in Arteriosclerosis 1988 Nov-Dec;8(6):737-41

Study title and authors:

High density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality. The Framingham Heart Study.

Wilson PW, Abbott RD, Castelli WP.

Framingham Epidemiology Research Section, NHLBI, Massachusetts.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3196218

This 12 year study examined the association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with death rates from heart disease and cancer. The study included 2,748 participants aged 50 to 79.

The study found:
(a) Both men and women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels also had the highest total cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 92% increase in death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(c) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 47% increase in death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(d) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 309% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(e) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 207% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(f) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 17% increase in cancer death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(g) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had an 8% increase in cancer death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.

The results of this study show that men and women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels also had the lowest total cholesterol levels, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat is the best way to raise HDL cholesterol levels. See here.

Higher cholesterol levels lead to a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Gerontology 1993 May;48(3):M103-7

 

Study title and authors:

Morbidity and mortality in rural community-dwelling elderly with low total serum cholesterol.

Ives DG, Bonino P, Traven ND, Kuller LH.

Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=8482813

The objective of this two year study was to examine the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in the elderly. The study included 3,874 participants aged 65 to 79. Those with cholesterol levels of less than 150 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/l) were compared with those with cholesterol levels between 200-240 mg/dL (5.1-6.2 mmol/l).

After two years the study found that 12.8% of those with low cholesterol had died, whereas only 7.3% of those with the higher cholesterol had died.

The results of this study indicate that higher cholesterol levels lead to a longer life.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol associated with poor health and increased stroke and heart disease
Declining cholesterol rates in people over 65 are associated with a 630% increase in death rates
Older men with lower cholesterol have a 54% higher death rate

Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of dementia

This study was published in the Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 2010 May;65(5):559-64

Study title and authors:
Relationship between low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dementia in the elderly. The InChianti study.

Zuliani G, Cavalieri M, Galvani M, Volpato S, Cherubini A, Bandinelli S, Corsi AM, Lauretani F, Guralnik JM, Fellin R, Ferrucci L.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola 9, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. gzuliani@hotmail.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20299544

The object of the study was to evaluate the association between cholesterol levels and the prevalence of dementia. At the start of the study a total of 1,051 individuals aged 65 years or over were assessed for dementia and again after three years.

The study found:
(a) After one year, individuals with dementia had significantly lower cholesterol levels and significantly lower levels of  high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with individuals without dementia.
(b) After three years, individuals newly diagnosed with dementia had significantly lower cholesterol levels and significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with individuals without dementia.

The results of the study demonstrate that low cholesterol levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with higher rates of dementia.

Low cholesterol levels lead to significantly higher death rates

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2001 Sep;49(9):1142-7

 

Study title and authors:

The value of serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in defining mortality risk in older persons with low serum cholesterol.

Volpato S, Leveille SG, Corti MC, Harris TB, Guralnik JM.

Epidemiology, Demography and Biometry Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11559371

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between low cholesterol, albumin and death rates in older people. The study included 4,128 participants age 70 and older at (average age 78.7 years, range 70-103) who were followed for nearly five years.

Albumin is a protein in your bloodstream that helps transport a variety of important substances, including calcium, hormones, the protein bilirubin and important nutrients called fatty acids. Albumin also helps your blood maintain its osmotic pressure, which helps keep its water content from leaking through your blood vessels into surrounding tissue.

The study found:
(a) Those with low cholesterol had significantly higher death rates than those with normal and high cholesterol.
(b) Among participants with low cholesterol, those with albumin levels below 38 g/L had a 43% increase in death rates compared to those with albumin levels above 38 g/L.
(c) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol below 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 32% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.
(d) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol above 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 62% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.

The results of the study demonstrate that low cholesterol is significantly associated with higher death rates and that higher levels of albumin and HDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates.

The best way to raise your albumin levels is to eat quality protein such as beef, pork, fish, chicken and eggs.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat raises levels of HDL cholesterol the most. See here.

More on Bulletproof Coffee and the Fasting Protocol

I’ve made some tweaks to the regimen over the past few days, all for the better. I’ve added in the recommended MCT oil in place of the coconut oil, which has made the concoction even more smooth, creamy, and energizing. I also added in some Xylitol, a sugar alcohol favored by the Bulletproof Executive. As you can tell, when I try something new, I tend to go all-in. I like to give the recommendations a fair shake by incorporating as much of the advice as possible (without breaking the bank, of course!) Xylitol is not favored by Paleo-types but has some advantages – it has been shown to be good for your teeth and doesn’t have the aftertaste or bitterness problems exhibited by other non- or low-caloric sweeteners. So, I gave it a try. Over the weekend, I did have some GI distress by using too much (oops!) but it was minor and now I know to start off with small doses.

Without further ado, this is how I’m currently making my Bulletproof coffee (makes two tumblers, each about 16 oz):

• 3 heaping TBS of Upgraded coffee beans, freshly ground and brewed in a regular drip coffee maker with 32oz of water
• 2 TBS Unsalted Kerrygold butter (grass fed and can be bought at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and even many regular supermarkets)
• 2 TBS MCT Oil
• 6 drops of liquid Stevia
• 2 tsp Xylitol (from birch trees; not from corn!)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Dash of cinnamon

I blend up all of the above, drinking one tumbler with my morning vitamins and glob of Fermented Cod Liver Oil/Butter Oil Blend (cinnamon flavor). The other half goes into my new handy dandy Thermos Backpack Bottle . It literally goes into my backpack and doesn’t spill, making it all the way to the office without a hitch. That is what I sip on all morning until 2:00 pm, when I start eating for the day. It still amazes me that it works and I am not starving and ready to eat my desk by the time 2:00 pm rolls around. I’m purposely not 100% rigid about this. If I’m hungry at 1:30, I eat then. If I have a social or work lunch (like today!) I eat whenever that is. This is to make my life easier, not make me crazy or even weirder in the eyes of those around me!

I can say that I’m feeling really great on this protocol. I wind up having a much more manageable appetite and have lost that panic I used to have around food. I also enjoy food more when I’m actually physically hungry for it (imagine that!) The current plan remains the same – start each day with two mugs of Bulletproof Coffee, eat whatever low carb Paleo food I want between 2:00-10:00 pm, and repeat Monday-Friday. On the weekends, I’m still making the coffee, if I want it, but starting my eating earlier in the day to keep my system guessing. It also gives me a chance to make yummy breakfast foods like eggs and bacon from US Wellness Meats. So delicious! I just put in this month’s order and I am very much looking forward to enjoying that bacon this weekend. Although buying local would be the ideal, they really aren’t matched for relatively affordable quality, humanely raised meat. I keep an eye out for their frequent 15% off promo codes that are often included in their newsletters, so I feel good about what I’m getting for the money. That was a serious tangent, but I feel so strongly about supporting this type of business and getting the best food I can afford. Having good quality food on hand and ready to go has been one of the most important factors of my success with this way of eating. I feel nourished and having that sense of abundance about food helps me not feel deprived. So, if you’re not sure where to get grass fed beef or other meat in your area, US Wellness is an option worth looking in to, in my opinion.

Another note: since I’m back on the sauce (coffee), I thought it might be OK to just pick up a cup here or there. I did this twice and both times were a mistake, resulting in almost instant headaches, jitteriness, and fatigue a few hours later. Maybe there is something to this whole contamination thing? Or, it could all be in my head. Either way, I’m staying away from regular coffee. It’s just not worth it.

High consumption of soft drinks increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes

This study was published in Circulation 2007 Jul 31;116(5):480-8

Study title and authors:

Soft drink consumption and risk of developing cardiometabolic risk factors and the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults in the community.

Dhingra R, Sullivan L, Jacques PF, Wang TJ, Fox CS, Meigs JB, D'Agostino RB, Gaziano JM, Vasan RS.

Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mount Wayte Ave, Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702-5803, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17646581

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. 

Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of three or more of the following: 

(i) Waist circumference more than 35 inches (women) or more than 40 inches (men).

(ii) Fasting blood glucose levels more than 100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol/l).

(iii) Triglycerides levels more than 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/l).

(iv) Blood pressure more than 135/85 mm Hg.

(v) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/l) (men) or less than 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/l) (women). 

This study investigated the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components to soft drink consumption in 6.039 person-observations (average age 52.9 years) who were free of metabolic syndrome at the start of the study.

The study found that compared to those who drank less than one soft drink per day:

(a) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 31% increased risk of obesity.

(b) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 30% increased risk in having a bigger waist circumference.  

(c) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 25% increased risk of high fasting glucose levels.

(d) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 18% increased risk of high blood pressure.

(e) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 25% increased risk of elevated triglyceride levels.

(f) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 32% increased risk of low levels of the beneficial high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

(g) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 44% increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

This study reveals that in middle-aged adults, soft drink consumption is associated with a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and therefore a raised risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Links to other studies:
Drinking cola is associated with a 87% increased risk for development of type 2 diabetes
Cola and other soft drinks increase the risk of diabetes by 24%
Both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks increase the risk type II diabetes

Low carbohydrate diets improve blood glucose control in patients with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young.

This study was published in the Journal of International Medical Research 2011;39(6):2296-301

Study title and authors:

The Influence of Dietary Carbohydrate Content on Glycaemia in Patients with Glucokinase Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young.

Klupa T, Solecka I, Nowak N, Szopa M, Kiec-Wilk B, Skupien J, Trybul I, Matejko B, Mlynarski W, Malecki MT.

Department of Metabolic Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; Krakow University Hospital, Krakow, Poland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22289546

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a group of diabetes disorders that affects about 2% of people with diabetes. MODY is often not recognised and people may be treated as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes by their doctors. 

MODY has the following characteristics:

(i) Diabetes presents at a young age, usually less than 25 years of age.

(ii) MODY runs in families through several generations. A parent with MODY has a 50% chance of passing on MODY to their child. 

(iii) People with MODY do not produce enough insulin; this is different to Type 2 diabetes where people frequently produce lots of insulin but don't respond to their insulin.

There are six varieties of MODY:

MODY 1 Rare form of MODY. Similar effects to MODY 3.

MODY 2 Causes between 10-65% of MODY. Causes mild diabetes. Often diagnosed in childhood or pregnancy.

MODY 3 Causes between 20-75% of MODY. Causes progressive diabetes and patients may get diabetes complications. Usually diagnosed after puberty.

MODY 4 Rare form of MODY. Seems to produce relatively mild diabetes.

MODY 5 Rare form of MODY. Associated with kidney disease that is often diagnosed before diabetes.

MODY 6 Extremely rare form of MODY. Severity of diabetes unknown as yet. 

This study concerns MODY 2 which is a mutation in the glucokinase gene on chromosome 7. Glucokinase is an enzyme that acts as a glucose sensor so the beta cells in the pancreas produce the correct amount of insulin after a meal. However in MODY 2 the mutated glucokinase enzyme is less responsive to glucose entering the blood stream which results in continuously elevated high blood glucose levels.

This study evaluated the effect of the quantity of dietary carbohydrate on glucose levels in 10 glucokinase mutation carriers: seven with MODY and three with prediabetes. The patients were exposed to a 60% high-carbohydrate diet for two days and then switched to 25% low-carbohydrate diet for another 2 days.

The study found:

(a) On the high-carbohydrate diet, glucose levels were significantly higher compared with the low-carbohydrate diet.

(b) On the high-carbohydrate diet, spikes in glucose levels occurred significantly more frequently compared with the low-carbohydrate diet.

This study suggests that diets with a low carbohydrate content may improve blood glucose control in patients with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young.

Links to other studies:

The case for high fat/low carbohydrate diets in diabetes management

High fat/low carbohydrate diet decreases risk of heart disease

Diabetes patients health benefits from a high fat/low carbohydrate diet

The Ultimate Health Prescription: 3 Ways To Awaken Your Potential

1) Stop Making Excuses

The most common excuses I hear for not exercising are: I haven't got enough time or I can't afford it.  Exercise gives us more time because it has the potential to give us a longer and healthier life. Not only that, recent research shows that higher earners exercise more. The choice to exercise benefits not only you but your family.

"I can't afford it" is another self-defeating excuse. When I was at the temple, we couldn't afford to eat good quality food so we had to eat a lot of steamed bread so we could have enough energy to train. We never used lack of food as an excuse to stop us training. Ask yourself, what is required as a start up health and fitness investment? You don't need to pay the hefty price of a gym membership. For the price of a few Shaolin Warrior DVDs you get my twenty five years of martial art's experience giving you a lifetime of training.

2) Give Up Waiting For Tomorrow

You already possess the tools for great health, peace and fitness. You don't need to go to the Shaolin Temple or a mountain to gain them. This idea is just a fantasy or a distraction. You can train anywhere and everywhere. All the resources are within you now. You just have to get out of our own way and walk on the path. Making full effort in each moment is enough.

3) Train Like A Newborn Child

The Western world puts a lot of focus on effort and hard work. But nature creates without effort. It's action without action. The Shaolin Qigong and Kung Fu Forms give us access to that state of effortless action. It helps us to tap into the  flow so that we train like a newborn child. This then follows us into our day to day life and our life becomes naturally effortless and harmonious.

For more information on The Shaolin Path To Health, Power And Longevity please visit: shifuyanlei

Statins and fibrates increase the risk of Parkinson's

This study was published in Drug Safety 2008;31(5):399-407

Study title and authors:
Use of statins and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a retrospective case-control study in the UK.

Becker C, Jick SS, Meier CR.
Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18422380

This study set out to explore the risk of the development of Parkinson's disease in people with untreated high cholesterol and with people treated with statins and fibrates. 3,637 people with Parkinson's were compared with the same number of controls.

The study found:
(a) Those people with high cholesterol who did not take statins had a 2% lower risk of Parkinson's compared to those with lower cholesterol.
(b) Those who took statins had a 6% higher risk of Parkinson's.
(c) Those who took fibrates had a 25% higher risk of Parkinson's.

The results of this study show that statins and fibrates increase the risk of Parkinson's.

Links to other studies:
Possible link with statins and dementia
Statins implicated in multiple sclerosis
Statins may be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases

Adverse side effects may stop up to 75% of patients from continuing with statin treatment

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 2002 Jul 24-31;288(4):462-7

Study title and authors:

Adherence with statin therapy in elderly patients with and without acute coronary syndromes.

Jackevicius CA, Mamdani M, Tu JV.

Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Pharmacy Department and Women's Health Program, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4. Cynthia.Jackevicius@uhn.on.ca

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12132976

This study was designed to compare 2-year adherence rates of statin prescriptions in 3 groups of patients. All patients were over 65 years old.

The groups were:
(i) Those with recent acute coronary syndrome. (Heart attack and unstable angina) (22,379)
(ii) Those with chronic coronary artery disease. (36,106)
(iii) Those without coronary disease. (85,020)

The adherence rates were:
(i) 40.1% in the acute coronary syndrome group.
(ii) 36.1% in the chronic coronary artery disease group.
(iii) 25.4% in those without coronary disease.

The very high dropout rate of these diverse groups of patients taking statins, suggests that a large percentage of them would have suffered from some of the myriad side effects of statins.

Links to other studies:
Even brief exposure to statins causes muscle damage
Statin treatment increases cardiovascular diseases in diabetics by 31%
Women should not be prescribed statins as they fail to provide any overall health benefit