Esophageal disease in cats

Frowde, P.E., et al., Oesophageal disease in 33 cats. Journal of feline medicine & surgery, 2011. 13(8): p. 564-569.

Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]

Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.

German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Frowde, P.E., et al., Oesophageal disease in 33 cats. Journal of feline medicine & surgery, 2011. 13(8): p. 564-569.

Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]

Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.

German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

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Scoliosis is difficult to cure and easier to prevent.

Scoliosis, or a curvature of the spine, can affect fish along with many other animals.

There are several theories as to the cause of this disease inaquariums, but many experts believe that overcrowded fish tankscould be the reason behind some cases.

It is also linked to oxygen-poor water, fish food that is lacking in nutrients and inadequate mineral salts in the tank.

A deficiency of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been related to this issue and other skeletal deformities.

Genetic factors have also been linked to this problem, with it commonly occurring when fish interbreed, especially among guppies.

Putting aquarium plants in the fish tank can lessen the likelihood of an animal suffering from scoliosis.

As it is difficult to treat this condition, it is important to maintain good water quality and use water testing kitsregularly, as well as providing fish with an adequate diet and keeping the tank within preferred temperatures.

Posted by Olivia Rose

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Scoliosis, or a curvature of the spine, can affect fish along with many other animals.

There are several theories as to the cause of this disease inaquariums, but many experts believe that overcrowded fish tankscould be the reason behind some cases.

It is also linked to oxygen-poor water, fish food that is lacking in nutrients and inadequate mineral salts in the tank.

A deficiency of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been related to this issue and other skeletal deformities.

Genetic factors have also been linked to this problem, with it commonly occurring when fish interbreed, especially among guppies.

Putting aquarium plants in the fish tank can lessen the likelihood of an animal suffering from scoliosis.

As it is difficult to treat this condition, it is important to maintain good water quality and use water testing kitsregularly, as well as providing fish with an adequate diet and keeping the tank within preferred temperatures.

Posted by Olivia Rose

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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U.S. Congress Says Pizza is a Vegetable

The U.S. Congress is trying to keep pizza and French fries on school lunch menus, fighting Obama administration proposals to make school lunches healthier.  Their final version of a spending bill would undo school lunch standards the Agriculture Department proposed earlier this year.

The bill also would also continue to allow tomato paste on pizzas to be counted as a vegetable, a standard the USDA had sought to end.

MSNBC reports:

“Food companies that produce frozen pizzas for schools, the salt industry and potato growers requested the changes, and some conservatives in Congress say the federal government shouldn't be telling children what to eat.”

Sources:

  MSNBC November 15, 2011 

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

The U.S. Congress is trying to keep pizza and French fries on school lunch menus, fighting Obama administration proposals to make school lunches healthier.  Their final version of a spending bill would undo school lunch standards the Agriculture Department proposed earlier this year.

The bill also would also continue to allow tomato paste on pizzas to be counted as a vegetable, a standard the USDA had sought to end.

MSNBC reports:

“Food companies that produce frozen pizzas for schools, the salt industry and potato growers requested the changes, and some conservatives in Congress say the federal government shouldn't be telling children what to eat.”

Sources:

  MSNBC November 15, 2011 

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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Adoption of Shelter Kittens

Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Follow us on Twitter

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Cats and Viruses

Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Follow us on Twitter

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Perceived Distortion in Scoliosis Tied to Quality of Life

or adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is an inverse association between perceived distortion and quality of life, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in Spine.

(HealthDay News) — For adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is an inverse association between perceived distortion and quality of life (QOL), according to a study published online Oct. 27 in Spine.

Aina J. Danielsson, M.D., Ph.D., from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, Sweden, and colleagues examined the effects of subjective present body appearance on QOL in adult patients with idiopathic scoliosis. In 1995, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with moderate curve sizes were assigned to a brace or observation (non-braced). Sixteen years after maturity, 37 and 40, respectively, were followed up and completed the Scoliosis Research Society quality-of-life questionnaire (SRS-22) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The participants' opinions on body appearance were graded by pictorial evaluation using the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire. Curve sizes, scoliometer measurements for grading trunk asymmetry, and QOL measures were compared with these scores.

The investigators found that the groups had a similar age and curve size (mean age, 32 years; curve size, 35 degrees). There was an inverse association between distortion and the SRS-22 total score and satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management subscore, but no association with the SRS-22 function subscore. Trunk rotation was similar for non-braced and braced patients (mean, 10.7 and 10.8 degrees, respectively). Compared with braced patients, non-braced patients estimated their body appearance to be significantly less distorted.

"Patients who experienced less body asymmetry were more satisfied with treatment and had a better quality of life," the authors write.

Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

or adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is an inverse association between perceived distortion and quality of life, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in Spine.

(HealthDay News) — For adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is an inverse association between perceived distortion and quality of life (QOL), according to a study published online Oct. 27 in Spine.

Aina J. Danielsson, M.D., Ph.D., from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, Sweden, and colleagues examined the effects of subjective present body appearance on QOL in adult patients with idiopathic scoliosis. In 1995, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with moderate curve sizes were assigned to a brace or observation (non-braced). Sixteen years after maturity, 37 and 40, respectively, were followed up and completed the Scoliosis Research Society quality-of-life questionnaire (SRS-22) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The participants' opinions on body appearance were graded by pictorial evaluation using the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire. Curve sizes, scoliometer measurements for grading trunk asymmetry, and QOL measures were compared with these scores.

The investigators found that the groups had a similar age and curve size (mean age, 32 years; curve size, 35 degrees). There was an inverse association between distortion and the SRS-22 total score and satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management subscore, but no association with the SRS-22 function subscore. Trunk rotation was similar for non-braced and braced patients (mean, 10.7 and 10.8 degrees, respectively). Compared with braced patients, non-braced patients estimated their body appearance to be significantly less distorted.

"Patients who experienced less body asymmetry were more satisfied with treatment and had a better quality of life," the authors write.

Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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Does eating high cholesterol foods increase heart disease risk?

Back in 1913 a Russian scientist, Dr Anitschkov, thought he had found the answer to heart disease: he found that it was induced by feeding cholesterol to rabbits. What he failed to realise was that rabbits, being vegetarians, have no means for dealing with this animal fat. Since the fatty deposits in the arteries of people with heart disease have also been found to be high in cholesterol, it was soon thought that these deposits were the result of an excess of cholesterol.

Such a simple theory had its attractions and many doctors still advocate a low fat, low cholesterol diet as the answer to heart disease – despite a consistent lack of positive results. In truth, this prevailing myth has been fuelled by the existence of highly profitable statin drugs, sold for their cholesterol lowering ability, which are more easily marketed by making cholesterol the villain.

Putting cholesterol to the test

An average egg contains about 275mg of cholesterol and two thirds of its calories come from fat. So, eggs are the perfect candidate for testing the theory that eating cholesterol, or high fat, raises blood cholesterol. I've kept an eye on studies on eggs (and other high cholesterol foods such as shellfish) since the 70's and they all show the same thing. Eating cholesterol doesn't raise blood cholesterol.

Does eating high cholesterol foods increase heart disease risk?

Inuit people of North America (Eskimos) were always an enigma with regard to the cholesterol theory. Their traditional diet, high in seal meat, has among the highest cholesterol levels of any cultural diet, yet their rate of cardiovascular disease is among the lowest. However, we now know their diet of seal meat is exceptionally high in omega 3 fats, which confer protection. But what about people eating high cholesterol foods that aren't high in omega 3 fats?

It is now evident that there is no clear relationship between intake of dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. This said, however, a lot of high cholesterol foods also happen to be high in saturated fat and often fried. While this might not significantly raise cholesterol you might get more oxidized cholesterol, which is bad news. It is therefore prudent not to go overboard on high cholesterol foods, while at the same time, there is no need for cholesterol phobia.

Cholesterol more a marker, than a cause

Foods that tend to reduce cardiovascular risk tend to lower cholesterol levels as well. So, your blood cholesterol statistics are not irrelevant, they are just not quite as important as we've been led to believe. If you or your doctor rely only on cholesterol to predict risk without assessing other critical risk factors such as triglycerides, homocysteine, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipoprotein(a), you may still be at high risk despite a normal cholesterol. You certainly don't want to put all your eggs in the cholesterol basket because you might miss other important indicators. If you do, however, have a high cholesterol level, avoiding cholesterol foods isn't going to make much difference. But there are other diet and lifestyle changes that will.

The reason for this is that the body needs cholesterol, it makes what it needs. It is only when you are eating, or living, in such a way that stops the normal cycle of cholesterol production and clearance by HDL that you start to get a change in cholesterol statis

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Back in 1913 a Russian scientist, Dr Anitschkov, thought he had found the answer to heart disease: he found that it was induced by feeding cholesterol to rabbits. What he failed to realise was that rabbits, being vegetarians, have no means for dealing with this animal fat. Since the fatty deposits in the arteries of people with heart disease have also been found to be high in cholesterol, it was soon thought that these deposits were the result of an excess of cholesterol.

Such a simple theory had its attractions and many doctors still advocate a low fat, low cholesterol diet as the answer to heart disease – despite a consistent lack of positive results. In truth, this prevailing myth has been fuelled by the existence of highly profitable statin drugs, sold for their cholesterol lowering ability, which are more easily marketed by making cholesterol the villain.

Putting cholesterol to the test

An average egg contains about 275mg of cholesterol and two thirds of its calories come from fat. So, eggs are the perfect candidate for testing the theory that eating cholesterol, or high fat, raises blood cholesterol. I've kept an eye on studies on eggs (and other high cholesterol foods such as shellfish) since the 70's and they all show the same thing. Eating cholesterol doesn't raise blood cholesterol.

Does eating high cholesterol foods increase heart disease risk?

Inuit people of North America (Eskimos) were always an enigma with regard to the cholesterol theory. Their traditional diet, high in seal meat, has among the highest cholesterol levels of any cultural diet, yet their rate of cardiovascular disease is among the lowest. However, we now know their diet of seal meat is exceptionally high in omega 3 fats, which confer protection. But what about people eating high cholesterol foods that aren't high in omega 3 fats?

It is now evident that there is no clear relationship between intake of dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. This said, however, a lot of high cholesterol foods also happen to be high in saturated fat and often fried. While this might not significantly raise cholesterol you might get more oxidized cholesterol, which is bad news. It is therefore prudent not to go overboard on high cholesterol foods, while at the same time, there is no need for cholesterol phobia.

Cholesterol more a marker, than a cause

Foods that tend to reduce cardiovascular risk tend to lower cholesterol levels as well. So, your blood cholesterol statistics are not irrelevant, they are just not quite as important as we've been led to believe. If you or your doctor rely only on cholesterol to predict risk without assessing other critical risk factors such as triglycerides, homocysteine, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipoprotein(a), you may still be at high risk despite a normal cholesterol. You certainly don't want to put all your eggs in the cholesterol basket because you might miss other important indicators. If you do, however, have a high cholesterol level, avoiding cholesterol foods isn't going to make much difference. But there are other diet and lifestyle changes that will.

The reason for this is that the body needs cholesterol, it makes what it needs. It is only when you are eating, or living, in such a way that stops the normal cycle of cholesterol production and clearance by HDL that you start to get a change in cholesterol statis

About Dr Kevin Lau
Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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