No “bad” cholesterol
First off let’s clarify that there is no “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol gets a bad rap when it becomes sticky from oxidation (diet, environment) and causes plaque to build up in the arteries.
LDL cholesterol transports our sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and our stress hormones so it is important to have healthy LDL levels in order to have a healthy sex drive and escape from danger. But some people have LDL levels that are elevated.
This can be from multiple sources such as these:
- If your thyroid is under functioning
- If you are under a high level of stress
- If your HDL cholesterol levels are low
- If you have a genetic predisposition to high LDL cholesterol
- If you eat too much sugar or high glycemic foods
Your liver makes cholesterol and if you are eating more cholesterol rich foods, your liver will slow it’s production of cholesterol which is why eating foods containing cholesterol doesn’t necessarily raise your levels.
A New Study
Many of my patients are able to normalize their LDL cholesterol with balancing blood sugar (lowering carbohydrate intake) and lifestyle changes. But a new study shows that the thinner you are the less likely you will be able to decrease LDL levels from decreasing carbohydrates, in fact, it may cause you to increase LDL cholesterol levels even more.
What to Eat
There is still much to learn but if you are needing to decrease your LDL cholesterol start with a low glycemic whole foods diet if you are overweight and a moderate glycemic whole foods diet if you are underweight or at a healthy weight. Add in healthy omega 3 oils in the form of wild caught salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring, walnuts or flax seed, get your thyroid checked (all of the markers, not just TSH and T4), manage your stress level and schedule an appointment with me if you are not getting to your goals.
To your health,
Dr. Stacey
P.S. The Supercharged Method 6-week Program can help you lose weight, regain energy, clarity and focus and help you figure out the specific way you need to eat to have healthy cholesterol levels.
Check it out here!