Lipids in urine (not cholesterol test)

Question
Just to give you a head start -- let me say that I have been reading exentsively on nutrition and dietetics for over 10 years.  I have investigated a number of degree programs in the field, but have not had the opportunity to enroll due to various circumstances.

My question comes as a result of searching on the internet.  I was trying to find a test for lipids in the urine, but ALL of the search results I saw address CHOLESTEROL issues.  All I want to find out is the amount of lipids in the urine -- I don't want a profile or panel which shows specific fat components.

One reason for my searching is that I am 52 years old and in the past 6 months have noticed a change in the way my regular (3 or more half hour + sessions per week at a complete fitness center) work outs affect my body.  I seem to swell with exercise and have trouble reducing the size of my waist.  The more I exercise, the more I look disfigured in the mirror.

My diet is pretty steady.  I've really noticed positive effects in ten years -- for example, I steam ALL my food in a pressure cooker.  I use only flax oil, am basically a vegan, etc.  I do use L-carnatine and amino isolates.  I am fairly knowledged in supplementation, so that issue does not need to be addressed.  (pantothenic, B-12, folic, etc.)

I feel that male menopause is setting in and affecting my metabolic process.  Basically I would like to know when fats are being expelled from my body.  This might give me clues on dietary factors and help me coordinate my diet and exercise in an optimal way.

Thanks very much for making yourself available.

I would also like you to suggest any internet sites you feel are good ones -- these would not have to involve the main subject of the lipid/metabolism question I am submitting.

I am also interested in any sites that help avoid hypertension.  I saw a physician as a result of another doctor consultation, but no meds were recommended -- the GP did not feel hypertension was an issue at this point.

Thanks again for any response you might have.

Jerry Snyder
92 Medinah Drive
Reading, PA  19607

Answer
Jerry,

I've never heard of a urine test for lipids (fats).  There is no reason, that I can think of, why your body would elimate fat through your urine.  This would be a big waste of 'energy'.  People who are diabetic will eliminate sugar through their urine when not enough insulin is produced to move the sugar from the blood in to the cells.  Diabetes, as you probably know, is a serious metabolic disorder so "spilling sugar" in the urine is not normal.  Diabetics will eliminate ketones through their urine.  Ketones are produced when fat is metabolised because sugar is not available.  Ketones are strong acids and are harmful to your body.

To help keep your blood pressure under control, exercise, maintain a healthy weight and avoid excess salt.  Also, calcium supplements may help:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/98/6/613

The average American adult has an almost 90% chance of developing high blood pressure during their life.  If your blood pressure becomes high, don't be afraid to treat it with medicines if it remains high.  Try the American Heart Association for more information:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4450

The fat around your waist is there because of genetics.  Men are genetically designed to store extra fat around their waste, women around their hips and buttock.  Some of us are designed to store more than others.  Your waist will not decrease unless your total weight decreases and even then there may not be a big change.  Not much you can do about your genes.  This is what liposuction is designed for, just an FYI.

Your questions are complicated ones and there may not be an answer.

Best of luck.

Todd
www.Lipid-Clinic.com

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