How 'Bout Some Good Press for Cholesterol?

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Surprising new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that children as young as eight should be started on cholesterol-lowering drugs. Not surprisingly, cholesterol has become one of the most popular topics of conversation in my office. Patients are worried about reaching that “magic number” on their lab test and are also concerned about the side effects of medications used to attain it.

An abnormal cholesterol level is most often a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body. In naturopathic medicine, we look for the imbalance, which is often lifestyle-induced, and work to correct it. Once this happens, the body lowers or raises cholesterol to that magic number on its own. Yes…I said “raises.” Cholesterol can be too low.

What the Heck is Cholesterol, Anyway?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is made and regulated by our livers. I often ask patients, “Why would your liver try to kill you?” This usually gets a chuckle, but more importantly, it allows a patient to pause and think. Is this the Great Liver Uprising of 2008? Is it a liver conspiracy to take over the world? No! Naturally, our livers are not trying to kill us. They are trying to help us. So, why are all these livers elevating cholesterol? Why are our bodies going through all the trouble of making cholesterol? Because it is an incredibly important substance to have around. That’s why.

What Has Cholesterol Done for You Lately?

The body will increase output of cholesterol when it senses a need for it. Here are just some of the important functions of cholesterol:

• Cholesterol is an important part of the membranes of our cells. It allows the membranes to be “fluid” so that cells can take in nutrients, expel waste and communicate with each other.
• Cholesterol is a building block for many of our hormones. The body turns it into progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, and cortisol (a hormone made by the body in response to stress and inflammation). If the body senses the need for more of these hormones, it will ramp up cholesterol production. By the way, it is the inflammation that creates the injuries in our arteries, not cholesterol. The body initially lays cholesterol down in these injured areas to act like an oil slick, so blood can slide by.
• The body makes vitamin D from cholesterol. Vitamin D is a crucial part of calcium balance and bone health. Recent research suggests it is also imperative for other functions, including maintenance of mental health, enhancement of the immune system, and prevention of several types of cancer. Most Americans are thought to be absolutely deficient in vitamin D.
• One of cholesterol’s most important functions is to support the brain and nervous system. Cholesterol helps nerve cells known as neurons to conduct the impulses necessary to communicate with each other. In short, it helps us think. Imagine how important cholesterol is for learning and the formation of memories. Now, imagine what giving cholesterol-lowering medications to children who are still cognitively developing will do. Now you see why the recommendation from the AAP is so surprising.
• Cholesterol is used by the liver to make bile acids. Bile acids are released into the intestines when we eat. Their purpose is to mix fats with the water-soluble enzymes that digest them. These fats, including fat-soluble vitamins and the oh-so-important omega-3s, are essential to every system of the body.

So, you see, cholesterol is not all bad. It boils down to this: if you struggle with high cholesterol, your body is trying to tell you something. Are you listening?

Let’s continue the discussion next month. Until then…

Take care of your (whole) self—

Amy Bader, ND

Posted in Anti-inflammation Diet, Healing Through Diet, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Tips for Healthy Living