Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Lipid Therapy?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

There are two common types of lipid therapy. One is meant to lower lipids in the blood in order to help fight atherosclerosis. The other is a controversial treatment also know as fat therapy or therapeutic lipovenous injection, which supposedly uses injections of animal fat to detoxify the body. Many medical professionals believe that the latter treatment is ineffective and could cause damage to the arteries.

When lipid therapy is used to treat atherosclerosis, it is typically because of excessively high levels of bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the blood. It uses a combination of several different methods meant to lower lipid levels. Most lipid therapy begins with changes to diet and the development of an exercise program. If these methods do not work, then drugs may be prescribed.

Nurse
Nurse

When medication is used for lipid therapy, the patient usually has high LDL at least partially due to genetics. Statin drugs are often used to both lower and stop the production of bad cholesterol. Fibrates have also been effective in lowering LDL. A doctor may also prescribe bile acid sequestrants in order to prevent the formation of agents that keep LDL high. Supplements such as vitamin B5 and niacin can also help to lower bad cholesterol and prevent fat storage.

The other kind of lipid therapy involves the increase of fat in the body via injections. Its practitioners believe that injecting animal fat into humans can help boost the detoxification process. They claim that since many toxins are fat soluble, a concentrated boost in fat can help to break them down. After the injection, the patient defecates translucent slime, which practitioners believe contains toxins being removed from the body.

Some medical professionals who oppose this kind of lipid therapy believe that the slimy refuse caused by the injection is actually the body’s reaction to a lipid overload. It is a typical response to poor water absorption and also indicates strain on the arteries. Opponents of the therapy believe that it poses a high risk for permanent artery damage.

People who support this kind of lipid therapy believe that it provides several benefits, including better concentration and memory. Patients also report an overall improved sense of well-being. Doctors believe that this is a temporary effect, which is in reaction to the sudden increase in blood pressure caused by the injection.

There has also been some concern as to the source of the animal fat used for the procedure. In the United States of America, the Department of Agriculture has shown interest in determining whether the acquisition of this material is being handled correctly. Among the issues involved include the overall legality of the way it is obtained and whether the animals from which it comes are being treated humanely.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Nurse
      Nurse