The guidelines for healthy cholesterol have changed. New targets have been established that tell us that perhaps our efforts to manage cholesterol and other blood lipids have been inadequate and lower cholesterol naturally. This is especially true when we consider the target for LDL (low density lipoprotein), the so-called “bad” cholesterol.

Why should we be concerned with our LDL level? How did we get into such a deplorable state when it comes to managing our cholesterol? How can we use this information to improve our health?

What is LDL?
Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are often considered to be a “bad” form of cholesterol. But this is an extreme mischaracterization of a very beneficial fat in our blood. You see, your body makes important things out of LDL: brain cells and nerves are shielded with LDL cholesterol-based fats. And hormones in your bloodstream and inside your cells are made from LDL cholesterol. So, LDL is not really “bad,” just misunderstood!

The dark side of cholesterol metabolism occurs when a person over-produces LDL and when LDL particles become sticky, oxidized and inflamed. This is one cause of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which leads to heart attack and stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other diseases of your blood vessels which is why people want to lower cholesterol and more people are seeking to lower cholesterol naturally.

Why cholesterol is “high”
We also make hormones from good cholesterol. Most doctors recommend over 1,200 milligrams of Omega-3 fats for building healthy hormones and reducing “bad” cholesterol. OmegaPrime® contains beneficial Omega-3 fats. You may find that you need more OmegaPrime every day to build cholesterol into trophic hormones.

Estrogen, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone are examples of trophic hormones. They are made of the same substance: cholesterol. If your body is unable to convert cholesterol into these hormones you may see your blood levels of cholesterol rise. You can bring your cholesterol down and your low hormones up by supporting cholesterol-to-hormone conversion. We can help support healthy hormone metabolism with supplements such as OmegaPrime, Vitamin E, Balanced Woman® and Prostate Health Formula so you can lower cholesterol naturally.

The most critical balance of hormones occurs between insulin and glucagon. When we sleep too little, when we are stressed too much and when we eat too much sugar – especially high fructose corn syrup – our insulin levels stay too high for too long and cause insulin resistance. High levels of insulin cause the liver to release high levels of cholesterol and LDL. Oxidized LDL inflames, gets sticky and clogs arteries.

Glucagon is a liver hormone that balances blood sugar and lowers cholesterol and LDL. We support glucagon metabolism with adaptogens for stress and Leanology® capsules to sustain healthy blood sugar. We assist with LDL “stickiness” by using robust levels of Vitamin C. We help your body reduce inflammation with Betalains found in Nopalea™.

Learning to listen
We should think of high cholesterol as a message from our body that something is wrong.  You want to lower cholesterol naturally but you should also learn to listen to your body by taking stock of your lifestyle in comparison to the 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness:

  • Are you keeping the impact of stress on your body in control? You do this by daily exercise of 30 minutes or more, sunshine in the morning and deep breathing exercises for peaceful sleep at night.
  • Do you drink enough water and eat up to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily?

We can balance our cholesterol and meet the new guidelines for LDL through vigorous application of the 10 Essentials, meticulous supplementation and appropriate medical care.