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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There Any Relation Between Anxiety And Cholesterol?

For years, I have had unusually low cholesterol readings - as low as 99 total cholesterol. For the same period of time I have been dealing with anxiety issues and depression. I recently found studies that linked the two. I have one child and notices that all my anxiety/depression issues resolved during pregnancy (a time when the body naturally raises the cholesterol levels) As such, I would like to raise my cholesterol levels in order to see if this is contributing to the anxiety - is their a safe way to do so?
Mon, 14 Dec 2009
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I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with anxiety and depression it's a tough road. Working with a psychiatrist and therapist you can determine what medication and talk therapy could help. Finding a medication can be tough - a bit trial & error , (sorry, but since they can't sample exactly what is going on chemically in your brain they have to try by experimenting with small doses). Is it possible that you also took better care of your body during pregnancy? Better diet? More sleep? You are so smart to realize that what you eat, and the blood chemistry results, may have an effect. Good nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy AND to good mental health too! There are nutrients that your body cannot absorb and make us of unless there is sufficient fat in your diet along with other healthy foods. When adding fats, choose well. Olive oil is produced without as much processing and does not result in as much of the "bad cholesterol." Examine your diet - keep a journal of eating, then review your habits with a nutritionist. If you identify possible imbalances and correct these your body will function better and produce a healthier balance of chemistry in your brain to support mental heath. Do not neglect exercise, even if you are down, because it also plays a part in maintaining your overall heath. Regular blood tests are a good idea because your MD will be able to identify and hormonal or endocrine problems too. Keep doing your best to take care of yourself, being responsible for your mental health! You are very important to your family and friends and my heaart goes out to you too! Time you spend maintaining your health is an investment in your loved ones too! God bless you & yours -- JA
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Is There Any Relation Between Anxiety And Cholesterol?

I m sorry to hear that you are dealing with anxiety and depression it s a tough road. Working with a psychiatrist and therapist you can determine what medication and talk therapy could help. Finding a medication can be tough - a bit trial error , (sorry, but since they can t sample exactly what is going on chemically in your brain they have to try by experimenting with small doses). Is it possible that you also took better care of your body during pregnancy? Better diet? More sleep? You are so smart to realize that what you eat, and the blood chemistry results, may have an effect. Good nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy AND to good mental health too! There are nutrients that your body cannot absorb and make us of unless there is sufficient fat in your diet along with other healthy foods. When adding fats, choose well. Olive oil is produced without as much processing and does not result in as much of the bad cholesterol. Examine your diet - keep a journal of eating, then review your habits with a nutritionist. If you identify possible imbalances and correct these your body will function better and produce a healthier balance of chemistry in your brain to support mental heath. Do not neglect exercise, even if you are down, because it also plays a part in maintaining your overall heath. Regular blood tests are a good idea because your MD will be able to identify and hormonal or endocrine problems too. Keep doing your best to take care of yourself, being responsible for your mental health! You are very important to your family and friends and my heaart goes out to you too! Time you spend maintaining your health is an investment in your loved ones too! God bless you yours -- JA