How to holistically heal...high cholesterol: part two

When you have high cholesterol, consider this…part two

1. HEALING: When you have high cholesterol, consider this…

2. REVERENCE: Healthy animal & plant fats (reverence is the deep respect & attention to the things that truly impact healing)

3. EXPLORING: Cholesterol is good for you! (exploring is the journey into the deeper work, meeting the parts, wounds, and survival strategies that keep us small, stuck, and suffering with persistent symptoms & feelings)

Specifically in this edition:

In Part One – 'How to Holistically Heal High Cholesterol,' I talked about the margarine vs. butter debate and how big food companies sometimes use tricky marketing.

Now, in this newsletter, I'll explore cholesterol in a simpler way. I'll explain what it is, how we test it, what types of cholesterol there are, and what our liver, gallbladder, and intestines do with it. I'll also talk about where we get cholesterol in our diet and why our bodies make it, even if we don't eat it from food.

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1. HEALING: When you have high cholesterol, consider this…

Cholesterol, often portrayed as a detrimental fat, is, in reality, an indispensable component for human health. However, its role is nuanced, and it is crucial to distinguish between the types of cholesterol and their sources. Cholesterol is a complex lipid found in all animal cell membranes and blood plasma, with multifaceted functions that significantly impact various aspects of our well-being.

As a dietary component, cholesterol is primarily obtained from animal sources, but it is also synthesised within the body. The liver plays a central role in its production, and other organs, including the intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs, contribute to its synthesis. One crucial aspect of cholesterol management involves discerning between healthy and unhealthy sources of fats.

High cholesterol levels can play a role in the development of various health conditions, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, and gallstones. However, it's important to note that a holistic approach acknowledges that cholesterol is not the sole cause of these conditions; multiple factors and underlying causes are also significant contributors. Additionally, as I delve into this topic, it becomes clear that not all fats are the same; their quality depends on their sources and how they are processed.

Our bodies have the ability to produce cholesterol, primarily in the liver, regardless of whether we consume dietary cholesterol or not. The production of cholesterol in the body is influenced by genetic factors and dietary intake of certain nutrients. Consuming foods that are high in dietary cholesterol may lead to a slight increase in blood cholesterol levels in some individuals, but this effect varies from person to person.