How to make sense of your cholesterol
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Discover More...Understanding Cholesterol: How to Stay Within the Healthy Range
High cholesterol has been associated with poor health and an
increased risk of heart disease for the last two decades. This idea
immediately spawned myths about saturated fats, which demonized certain
categories of food, like eggs and healthy oils. Most physicians will
advise you to keep your cholesterol levels as low as possible, or else
suffer serious complications.
But did you know that high cholesterol is not necessarily a precursor to poor health nor is it an indicator of heart disease?
In my years of practice, I have seen people whose total cholesterol
levels were over 250 but had a low risk of developing heart disease. I
have also encountered patients who were highly at risk for heart disease
despite low cholesterol levels (under 200).
Conventional doctors neglect to tell you the truth:
your body NEEDS cholesterol. And there are far better indicators of your heart health than just your total cholesterol level.
Back to Basics: What is the Purpose of Cholesterol?
About 75 percent of the cholesterol in your body is produced in your
liver, while the other 25 percent is obtained from the foods you eat.
This soft, waxy substance is essential for the production of:
- Cell membranes
- Hormones
- Bile acids (for fat metabolism)
- Vitamin D
Cholesterol also contributes to the formation of your memories and
is crucial for your neurological function. Cholesterol also affects the
formation of serotonin, a hormone that is involved in your mood
regulation.
Studies have found that people with insufficient levels of
cholesterol have a higher chance of developing depression and suicidal
thoughts, while others may experience an increased capacity for violence
and aggression. In extreme cases, low cholesterol can raise your risk
of cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
A rise in cholesterol levels, on the other hand, occurs in response
to damaged cells. A high amount of this substance in your bloodstream
just proves that your body is working to repair or create new cells.
Statins: A Drug That's Actually Bad for You
Having elevated levels of cholesterol (unless you are suffering from
a genetic defect called familial hypercholesterolemia) is not a
disease that requires
statins,
yet millions are taking them as we speak. It is unfortunate that
Americans are led to believe that this class of cholesterol-lowering
drugs is the answer to normalizing cholesterol levels, when there over
900 studies documenting their adverse effects.
For instance, statins also deplete your CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 or
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that plays a crucial role in the creation of
your ATP molecules needed for cellular energy production. Other than
the side effects brought by statins, CoQ10 deficiency can also yield to
a number of complications, including heart failure.
Unfortunately, conventional doctors oftentimes immediately base
judgment on numbers and prescribe dangerous statins, which ironically
puts your heart health at risk.
Statins: A Drug That's Actually Bad for You
Cholesterol shouldn't be feared to the point that you need toxic
drugs to suppress it. Rather, the key is to understand how cholesterol
works to know how to stay within an optimal range. I urge you to read
my infographic
How to Make Sense of Your Cholesterol Levels to discover this and how you can "read" your cholesterol levels to help gauge your risk of heart disease.
It's time to shatter the myths surrounding cholesterol and statins!
Share this infographic with your friends and family, and help them take
control of their health.