What are the signs of High cholesterol?
The Cholesterol Talk You Need (But Probably Haven’t Had)
You know that friend who always says “I eat whatever I want and my cholesterol is perfect!”? Yeah, I had one of those too. Then last year at 47, she had a mild heart attack. Turns out her “perfect” cholesterol wasn’t so perfect after all. This is why I hate how we talk about cholesterol in Canada. We throw around numbers like they’re baseball stats without explaining what they really mean for your body. If you’re curious about natural ways to manage it, naturopathy in Vaughan offers a holistic approach to keeping your cholesterol in check.
So, how do you know if your cholesterol levels are creeping up? Let’s break down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs – plus what you can do about it.
The Cholesterol Wake-Up Call We All Need
Last winter, a 52-year-old Vaughan electrician came to see me – Mike. Fit guy, played hockey twice a week. His doctor had put him on statins six months earlier, but he hated how they made him feel. “Doc says my numbers are better,” he told me, “but I feel worse than ever.”
When we dug deeper, we found:
- He’d been having weird calf cramps he blamed on “getting older”
- His energy crashed every afternoon
- Family history of heart disease he’d minimized
Mike’s story isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s why I wrote this. Because cholesterol isn’t about numbers on a page – it’s about how you feel in your body every single day.
7 Warning Signs Most People Miss
- The Afternoon Crash That Coffee Can’t Fix
When your circulation isn’t optimal because of cholesterol buildup, your brain and muscles don’t get the oxygen they need. That 3pm slump? Might not be just poor sleep. - Cold Hands and Feet (Even in Summer)
Janine, one of my patients, always wore socks to bed – even in July. We improved her circulation naturally, and now she’s the one complaining about the AC. - That Weird Pain in Your Jaw
Most people don’t know this can signal heart stress. One of our Vaughan patients thought it was just TMJ until we connected the dots. - Your Workouts Feel Harder Than They Should
If your usual spin class suddenly feels like climbing Everest, your blood might be struggling to flow like it used to. - The “It’s Just Aging” Excuse
“I’m not as young as I used to be” is the most dangerous phrase in middle age. Many “normal” aging symptoms aren’t normal at all. - Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You Something
Those little yellowish patches near your eyes? Your body’s version of a warning light. - You’re the “Healthy One” in Your Friend Group
Ironically, the people who think they’re fine because they’re “better than average” often wait too long to get checked.
Why the Standard Advice Fails So Many People
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The standard cholesterol advice works great… if you’re a textbook case. But most of us aren’t.
Take the “eat less fat” mantra. For some patients, that’s exactly right. For others? Cutting healthy fats makes things worse. I’ve seen vegan patients with sky-high cholesterol and bacon lovers with perfect numbers.
At our Vaughan clinic, we start by asking:
- What’s your unique genetic risk?
- How’s your liver function?
- What’s really going on with your digestion?
- How is stress impacting your body?
Because here’s what no one tells you: Two people with the same cholesterol numbers can have completely different risks. The numbers alone don’t tell the full story.
What Actually Works (Based on Real Patients)
- The Right Tests (Most Doctors Don’t Order)
Standard cholesterol panels are like judging a book by its cover. We look deeper at:- LDL particle size (small/dense = trouble)
- Inflammation markers
- Insulin resistance indicators
- Food as Medicine (But Not How You Think)
Forget “low fat” vs “keto.” We create plans based on:- Your unique metabolism
- Your cultural food preferences
- Your schedule (because no diet works if it doesn’t fit your life)
- Movement That Makes Sense
You don’t need marathon training. One of our most successful patients lowered her cholesterol just by dancing in her living room for 15 minutes daily. - Stress Solutions That Don’t Suck
If “just meditate” worked, we’d all be zen masters. We find what actually fits your personality – even if it’s screaming into a pillow.
How Naturopathy in Vaughan Can Help Manage Cholesterol Naturally
If you’re wary of relying solely on medications, naturopathy in Vaughan offers science-backed, natural strategies to improve cholesterol levels. At PhysioChiroWellness, our approach includes:
- Detoxification Support
- Personalized Nutrition Plans
- Herbal and Supplement Support
- Stress Management Techniques
- Exercise Guidance
When to Stop Gambling With Your Health
Here’s my rule: If you’re over 40 in Vaughan and haven’t had advanced cholesterol testing, you’re flying blind. Especially if:
- Heart disease runs in your family
- You’ve ever been told your cholesterol is “borderline”
- You’re on any long-term medications
- You’ve noticed any of the warning signs above
The Good News No One Talks About
High cholesterol is one of the most reversible risk factors out there. At PhysioChiroWellness, we’ve helped hundreds of Vaughan residents lower their numbers naturally – often without medications.
But here’s the key: You need to act before there’s a crisis. Because once damage happens, it’s much harder to undo.
Book an Appointment with Best Doctors of Naturopathy in Vaughan
If any of this hit home, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Book a consultation with our Vaughan team today. Let’s look at your real risks – not just textbook numbers – and create a plan that actually works for your life.
Because you deserve to know what your cholesterol is really telling you.