Not All Cholesterol is Bad!
Cholesterol production is important! Your liver and intestines make about 80% of the cholesterol you need to stay healthy. Only about 20% comes from the foods you eat. When diving into cholesterol it’s important to know the full break down. I encourage a thorough work up to be done.
Cholesterol panel
Lipid Profile and Ratios
Total Cholesterol (TC)
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides (TG)
Lipid Particle Number, Size and Subfractions
TG/HDL Ratio
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) Assessment of cardiovascular risk
Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)Assessment of cardiovascular risk
ApoB/A1 Ratio
Cholesterol is the precursor for
Pregnenolone
Progesterone
Cortisol
Androgens
Oestrogens
Vitamin D
Vitamin K2
Coenzyme Q10
Bile salts
Driving cholesterol lower with statins may negatively affect hormones and
Increase the risk of diabetes mellitus 2
Increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Increase the risk of neuropathy
Cause myalgia and atrophy
When it comes down to LDL size and throw does matter! A basic cholesterol panel does not break it down.
Small density LDL (pattern B)→higher risk
Intermediate density LDL (pattern I)
Large, buoyant LDL (pattern A)→lower risk
And, don’t forget that toxins and heavy metals play a role as well!
Increase LDL and TG, decrease HDL, and induce dysfunctional HDL
Increase CVD, hypertension, atherosclerosis
Reduce total antioxidant capacity
Act as mitochondrial toxins
Inflammation is a huge role player in cardiovascular disease.
High-sensitivity CRP major marker of inflammation
The higher the inflammation, the more permeable the endothelium
Associated with higher risk
Considered a “risk enhancing factor” (AHA/ACC guidelines)
Underlying Causes of Inflammation
Poor dietary choices
Lack of exercise
Visceral fat
Chronic infections/dysbiosis (esp. oral and gut)
Toxins, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals
Poor sleep