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Beyond Cholesterol Numbers: Exploring the Factors Behind Cholesterol Imbalance
- Happy Spurling, CFMC, CNHP, CNC, & BCHHP
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Cholesterol is commonly treated by the medical industry as the source of heart disease and other conditions. However, high cholesterol is usually the symptom of a much deeper imbalance.
Cholesterol is a fatty molecule found in the blood that is necessary for the body to function. There are several different forms and the most commonly known are HDL, VLDL, and LDL. High levels of total cholesterol have been linked to cardiovascular conditions.
HDL, high density lipoprotein, is known as “good cholesterol” because of its role in reverse cholesterol transport. HDL helps manage blood cholesterol levels by binding to excess cholesterol molecules and carrying them back to the liver where they are processed and eliminated. The optimal level of HDL cholesterol falls between 50 mg/dL and 75 mg/dL. HDL is found in foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, salmon, nuts, and olive oil. Increasing dietary HDL, decreasing carbohydrate intake, exercising regularly, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce heart disease risk and regulate excess cholesterol.
VLDL, very low density lipoprotein, is a lesser known “bad cholesterol” that carries the most triglycerides and therefore poses a higher risk than other types of cholesterol. Ideally, blood levels of VLDL should fall below 20 mg/dL. Excessive caloric consumption, especially from processed foods and carbohydrates, contributes to higher VLDL cholesterol levels. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and eating healthy fats can help maintain a healthy VLDL level.
LDL, low density lipoprotein, is known as “bad cholesterol,” since high levels can cause arterial buildup and lead to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions. The optimal level of LDL cholesterol is below 120 mg/dL. Reducing dietary trans fat can help lower LDL, but this is only one piece of the puzzle.
“[S]everal studies published in the past few years concluded that there was no association between saturated fat intake and heart disease. Despite this, the US Dietary Guidelines recommend that people consume less than 10% of calories per day from saturated fats. [However,] foods high in trans fats should be limited because of their LDL-raising effects.”
85% of cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and the body will maintain a set cholesterol level by producing less cholesterol if dietary intake is high and more cholesterol if intake is low. The key to reducing cholesterol is to address what is causing the body to produce too much cholesterol.
The liver produces more cholesterol when there is inflammation that needs to be calmed. Having insufficient minerals, like magnesium and copper, can cause a higher demand for cholesterol production, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. Minerals are used by the body to calm inflammation, but when there are not enough minerals available, the liver will produce cholesterol as a substitute. Ensuring adequate mineral levels, reducing inflammatory foods and behaviors, and increasing anti-inflammatory foods and behaviors will allow the body to calm inflammation and lower cholesterol without the need of prescription medications.
It is important to incorporate mineral rich foods as a part of an organic whole-food diet. Dr Carolyn Dean, author of The Magnesium Miracle, estimates that 50-80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Over 25% of North American adults consume less copper than the average requirement. Magnesium rich foods include almonds, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, black and kidney beans, spinach, Swiss chard, brown rice, oats, beef, poultry, and salmon. Copper rich foods include beef liver, oysters, crab, salmon, dark unsweetened chocolate, cashews, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, chickpeas, millet, and spinach. However, due to poor soil quality it is very difficult to consume adequate amounts of these minerals, which makes it necessary to introduce a dietary supplement until mineral levels can be restored to optimal levels.
Inflammation can also be lowered through lifestyle and diet changes. Eating whole, unprocessed organic foods instead of refined ultra-processed foods is highly effective in reducing inflammation. An active lifestyle, spending time outdoors, stress reduction, a regular sleep schedule, and a supportive social network are lifestyle practices that can be adopted to reduce inflammation.
High cholesterol is often due to inflammation, which is frequently the result of mineral deficiencies. Life long health begins with disease prevention and an individualized protocol is the best way to achieve your health goals. Contact Renewed Hope Nutrition to schedule a consultation and receive personalized health advice.
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