07/19/2026
Let’s talk cholesterol! I wanted to chat about a topic that gets mentioned almost daily with some of my patients.
Cholesterol is a fat-like (waxy) substance that your body needs to function properly. It is found in every cell and is used to:
* Build healthy cell membranes
* Produce hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol
* Make vitamin D
* Help produce bile acids, which aid in digesting fats
Your liver makes most of the cholesterol your body needs (75-80%) but you also get cholesterol from foods such as meat, eggs, cheese, butter, and other animal products.
Cholesterol is a RESPONSE MECHANISM , not a root problem!!!!
I heard it described recently as it’s like fireman showing up at a fire-they are there because something’s 🔥, not because they caused it.
1. Inflammation is the number 1 cause-too much processed foods, seed oils, and blood sugar spikes. These cause damage to vessels and in return the body sends cholesterol to patch it. Chronic infections, gut dysbiosis, toxic loads leads to systemic inflammation which cholesterol goes to help.
2. Stress and Cortisol ramps up the cholesterol production due to increase in adrenal function. That good ole fight or flight mechanism!
3. Oxidative Damage-cells can become damaged by toxins, poor diet, smoking and stress. This causes cholesterol to get sticky and trapped in arteries causing plaque build up.
4. Hypothyroidism slows cholesterol clearance
5. Poor liver detox causing sluggish bile flow contributes to cholesterol build up.
Questions to ask before being placed on statins should include
1. Where is the inflammation coming from?
2. How is my thyroid, liver and gut?
3. What is my stress load?
4. What is my toxin exposure?
