Low Cholesterol Causes Aggressive Behavior And Depression

March 29th, 2001

While many people think that the lower our cholesterol the better, numerous studies have contradicted this view. Now yet another study has linked low cholesterol with adverse health effects. Published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (Dec. 1, 2000;23:519-529), the study found low serum cholesterol to be correlated with mood disorders, lack of cognitive efficiency and sociability.

It is theorized that low cholesterol leads to the suppression of serotonin, a condition known to cause both aggressive behavior and depression. With record numbers of Americans taking cholesterol-lowering medications, it should be noted that, as with everything else the body produces, there is a target range for cholesterol, and deviations in both directions indicate dysfunction.

Tags: Cholesterol, Depression
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Inflammation May Cause Alzheimer’s Disease

March 1st, 2001

Inflammation has been linked with heart disease and cancer, the two major killers of our time. Now, a recent study (Nature Med. 2000;6(9):973-974) has found that people who took a daily dose of ibuprofen had a reduced incidence of Alzheimerís disease as compared to the general population.

Since ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, this study suggests that inflammation, probably of the brain, can lead to senile dementia and, therefore, that controlling such inflammation can have a protective effect.

The question is then whether a drug like ibuprofen is a wise choice for long-term protection from inflammation since its side effects include an increased risk of stomach ulcers.

Future research is likely to show that a complex set of causes interact to trigger inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. In the meantime, avoiding allergic foods, eating a diet low in sugar and junk food, and balancing body chemistry through a targeted supplement program may be our best plan of action. If needed, dietary supplements – such as fish oil and the pineapple enzyme bromelain – are strong natural anti-inflammatories that have no adverse side effects.

Tags: Alzheimer's Disease
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