Cholesterol is often a controversial topic, largely because we’ve been inundated with information suggesting it’s harmful and something we need to eliminate or suppress. In reality, cholesterol is not only beneficial but also essential. This fatty substance, produced in the liver, is crucial for every cell membrane in our bodies. It balances hormones, supports bile production, and plays a vital role in synthesizing vitamin D. Cholesterol, a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, is a fundamental building block every cell in our body relies on.
For years, cholesterol has been portrayed as dangerous, something to keep as low as possible. However, recent studies show that extremely low cholesterol levels aren’t healthy either. The body naturally seeks balance, with the liver—our primary detoxification organ—regulating cholesterol in response to our lifestyle and needs. Cholesterol, like blood sugar or thyroid hormones, serves as a “messenger” reflecting the body’s current state.
Think of cholesterol as the body’s “emergency response vehicle.” When inflammation—a “fire” in the body—is present, the liver may increase cholesterol production to help manage it. This inflammation could be due to the Standard American Diet, gut imbalances, toxins, mold, stress, or high blood sugar. As a functional medicine practitioner, my goal is to identify and address what’s fueling this “fire,” not simply stop the “ambulance” (cholesterol) from responding.
In conventional medicine, high cholesterol is often addressed with statins. Statins effectively lower cholesterol, but they may also come at a cost to overall health. In this analogy, statins hold back the “ambulance” (cholesterol) from reaching the “fire” (inflammation), allowing underlying issues to persist. This may leave individuals still vulnerable to heart disease, as the goal should be to support the body’s long-term vitality, not merely lower cholesterol numbers.
Additionally, as statins block cholesterol production, they also inhibit a vital enzyme called CoQ10, a nutrient essential for mitochondrial health and energy production. CoQ10 supports cellular repair and regeneration, especially in high-energy tissues like the heart, muscles, and brain.
Understanding HDL and LDL is also crucial. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, has two forms: Type A, which is large, fluffy, and beneficial, and Type B, which is small, dense, and potentially more harmful. If your doctor tells you that you have high LDL, it’s worth checking which type is elevated. Meanwhile, HDL serves as a “clean-up crew,” returning excess cholesterol to the liver and acting as a precursor to vitamin D, vital for immune health. Low HDL is therefore less ideal. If you’re interested in knowing which labs might provide these insights, feel free to reach out.
Cholesterol isn’t the enemy. It’s a vital, complex molecule essential to many bodily functions. The key is understanding what’s fueling elevated cholesterol, rather than just suppressing cholesterol itself.
As a functional medicine practitioner, I work in harmony with conventional medicine, addressing health holistically to identify root causes rather than only symptoms. I don’t diagnose or counter medical advice; rather, I empower individuals to take control of their health by looking at the entire body as a whole. If you’d like to learn more about what I do, I offer a free discovery call to discuss your unique health journey.
