By Dr. Carolyn Berghuis, MS, ND, CTN

Wellness Director: Joy of Raphael

 

Do you know what material your body uses to manufacture your hormones? It may surprise you to learn that your body creates your hormones from cholesterol.  In other words, you cannot enjoy healthy hormone levels without adequate cholesterol.  So what happens to patients when they are on statin drugs designed to artificially lower their cholesterol?  You guessed it; they often experience unbalanced hormonal levels.  This leads to further prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy, testosterone shots, and Viagra.  While they may experience lowered cholesterol on statins, their hormones dry up.
 
Cholesterolphobia
Cholesterolphobia, the unwarranted fear of cholesterol, has caused both doctor and patient hysteria in this country.  Whereas a 300 total cholesterol count was considered normal just a decade ago, a massive PR campaign by drug makers has ratcheted that number down to 150.  Remember, cholesterolphobia-induced hormonal havoc doesn't only mean menopausal discomfort and impotence.  Hormones play a major roles in diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cystic ovaries and breasts, heart disease, brain functioning, dementia, the list goes on and on.
 
Cholesterol Not a Factor in Heart Disease
Did you know that millions of people with very low cholesterol die from heart attacks?  Further, millions with cholesterol levels well over 250 enjoy long, healthy lives without heart disease. 
 
Adrenal Health and the Heart Connection
"New" evidence points to the importance of healthy adrenal hormones (made from cholesterol) and a healthy heart.  While the Chinese have know for thousands of years that the kidneys (their way of referencing the adrenals) help the body deal with stress, they have also known that the adrenals make important hormones which help keep your heart healthy.  Click here to learn more What Causes Heart Attacks?  Supporting your adrenals will not only often lead to an increase in energy and well being, we can see that we will also support a healthy heart!
 
What to Do
Feed your body real food.  One of my favorite phrases is "Eat food that remembers where it came from.  The apple knew the tree very well; however, that processed cake has no clue where it came from!"
Include the daily supplements you need.  Remember, each one of us is uniquely different and we all have our own personal nutritional needs.  What may be best for your family member or friend may not be optimal for you.  Even though the two of you may share a similar health history, your nutritional needs are more than likely very different.   I recommend that you seek out the advice of a trusted Natural Health Care Provider when following a Wellness Plan.  A basic plan may include nutrient dense anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA or Cod Liver Oil, B-Vitamins, absorbable minerals, and soluble fiber in your daily diet.*