By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife
I love learning new things and passing them on to all of you. When it comes to our health, knowledge empowers us to navigate our health journey. We’ve heard for a long time that high cholesterol is bad. My cardiologist wanted to put me on a statin even though my cholesterol was in a normal range; I declined.
So, let’s take a look at what cholesterol does.
Cholesterol is a fat related compound found in all body tissues and in animal products. It is made within the body, primarily by the liver. Some is also produced by the intestinal wall. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun. The brain is our most cholesterol rich organ and is important in brain health. It is also our body’s repair substance, creating scar tissue and patching damaged arteries. It, along with saturated fats, in the cell membranes gives our cells stability.
Cholesterol is also a primary component of the myelin that surrounds each nerve cell and acts a protective sheath giving insulation and allowing more efficient nerve impulse conduction.
Note: Many times, when our cholesterol is high, it’s because the body needs it to perform its functions.
News Flash: Our LDL cholesterol is not the real problem. It’s the oxidized LDL combined with arterial inflammation that can lead to arterial calcification (plaque formation) and hardening of the arteries.
If the percent of LDL cholesterol molecules that are oxidized is low (less that 10% of total LDL) and arterial inflammation is kept at a minimum we won’t need to worry about the levels. What is needed to keep these in check is anti-oxidants (nutrients, not medication).
A little science:
Homocysteine along with free radicals oxidizes the arterial lining along with the LDL and triglycerides which leads to the inflammation. This in turn releases the C-Reactive protein (produced by the liver) which is a known marker of arterial inflammation (5-7). Homocysteine causes nicks or cracks in the endothelium (where inflammation takes place) and the oxidized LDL sticks to these nicks. LDL cholesterol that is not oxidized does not stick to these nicks, no matter how much there is.
This is good news because our cells need it to function and without it we would die. Lastly, many health problems can arise if our levels are too low.
There are certain labs that can test and inform you where you actually stand. One doctor recommended lab is Life Extension. The tests to request:
- Oxidized LDL Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol, High sensitivity CRP
- Homocysteine (You can request this test with your normal blood work.)
The Big Take Away: If your oxidized LDL is low, and you boost your HDL and keep your homocysteine levels low, you won’t be at an increased risk for heart attacks or death.
Our bodies are complex and so many of the functions are interwoven and dependent on each other. Every step we take in our journey makes a difference.
Have a fabulous Valentine’s Day (A day to love others and yourself!) and a healthy 2026.
Here’s to Health!
