Is Lowering Your Cholesterol Killing You?!
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
If there was a drug to lower oxygen in your body, would you take it?
Of course not… That’s absurd, right? Our bodies need oxygen.
But the moment some doctor hands you a cholesterol-lowering drug, he’s basically asking you to do the same thing.
He’s asking you to reduce something that’s absolutely vital to your health.
Cholesterol isn’t as important as oxygen, I’ll grant you… but keeping a healthy supply of cholesterol is critical to protecting everything from your brain to your heart.
So if you’re being told to lower your cholesterol, it’s time for a second opinion… because low cholesterol could literally end up killing you.
We hear a lot about cholesterol being a fat. It isn’t technically a fat, but a waxy substance.
You can find cholesterol in animal products (such as eggs, meat, fish, butter), but the biggest source in your body comes from your own liver.
Yes, you make most of the cholesterol in your body.
And that’s a very good thing, because your body absolutely needs cholesterol. For example:
- Your brain is 80 percent cholesterol – this means your brain needs cholesterol to function correctly.
- Cholesterol helps to form the outer protective membrane of every cell in your body.
- Never fibers are surrounded by sheaths that help the nerves to conduct an electrical signal – without cholesterol, nerves couldn’t perform as well as they do.
- Many of our hormones are cholesterol-based (estrogen, testosterone, and aldosterone, for example).
- Vitamin D is a cholesterol-based vitamin.
- Cholesterol is necessary for good bones, muscles, and the repair of tissue.
- Cholesterol acts as a natural antioxidant.
As you can see, cholesterol is important to our bodies.
Recent studies have shown that people with “high” cholesterol have less chance of getting Alzheimer’s or other dementias. And people who have problems with low hormone levels (such as testosterone), may not be getting enough cholesterol.
Blaming cholesterol for heart disease is a bit like blaming the Band-Aid for the cut. Cholesterol is part of the repair system of your body – so if you damage your heart blood vessels, of course cholesterol is going to part of the repair (the Band-Aid).
But that doesn’t mean cholesterol is to blame.
I’ve mentioned this enough, but inflammation is the real cause of heart disease, and cholesterol is part of the solution.
I think the biggest issue surrounding cholesterol is that it acts as an antioxidant.
People who have very high cholesterol tend to be folks who are doing harm to their bodies (smoking, eating junk food, etc.) and their bodies are producing more cholesterol to help stop the damage.
It is time we stopped being worried about cholesterol and turned our attention to the things that really matter: eating better, getting the nutrients our bodies need, exercising, and sleeping better.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...