People typically cringe whenever someone mentions the word cholesterol. The Internet bombards us with misinformation about cholesterol and how to lower it. While it's true that high cholesterol levels can lead to many health concerns, not all cholesterol is bad. And there are even more misconceptions behind the source of high cholesterol in the human body.
Modern medicine looks at cholesterol after it becomes a problem and tries to mitigate the levels reactively. But it’s crucial to look at how what can elevate cholesterol levels to an unhealthy range in the first place — inflammation. Also, what factors are behind these connected inflammatory responses.
The Importance of Cholesterol in the Body
Some types of cholesterol are essential for good health. The body needs cholesterol to perform important jobs, such as building cells and making hormones. Sterols are a type of fat the body needs to function properly. What cholesterol the body cannot get from food, it manufactures in the liver.
Cholesterol performs several functions in the body, such as:
Building cells
Forming and maintaining cell membranes and structures
Insulating nerve cells
Making critical hormones
Making estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
Making vitamin D
Commonly Listed Causes of High Cholesterol
There are several common misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, particularly regarding how it can reach unhealthy levels.In conventional medicine, high cholesterol is often linked to diabetes, consumption of foods rich in saturated fats, heart disease, high blood pressure, genetic predispositions, and smoking.The existing paradigm is that diet and genetics are the primary contributors, but this is not always the case. In reality, there are often more underlying health issues involved.
Inflammation is crucial for the body's immune response and healing. However, chronic inflammation can lead to health issues, significantly impacting cardiovascular diseases. Persistent low-level inflammation irritates blood vessels, promoting plaque growth, loosening plaques, and triggering blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. High cholesterol can also trigger inflammation, causing a cycle where excess LDL leaks into arteries, leading to an inflammatory reaction and further cholesterol buildup.
Pathogens and Toxins that Trigger Inflammation and Cholesterol
There is an often-overlooked cause of high cholesterol levels: pathogens and toxins.
Toxicity can not only raise cholesterol levels to an unhealthy range, but can also cause inflammation throughout the body. And since cholesterol and inflammation go hand-in-hand and trigger each other, toxicity can exacerbate both of these two issues.
Processed Foods and Preservatives: The Impact on Cholesterol and Health
Cholesterol is an essential component in the human body, and natural sources like eggs or shellfish shouldn't raise major concerns. However, the chemicals and additives found in processed foods are a different story. Certain preservatives, such as artificial trans fats and high fructose corn syrup, can raise bad LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. This imbalance can lead to cholesterol buildup in the gallbladder and bloodstream, causing gallstones and plaque buildup.
Many processed foods contain additives to enhance taste and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, these chemicals can target organs like the liver and kidneys, negatively affecting immune system cells and causing inflammation. This inflammation, known as “meta-inflammation,” is a chronic low-grade inflammation commonly seen in obese individuals, contributing to metabolic dysregulation.
Fortunately, individuals can combat inflammation and lower cholesterol by adopting a healthy diet rich in whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Foods free of additives and extra chemicals are particularly beneficial.
The Impact of Heavy Metals on Cholesterol Levels
High levels of heavy metals like lead and mercury in the blood can significantly raise cholesterol levels. A study found that individuals with the highest concentrations of these metals had:
A 56% greater chance of having higher total cholesterol if they had high levels of lead
A 73% higher probability of elevated cholesterol if they had high mercury levels
The Impact of Mold Exposure on Cholesterol and Health
Chronic exposure to toxigenic molds, commonly found in damp, water-damaged buildings, is definitively linked to abnormalities in cholesterol levels, heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These molds actively release mycotoxins that disrupt cholesterol metabolism, potentially culminating in cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and strokes. In addition, chronic mold exposure initiates harmful inflammation in the body, sparking chronic inflammatory response syndrome induced by biotoxins like mold. Environmental mold exposure directly impacts the production of cytokines and chemokines, pivotal proteins orchestrating the immune response across the body.
The Impact of Parasites on Cholesterol Levels
Recent studies have revealed that parasitic infections can lead to elevated levels of lipoproteins, including HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol, in affected patients. While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, it's believed that parasites may utilize the lipids and cholesterol from lipoprotein particles in the host's gut to survive. Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver, which is a common site for parasitic infections. This interaction suggests that the presence of parasites can disrupt normal cholesterol metabolism, contributing to these elevated levels.
Holistic Approach to Cholesterol Management:
Incorporate Exercise: Adding exercise to the daily routine is the number 1 way to manage cholesterol levels.
Address Inflammation: Tackling inflammation in the body can reduce the risk of cholesterol-related health issues.
Mindful Eating: Choosing whole, unprocessed foods can significantly impact cholesterol levels. Include apples, beans, citrus fruits, eggplant, fatty fish, fiber-rich foods, grapes, nuts, oats, okra, soy, strawberries, and whole grains in your diet.
Plant sterols, found in certain foods and supplements, block cholesterol absorption, allowing dietary cholesterol to be removed as waste, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL cholesterol.
Detox Protocol: Implementing a detox protocol can help cleanse the body of harmful substances that may contribute to high cholesterol.
Monitor Cholesterol Levels: Regularly checking cholesterol levels helps individuals stay informed about their health status.
Addressing Cholesterol at the Root Level
When it comes to managing cholesterol and inflammation, addressing the underlying causes is key. One natural ingredient that shows promise is berberine. Berberine is a bioactive compound found in plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries to treat conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Health Benefits of Berberine Berberine may lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, strengthen the heartbeat, increase LDL receptors in the liver, and block lipid absorption in the small intestine.
Other Products and Solutions for High Cholesterol and Inflammation Levels
Cholesterol management is a complex issue, and addressing the root causes of negative cholesterol markers can be more effective than relying solely on pharmaceutical solutions. By understanding the factors that contribute to high cholesterol levels and inflammation, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health.
Product Support
CellCore's GCO (Gluco Optimizer) contains berberine and a unique combination of nutrients, herbs, and Carbon Technology to support healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol, digestive function, and metabolism. This product includes a proprietary blend of herbs, fulvic acid extracts to protect the herbs and enhance nutrient absorption. GCO goes beyond blood sugar balance to impact lipid metabolism, gene expression, and optimize cellular function.
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