01/20/2026
Cholesterol has been demonized and blamed for a host of health issues. Cholesterol is vital to our health.
Cholesterol Benefits:
-it makes up the cell membrane structure and supports cellular function and repair
-mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of energy production!
-cholesterol is a precursor to hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone. Studies have shown that competitive sports women whose cholesterol levels drops below 150 stop having a menstrual cycle. There isn't enough cholesterol to make the s*x hormones. When the body is stressed the s*x hormones are the first to be sacrificed, the body goes into survival mood and reproduction is put on hold.
-activates the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA and dopamine that help you to feel happy, calm and think straight
-necessary for a healthy nervous system (an essential fuel for neurons). Cholesterol lines the myelin sheath, acting as an insulator. In MS, the myelin sheath is damaged.
-Cholesterol makes the bile acid that in turn gets rid of old circulating cholesterol
-protection from infections by serving as a cell membrane component and signaling molecule, influencing immune cell activation and responses,
-Cholesterol and inflammation have a complex, bidirectional link, where high LDL ("bad") cholesterol accumulation triggers inflammation, and chronic inflammation can worsen cholesterol issues, both significantly increasing risks for heart disease, stroke, and metabolic problems like atherosclerosis. Cholesterol buildup in arteries promotes immune responses, leading to plaque formation, while inflammation itself damages arteries, making cholesterol more harmful. Reminds me of a dog chasing its tail. Cause and effect. Cholesterol is attempting to patch up the inflamed tissues by laying down a coating to protect the blood vessels. The culprit is what is causing the inflammation, cholesterol gets blamed for plaquing of the arteries.
-cholesterol is used in vitamin D production and is necessary for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E and K
-a powerful repair substance that controls free radial damage and oxidation
it’s vital to healthy brain and neurocognitive function (the brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ in the body)
What causes high cholesterol?
-A diet high in processed carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, rancid vegetable oils, hydrogenated fats, and overly processed foods, i.e. the Standard American Diet, (SAD indeed!)
-Dehydration
-Inflammation overload
-Congested sticky bile, gallbladder dysfunction, and a sluggish liver
-Insulin resistance and poorly managed diabetes
-Infections (dental infections, parasites, yeast, Candida overgrowth, bacterial)
-Genetics
-Leaky gut, digestive dysfunction
-Environmental toxicity due to heavy metals, pesticides, glyphosate, or other toxic chemicals and contaminants
-Low thyroid function (hypothyroid) and overactive adrenals
-Mental, emotional and physical stress can also influence cholesterol levels.
If you need some assistance with your cholesterol levels give the office a call and let's discover what is stressing your body.
Something to ask your P*P about: Coronary Calcium Score imaging. It shows how much or how little calcification you have in your coronary arteries. Perhaps a high score will be enough to make you become proactive and make some major lifestyle changes.
Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
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