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Despite the headlines, some cholesterol is actually good for you
Over millions of years, human beings have evolved. Take a minute to realize all that the human body can do: create, destroy, laugh, cry, run, jump, see, hear and taste. Human organs are so intricate and complex that despite technology, they cannot be duplicated by science.
Now, think of one good reason why the human body has evolved over this time and saddled itself with the “burden” of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) molecule. It is not synonymous with cholesterol, although this molecule does contain cholesterol. LDL is made by the liver to transport cholesterol and other fat-soluble molecules throughout the body.
LDL is not a “Bogeyeman.” It is created by the body for many reasons: without this molecule, man cannot live. The liver is an amazing organ that makes protein, fat and sugar, detoxifies the body and aids in digestion. Evolution gave humans the liver, along with eyes, ears, mouths, noses, sex organs, LDL and the cholesterol it carries.
The LDL molecule is analogous to a bus. This bus is made in the liver. It drives out of the liver when somewhere in the body needs the LDL’s help. The LDL travels to the area of need and drops off passengers. The passengers on the bus are mostly cholesterol. CoQ10 is also on the bus. In fact, lipoproteins carry vitamins A, D, E and K. Without LDL, the body cannot move cholesterol to areas of need. HDL is the bus that picks up the excess cholesterol and brings it back to the liver.
Cholesterol is the root molecule of many hormones. Cortisol is the main energy hormone of the body. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar (critical in times of stress); suppress the immune system; and aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Cortisol also maintains blood pressure.
Thyroid hormone is responsible for temperature maintenance, cell metabolism and energy. Testosterone, progesterone and estrogen all come from the base cholesterol molecule. Most people have heard that vitamin D is critical to health. It builds strong bones, normalizes blood pressure, boosts immune function and decreases the risk of cancer. How is it made? Cholesterol is coursing through the skin, where sunlight converts it into vitamin D.
A large percentage of the brain is made up of cholesterol. Cholesterol is used to coat the peripheral nerves in what is called the myelin sheath. Cholesterol is secreted by the liver into the bile ducts to help digest food. Cholesterol is an integral part of the cell membrane in every single cell in the body. Infants can live for years on breast milk alone, and breast milk is loaded with cholesterol. Would the human body secrete a deleterious substance to nurse its young? A chicken cannot grow inside an egg without the cholesterol in the yolk. Every single cell in the human body contains cholesterol.
So, why do doctors want to lower LDL and cholesterol? Lions, tigers, elephants and horses all have LDL and cholesterol, but animals do not get heart disease, because LDL and cholesterol are not the problem. Inflammation of the arterial wall due to toxic food and chemicals causes arterial damage.
Cholesterol is part of the repair crew that heals damaged tissue. The goal of physicians should be to teach techniques to lower inflammation that wreaks havoc on the body. Pharmaceuticals such as the statin class of drugs have an overblown benefit and a plethora of side effects. At best, statins only benefit the vascular system while inflammation damages the entire body. Appropriate nutrition, detoxification, chemical avoidance, chiropractic care, supplements, acupuncture and many other modalities will lower the inflammatory burden. That is the path to true health. The cause is the cure.
Jack M. Wolfson, DO, is a board-certified cardiologist at Cardiovascular Consultants, Ltd., who specializes in nutrition and the use of evidence-based supplements to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. He was recently named a “Top Doc” by Phoenix Magazine. Find more information at CVCheart.com.
