The Cholesterol Paradigm

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

When I was student in medical school cholesterol was known and studied as essential for life and any medical student knew that without it we would face a degenerative disease. Cholesterol levels bellow 150 was known as too low and too dangerous as a level. And in fact without cholesterol we cannot produce our hormones, especially the essential ones as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogens, the immunity declines. In fact our longevity, antiaging and level of fitness also depends on its production. Without cholesterol we are depressed as the level of setonine sharply declines.

Cholesterol levels have to be neither too elevated nor too lowered- but simply balanced. When your blood cholesterol levels become too high it can cause serious problems as heart attack or stroke. Conversely, if you have too low cholesterol levels in your system your vital hormone and cell functions may be gravely compromised. Cholesterol levels below 190 for men and below 178 for women have been shown to increase the risk of having a stroke. It has been proven that too low cholesterol levels can also result in a reduction of serotonin production – a major factor in mood disorders - with a serious link being found between too little cholesterol and cases of depression and suicide. Dangerously low cholesterol has been associated with an increase in mortality rates in cancer patients, senility and impotency.
Cholesterol is a waxy like substance, needed by your body to complete multiple functions such as building and maintaining cell membranes, balancing hormones, immunity, and manufacturing vitamin D. Another lipid, triglyceride is important in building cell structure too. It is also used in making hormones and producing energy.

The cholesterol is known as Bad cholesterol (LDL), Good cholesterol (HDL) and Very low density cholesterol (VLDL). LDL transports cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver and the small intestine to the different cells and tissues throughout the body, including the arteries of the heart. With the time LDL can build up, become a plaque, and to block the flow of blood and the result can be a heart attack or stroke.

HDL- also known as the ‘good' cholesterol travels in the bloodstream picking up excess LDL cholesterol and transporting it back to your liver for reprocessing and excretion. To achieve good health the HDL level needs to be as high as possible. Because of this important relationship between LDL and HDL cholesterol, the most significant figures to examine when looking at cholesterol test results is not the total cholesterol, but rather the ratio between LDL/HDL cholesterol levels. VLDL-transports triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. VLDL levels have been correlated with accelerated rates of atherosclerosis, and are elevated in a number of diseases as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The main causes of high blood cholesterol are:

Obesity

Smoking

Excessive alcohol intake

Lack of exercise

Hormonal imbalances

Heredity- Familial hypercholesteronemia

USA Reference Range

Normal Optimal Total Cholesterol Up to 199 mg/dL
Between 180 - 220 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol Up to 129 mg/dL Under 100 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol No lower than 35 mg/dL Over 50 mg/dL

EU Reference Range
Total Cholesterol Less than 5.0 mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol Less than 3.0
HDL Cholesterol 1.0 - 2.5 mmol/L

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.