How to eradicate small, dense LDL particles naturally

Summary

William Davis argues that small, dense LDL particles are linked to a broader set of metabolic problems and says that addressing them may improve other health measures. The following is his proposed natural approach; these are his claims and recommendations, not independently verified here.

Strategies discussed

• Change the diet: Avoid wheat, grains, and sugars, which Davis says prompt the liver to produce VLDL and small, dense LDL. He suggests finding alternatives for foods such as pizza and desserts rather than giving them up entirely.
• Favor minimally processed foods: Eat foods such as eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, olive oil, vegetables, fruit, and root vegetables. He advises avoiding ultra-processed foods and some processed vegetable oils.
• Do not restrict calories or fats: Davis cautions against calorie restriction and says not to avoid fat, including saturated fat.
• Consider four nutrients: He says vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s, and iodine work together to address insulin resistance, inflammation, and liver fat production. His suggested amounts are:
  • Vitamin D3: A starting guide of 1,000 IU per 25 pounds of body weight. Test blood levels and adjust; he suggests retesting about three months after starting or changing the dose.
  • Magnesium: About 400–500 mg of elemental magnesium daily. He advises people with kidney disease to use it only with supervision.
  • EPA and DHA: Ideally 3,600 mg daily from fish or algae, divided into two doses. He says plant-based ALA from flax, chia, and walnuts is not a substitute for EPA and DHA.
  • Iodine: About 300–450 micrograms daily, potentially from kelp tablets. Check the actual iodine amount on the label.
• Support the gut microbiome: He recommends fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, and pickled vegetables, and describes making homemade kefir. He also outlines fermented preparations using L. reuteri, L. gasseri, and B. subtilis, with specific fermentation times and temperatures. He suggests using these preparations intermittently for at least four weeks, then continuing as needed.
• Track results: Davis suggests monitoring small LDL particles, triglycerides, blood glucose, fasting insulin, A1C, liver markers, and vitamin D. He says changes may take time to appear in test results.

Davis claims this approach can reduce small, dense LDL and improve measures including triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose, liver tests, inflammation, and abdominal fat. He also describes possible improvements in skin and mood.

Caution: The talk includes specific supplement doses and health claims. Discuss supplements and major dietary changes with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medication.

Presenters and sources mentioned

• Presenter: William Davis, MD
• Books and website: Wheat Belly books and cookbooks; SuperBody; WilliamDavisMD.com
• Products or organizations: BioGaia (Gastrus, Osfortis); Dr. Mercola’s marketplace (BNR17 L. gasseri); Microbiome Labs (HU58); OmegaQuant
• Other references: Five CT coronary angiography studies; Davis’s “Inner Circle” community at drdavisinfinitehealth.com