The topic of cholesterol is complex and like many health topics a bit controversial. While cholesterol has been considered to be a bad thing and an indicator of cardiovascular health, cholesterol is also essential for the health of nearly every cell in the body and is responsible for a number of biological processes.
What is Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced primarily by the liver and is necessary for many functions in the body. When measuring cholesterol levels in blood tests, looking at total cholesterol alone does not provide enough information to determine someone’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Total cholesterol is a measurement of both the “good” cholesterol or HDL and the “bad” cholesterol or LDL. Important factors when it comes to determining risk for cardiovascular disease are the ratio of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), whether these types of fats are buoyant or not, and the level of triglycerides. It is imperative that all of these factors are considered in order to determine risk and before prescribing cholesterol lowering medications known as statins.
Does Cholesterol Clog Your Arteries?
The assumption has been that cholesterol is responsible for clogging arteries. This makes sense at first glance because there is some cholesterol present in arterial blockages. However, most of the material in a clogged artery is calcium. Isn’t it interesting that we don’t blame calcium for the blockage? When an artery is damaged internally, the body naturally creates a patch composed primarily of calcium. Cholesterol acts as a bonding agent to help the calcium stick to the wall of the artery preventing a rupture. Saying that cholesterol caused the blockage is like noticing that firemen are always present at fires, therefore the firemen must have caused the fire. While we know that the presence of firemen does not mean they are the cause of the fire, we should also consider that just because cholesterol is present, it doesn’t mean that cholesterol caused the damage. Yes, an abundance of calcium and cholesterol build up may result in a blockage, but we need to look at why the damage occurred in the first place and address that issue.
Benefits of Cholesterol – Cholesterol is produced by almost every cell in the body and is required for healthy cell membranes; to patch tears and irritations in the arteries; to regulate hormone production and mineral metabolism; to support healthy function of the brain and nervous system; to produce bile acids which help in the digestion of healthy fats and to remove toxins from our bodies; and as a precursor for the formation of vitamin D. Cholesterol also protects us against cancer causing free radicals.
5 Steps to Lower Cholesterol Naturally – Our bodies will naturally create more or less cholesterol as needed to support biological functions. Chronic heart disease is most often caused by inflammation and vitamin and mineral deficiency. Cholesterol is a by-product that is produced as a result a poor diet in most cases, which is why treating elevated levels of cholesterol, elevated levels of triglycerides and protecting against heart disease should always be done with nutritional therapy first and foremost. That said, there are some people who have a genetic predisposition to high-cholesterol who may not fit into this category. For these, people regardless of diet and lifestyle changes they may still need medical intervention. To help bring cholesterol ratios into healthy levels and reduce triglycerides follow these five steps.
- Avoid Toxic Foods and Fats – Processed foods, chemically grown or treated foods, foods with additives, and foods that contain bad fats including trans fats and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils cause internal damage to the arterial wall resulting in a need for calcium and cholesterol to patch the damage and protect us from internal bleeding.
- Avoid White Flour and Sugar – These foods increase blood sugar and insulin levels creating inflammation in the body. The liver produces more cholesterol when inflammation is high from excess insulin & cortisol production as well as excess toxins and toxic foods.
- Eat REAL Food – Eat foods that are as close to how they are grown in nature, are nutrient dense, and have an abundance of vitamins and minerals to reduce deficiencies that can lead to cardiovascular disease. B vitamins and minerals such magnesium, copper, calcium and potassium are important nutrients for heart health. Eat unprocessed, real foods including meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, dairy if tolerated, and healthy fats.
- Include a balance of healthy fats that include omega 3, 6 and 9 and saturated fat from butter, animal meats, cold water fish, avocado oil, olive oil and coconut oil. (Note: Grass-fed beef, and butter from grass-fed cows, have higher levels of omega 3 fats than that of grain-fed beef and conventional dairy.)
- Supplement with Cod Liver Oil or EPA/DHA – Supplementing with one or two tablespoons daily of the cod liver oil or taking an EPA/DHA supplement helps balance omega 3 fats and supports good heart health.
Statins (cholesterol blocking/lowering medications) – These drugs lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme that the liver needs to produce cholesterol. Some of the side effects of statins include muscle aches & pains, slurring of speech, reduced cognitive function, brain fog and memory loss, tingling in the hands and feet, heart failure as a result of reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and in recent animal studies statins have been shown to cause cancer. In one study breast cancer rates were 1500 percent higher in those who were taking statin medications.
CoQ10 is a primary support for heart cell growth and operation. CoQ10 is greatly reduced when taking statin drugs. If you take statins, talk to you doctor about also taking CoQ10 to protect your heart.
Dr. Jeffrey Gerber says, “The only patients I recommend statins to are those who refuse to change their diet. That’s the role statins can play for a noncompliant patient.”
Dr. Duane Graveline, shares his experience with the statin drug Lipitor in My Statin Story. He believes and has strong evidence that statin drugs given to him as part of his annual astronaut physical are responsible for causing transient global amnesia and eventually Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Keep in mind that there is a time and place for statins but, like most drugs, they come with a list of side effects that may be detrimental to your health. Talk to your doctor about alternative options that include a holistic approach first including diet and lifestyle changes before taking medications.
If you are looking to get a second opinion from a physician, choose a doctor based on his or her knowledge and willingness to treat from a holistic approach first and medication second. Dr. Jeffery Gerber, a Denver doctor will see clients via telemedicine and has additional information on his website.
Resources and Other Helpful Links:
Myths & Truths About Cholesterol
50 Facts on Statins, Cholesterol and Heart Health
