Did you know that cholesterol isn’t just good for us, but essential for our survival?
Without it, our energy levels would plummet, our cells would falter, we’d face hormone deficiencies, and our longevity would be compromised.
This may seem contradictory to what you’ve heard, but hear me out.
You might be familiar with the Cholesterol Hypothesis, which links higher levels of cholesterol, especially LDL, to increased rates of heart disease. To combat this, we’re often prescribed statins to lower our liver’s cholesterol production.
This hypothesis has been so deeply rooted in our medical understanding that questioning it seems absurd. Yet, after all this time, it’s still just a hypothesis.
In recent years, more scientists and doctors are challenging this idea due to a crucial reason: there’s no solid evidence supporting it.
On the contrary, numerous studies have shown the opposite. For instance, mortality from cardiovascular disease actually increases as cholesterol levels are lowered in people over 60 and decreases as cholesterol levels rise. The same trend is seen in all-cause mortality rates.
One study involving 12.8 million adults found that the lowest risk of heart disease and the highest survival rates were in those with total cholesterol levels between 200 and 240.
So, what’s really going on here?
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL? (LDL & HDL)
Cholesterol is one of the most crucial substances in your body. It builds cell membranes, produces vitamin D, and supports metabolism. Key hormones like estrogen and testosterone are derived from cholesterol, and energy production in cells relies on it.
You’ve probably heard of good and bad cholesterol: HDL and LDL. However, there is only one type of cholesterol. LDL and HDL are just proteins that transport cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells, and HDL brings it back to the liver for disposal. Both are necessary, but cholesterol remains just cholesterol.
HOW IS CHOLESTEROL LINKED TO HEART DISEASE?
The notion that cholesterol causes heart disease stems from the idea that it clogs arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to pass through. While cholesterol does contribute to arterial buildup, it isn’t there because you ate it. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol used in your body.
The real issue arises when toxins—like trans fats, herbicides, and excessive processed sugars—in your bloodstream injure the walls of your blood vessels. The body responds by sending cholesterol to patch these injuries, much like a scab forms on a wound.
Therefore, the cholesterol is there to repair damage, not because you consumed it. Even if you eliminated dietary cholesterol, your liver would still produce it to fix these injuries.
Statins inhibit your liver’s ability to produce cholesterol, reducing the patches on these injuries. However, unpatched injuries can worsen, potentially leading to heart attacks.
The true solution lies in reducing bodily toxins, lowering sugar intake, eliminating harmful bacteria from the bloodstream, and increasing omega-3 levels, which make blood cells more flexible and easier to pass through vessels.
During most fat loss programs, your cholesterol levels might rise, but that’s beneficial. Better blood flow, healthier cells, and proper hormone production are all positive outcomes.
If you’re concerned, let your Body Tonic Provider to check your inflammation markers. High inflammation indicates vessel injury, but the solution isn’t to lower cholesterol. It’s to remove the causes of inflammation. We do extensive and comprehensive testing to get to the root cause of your inflammation.
Rising cholesterol levels without increased inflammation can improve muscle mass, balance hormones, boost energy, and enhance overall health and longevity.
Always consult your Body Tonic provider or primary care physician, but we aim for your optimal health. Not just weight loss.
Owner
Body Tonic Medical Spa
