A Guide To Understanding Cholesterol

Summary

The video script addresses common concerns about cholesterol management, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's lipid profile, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It suggests lifestyle adjustments such as rotational eating, reducing carbohydrate intake, and liver support to improve cholesterol levels. The speaker also recommends natural supplements like beta-glucan, plant sterols, and aged garlic to support healthy cholesterol, while highlighting the significance of CRP levels in assessing heart health. The discussion extends to the impact of genetic factors and the role of diet, advocating for a balanced approach with lower carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Takeaways

• 📈 Understanding cholesterol numbers is crucial for making informed health decisions, beyond just relying on medications like statins.
• 🔍 Key cholesterol indicators include LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, along with their ratios, which provide insights into cardiovascular health.
• 🍽️ Adopting a rotational eating pattern and reducing carbohydrate intake can help manage triglyceride levels and promote overall lipid health.
• 🥦 Consuming healthy fats, such as Omega-3s from fish and avoiding excessive linoleic acid from plant oils, contributes to better cholesterol management.
• 💊 If prescribed statins, it's important to also supplement with CoQ10 to offset potential side effects on muscle and brain function.
• 🧪 Regular testing for LDL particle size and CRP (C-reactive protein) can provide a more detailed understanding of heart health and inflammation levels.
• 🌿 Incorporating natural supplements like beta glucan, plant sterols, and aged garlic may help support normal cholesterol levels as part of a comprehensive approach.
• 🥗 A balanced diet with a focus on healthy fats, moderate protein, and lower carbohydrates can be beneficial for managing cholesterol levels.
• 🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle factors such as stress management and liver health play significant roles in cholesterol production and metabolism.
• 🏋️‍♂️ For those with genetic predispositions to high cholesterol, working closely with healthcare providers and making informed dietary choices is essential.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding cholesterol that people often have?

The main concern is understanding their cholesterol numbers and finding a healthy approach to manage them without relying solely on statins for the rest of their lives.

What are the key lipid and cholesterol levels one should be aware of?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides are the key levels to monitor for a healthy lipid profile.

Why are the ratios of triglycerides, HDL, and LDL important?

The ratios are important because they help to understand how effectively the body is managing cholesterol and triglycerides, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

What should one do if their triglycerides are above 100?

If triglycerides are above 100, it indicates a potential overconsumption of sugar. One should consider rotational eating, reducing carbohydrate intake, and possibly using liver support supplements.

How can one increase their HDL levels?

To increase HDL levels, one can incorporate more omega fatty acids into their diet, such as through fish consumption, and consider supplements like Omega plus turmeric.

What is the significance of LDL particle size in cholesterol management?

LDL particle size is significant because smaller particles are more prone to oxidation and can become stuck in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

What is CRP and why is it important in the context of cholesterol?

CRP stands for C-reactive protein, which is a measure of inflammation in the body. High CRP levels indicate a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, regardless of other cholesterol numbers.

How can one support healthy cholesterol levels besides taking statins?

Supporting healthy cholesterol levels can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and the use of natural supplements like beta glucan, plant sterols, and aged garlic.

What should be the focus if one has a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol?

In the case of genetic predisposition, it's important to work closely with a healthcare provider and focus on a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, as well as consider natural supplements that support cholesterol management.

What dietary changes can be made to address high cholesterol and triglyceride levels?

Dietary changes include reducing carbohydrate intake, avoiding processed foods, and focusing on healthy fats from sources like fish, nuts, and avocados. It's also beneficial to limit or avoid plant oils that contribute to oxidation.

How does a carnivore diet affect cholesterol levels?

A carnivore diet may help some individuals by reducing carbohydrate intake, which can allow the liver to reset and potentially improve cholesterol levels. However, it's not suitable for everyone and should be considered as a tool rather than a long-term solution.

Outlines

00:00

📈 Understanding Cholesterol and Healthy Ratios

This paragraph discusses the common concerns about cholesterol and the importance of understanding one's numbers. It emphasizes the desire to avoid reliance on statins and instead focus on a healthy approach to lipid and cholesterol levels. The key elements to monitor are LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and the ratios between them. The speaker advises on the significance of these ratios and suggests lifestyle changes such as rotational eating and liver support to manage triglyceride levels. The importance of increasing HDL through omegas and healthy fats is also highlighted. The paragraph serves as an introduction to the topic and sets the stage for further discussion on managing cholesterol levels.

05:00

🧬 Addressing Inflammation and Genetic Factors

This paragraph delves into the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of inflammation and heart strain, which can significantly impact the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It discusses the importance of keeping CRP levels low and how lifestyle factors such as diet and stress can contribute to inflammation. The speaker provides insights on how to support normal cholesterol levels through supplements like beta-glucan and plant sterols, as well as the benefits of aged garlic. It also addresses the complexity of genetic factors in cholesterol management and suggests working with a doctor to explore alternatives to statins, including the use of Omega, turmeric, and CoQ10 to support heart health and mitigate potential side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

10:01

🥗 Lifestyle Adjustments and Diet for Cholesterol Management

The paragraph focuses on practical lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes for managing cholesterol levels. It addresses specific concerns such as post-menopausal LDL increases and the impact of oxidation on cholesterol. The speaker recommends liver flushing techniques, like lemon water, and a lower carbohydrate intake to reduce fat in the liver. The discussion includes the benefits of rotational eating and the avoidance of plant oils in cases of high small LDL particle sizes. The paragraph also touches on the potential benefits of a carnivore diet for gut microbiome health and cholesterol management, while emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach with a focus on healthy fats and protein. The speaker encourages retesting and ongoing dialogue with healthcare providers to ensure the effectiveness of these lifestyle changes.

Keywords

💡Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body and is essential for the functioning of the body. In the video, the main theme revolves around understanding and managing cholesterol levels to maintain good health. The speaker discusses various aspects of cholesterol, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, and how they contribute to overall lipid health.

💡LDL

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol because high levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. The video highlights the importance of keeping LDL levels in check and understanding the role it plays in heart health.

💡HDL

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. The video emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy HDL level to counterbalance LDL and support overall cardiovascular health.

💡Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and are a source of energy for the body. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of managing triglyceride levels and their relationship with cholesterol.

💡CRP

CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a marker of inflammation in the body. High levels of CRP indicate increased inflammation, which can be a risk factor for heart disease. The video underscores the importance of monitoring CRP levels alongside cholesterol levels to get a comprehensive view of heart health.

💡Statins

Statins are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL. While they can be effective in managing cholesterol, the video discusses the desire of many people to avoid long-term use of statins and instead focus on lifestyle and dietary changes to support healthy cholesterol levels.

💡Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential for the body and has been shown to support heart health by promoting normal cholesterol levels. They are particularly found in fish and certain plant sources. The video suggests including Omega-3s in the diet as part of a strategy for maintaining healthy cholesterol.

💡CoQ10

CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, is a nutrient that the body uses to produce energy and is found in every cell. It is particularly important for heart health, as it is involved in energizing and powering the muscles, including the heart. The video discusses the importance of supplementing with CoQ10, especially for those taking statins, as these drugs can deplete CoQ10 levels.

💡Rotational Eating

Rotational eating is a dietary strategy that involves varying the types of foods consumed over time to promote better health and prevent overconsumption of certain nutrients. The video suggests this approach as a way to manage triglyceride levels and improve overall lipid health.

💡Liver Support

Liver support refers to practices or substances that aid in maintaining or improving liver function. The liver plays a crucial role in processing and recycling cholesterol in the body. The video emphasizes the importance of liver health in managing cholesterol levels and suggests specific methods or supplements to support liver function.

💡Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, including heart disease. The video discusses the link between inflammation, as indicated by high CRP levels, and heart health, emphasizing the need to address inflammation as part of a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management.

Highlights

Understanding cholesterol and lipid levels is crucial for overall health, and it's important to not solely rely on medications like statins.

Key lipid profiles to monitor include LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, as well as their ratios which can indicate potential health issues.

High triglycerides levels (above 100) may signal overconsumption of sugars and the need for dietary changes, such as rotational eating.

A healthy HDL level should be at least half of the triglyceride level to maintain a proper balance and support overall health.

LDL levels should make up 25% of total cholesterol for a healthy individual, aiming for a 4:1 ratio with HDL.

If total cholesterol and LDL are high, but triglycerides and HDL are within normal ranges, further investigation and doctor consultation is advised.

A particle size test can provide deeper insights into cholesterol health, as not all cholesterol particles are the same and their sizes can affect how they function in the body.

Oxidation of cholesterol is harmful and can be caused by environmental toxins, chemicals, drugs, stress, and sugar intake.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a critical marker for inflammation and heart health, with higher levels indicating increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Beta glucan, plant sterols, and aged garlic are recommended supplements to support healthy cholesterol levels.

CoQ10 is essential when taking cholesterol-lowering medications as it supports heart health and energy production.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from animal sources, can support normal cholesterol levels and be beneficial when combined with turmeric for inflammation management.

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels may require significant lifestyle changes, including reducing carbohydrate intake and focusing on liver health.

For individuals with genetic cholesterol issues, avoiding plant oils and focusing on healthy fats from animal sources may be beneficial.

A well-balanced diet with a lower carbohydrate intake, normal protein consumption, and healthy fats can support cholesterol health and overall well-being.

The carnivore diet may be a useful tool for some individuals, particularly for gut microbiome health, but it's not suitable for everyone.

Rotational eating and a balanced diet approach can help combat high cholesterol levels and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Transcripts

one of the most asked questions I get

cholesterol what do I do about it what's

healthy how do I understand my numbers I

don't want to just be stuck with statins

my doctors may be recommending that I'm

not telling you to not do those but most

people don't want to be stuck on the

defense they just sitting back waiting

and just dealing with the drug the rest

of their life they want to go on the

offense how can we help healthy lipid

and cholesterol levels if you're a

cholesterol sufferer or one of your

family members is I'm breaking down I

got a list of questions in front of me

LDL HDL triglycerides CR P what do we

need to look at how do you make sense of

the numbers let's go so lots of

questions that roll in all the time on

this topic right out of the gates LDL

HDL triglycerides why you need more

information to understand and make a

good decision this is the main one I'll

have tons of you during q&as ask me

here's my numbers what do you think

here's how you break it down five

numbers maybe six that you want to look

at very very important on this okay

number one we're looking at our ldls

hdls triglycerides okay the ratios of

them matter a lot so if triglycerides

are above a 100 I would halt right there

you have an over consumption and a sugar

problem okay I would recommend doing

rotational eating watch this video for

that put in your link below as well

rotational eating trimming the eating

and the consumption in the amount of

times you're consuming down and you want

to get carbohydrates out should also

consider flush in your liver I'm

checking out one of my videos on Liver

Health or using my liver support next

okay try glycerides to HDL hdls are

going to keep things in check they are

going to be the truck that's delivering

the new Lumber the new construction

material to the cells to build new cells

okay now if triglycerides are at 100 HDL

needs to be at least half of that 50 so

a 2: one ratio if it's at 150 they need

to be at 75 to keep them in check so

check that ratio those two should slide

and work together if hdls are low stop

right there start omegas

start eating more fish mea3 is very

important like Omega plus turmeric

coconut oil could be a good option for

that as well increase the amount of HDL

in your body next we look at LDL this is

the one a lot of people get really

concerned with along with total

cholesterol okay of your total

cholesterol 25% of it should be HDL so

we want to see a 4:1 ratio there okay so

if it's at 300 we want 75 of it to be

HDL if it's at 200 we want 50 of it to

be HDL or above that's a good sign again

if that's off raise that HDL number now

what do we do if the total cholesterol

ldls are high and triglycerides and hdls

are in good normal ranges well we need

to understand more about those and you

work with your doctor on this okay but

total cholesterol if it's above 300 that

could be a hereditary issue you want to

talk to them about it we want to be as

proactive as we can be with healthy

eating healthy fats healthy cholesterol

levels but that's the only time that you

really need to have a different

conversation with the doctor at that

point assuming though we're somewhere

below that and LDL is now above above

100 125 150 it's creeping up we've got

to understand LDL better test I would

recommend you asking your doctor for is

called a particle size test not all

cholesterols are made the same they

start off big they are a ball of garbage

coming from the cell that just got

replaced HDL sending out new material to

build new cells old cells are being

broken down we're going to take that

cholesterol that's what's made your

cells are made up of and bring it back

to the liver recycle it and then we can

use it again it's recycling program so

recycling trucks are bringing it back

but sometimes recycling plant isn't open

or isn't efficient so they just circle

on by and keep traveling around the

interstate they're making Loops trying

to get in it's like they're wanting to

pit stop and dump off their new recycled

Goods well the longer they're on the

road the more the tires on the truck get

wore down pretty soon the truck starts

to smoke right it's getting beat up it's

burning oil it needs a pit stop but

those cholesterol Big Balls of recycling

they start losing some of it it's like

the tires on the car are getting smaller

they're getting wore down and they get

oxidized oxidation of cholesterol is the

problem that is caused by environmental

toxins chemicals drugs stress on your

body sugar all oxidate the cholesterol

so cholesterol again in your body is

made by your body oxidating it not good

so then the particle sizes become

smaller they're not rolling over they're

not being properly recycled in your body

if you have a lot of small particle

sizes those are the ones that are

highest oxidation can get stuck and can

create issues inside of your system like

clogging and what we're trying to avoid

with the arteries so if LDL particle

size small sizes are high and you got to

get and move on okay now what are some

action steps we can take to help support

normal LDL levels right I like beta

glucan that's the ingredient found in

oatmeal instead of eating the

carbohydrates of oatmeal you may

consider just taking a supplement form

of beta glucan plant sterols are another

effective one at addressing and helping

support LDL levels however if your small

particle sizes are really small that

might not be the only option that you

want to take okay so those are some a

couple of the good ones aged garlic

extracted garlic another good one you

can check out my cholesterol support to

help normal cholesterol supporting

levels all right so those are our

numbers now there's a study that came

out several years ago that said there is

one number that supersedes everything

else we just talked about literally your

LDL could be high could be low your HDL

could be high could be low your total

cholesterol could be high could be low

but if you get this one number wrong

your risk of heart attacks and strokes

is significantly higher and that is CRP

C-reactive protein there's two types

that they can test this is going to

address is there strain and stress on

your heart is the tissue of your heart

breaking down and inflamed that is an

absolute must for your doctor to be

testing to know I like to see it below

one that's what mine was the last time I

tested it earlier this year you can go

between one and three you start creeping

above three we've got heart damage going

on you have an inflammatory problem

cholesterol and CRP are directing and

pointing you towards there's

inflammation being created in your body

is your liver bogg down are you eating

too often are you just eating really bad

foods are you way too stressed or are

you toxic so we start addressing that by

cleaning the liver eating properly with

the books that I have below those are

free resources for you to show you how

to start taking these approaches but if

CRP is high that's the number to focus

on Bar None shows the research you can

actually check out my video on exactly

that study it's a fascinating one that

is the most important number now going

through some more of the questions for

you had a woman asked I'm postmenopausal

my LDL cholesterol is getting higher at

148 I do not hardly eat any meat or

sweets what are the thoughts well meat

and sweets aren't the only culprit here

it's oxidation right so often times the

meat side of things is not going to make

a big impact there is some cholesterol

associated with meat but 25% or less of

the cholesterol floating around in your

body is from the foods you're eating 75%

of it is made from that liver and

recycled in that liver so if your

recycling system your oxidation system

is broken down that's what's putting you

in trouble I would recommend in a

post-menopausal situation focusing on

flushing the liver check out my liver

videos flush it with lemon water check

out my liver training where you can

actually go through an entire protocol

of how to fix your liver this will

remove excess estrogen which is also

usually involved here and it greatly

impacts the health of your cholesterol

and the normal cholesterol levels next

question high cholesterol which I in my

doc believe is genetic I don't like the

statins I eat healthy I'm not overweight

I have a trainer I'd like something

besides of stats I can't tell you to

take the drug or not take the drug what

we're wanting to do is make healthier

choices with it so my favorites are beta

glucan plant sterols aged garlic those

are all found in my cholesterol support

those are good ones to help support

normal cholesterol levels work with your

doctor on the other side of it

especially if there's a genetic

component to it but those are the ones

that I'd be using I would also be using

Omega plus turmeric as it supports

healthy HDL levels at the same time I'm

taking statins this question four what

supplement should I take to support that

so supporting that stat and shut down

the factory that produces cholesterol in

your body well that factory also makes

CoQ10 CoQ10 is involved in energizing

and powering your muscles the most

important muscle you have is your heart

so you are stripping the muscles that's

why a lot of people experience rupture

Achilles or cramping in the legs while

taking a satin drugs is one of the main

side effects of it the brain also is

impacted because your brain is made up

of so much cholesterol it strips

cholesterol out of the brain so we have

memory issues those are the blackbox

warnings right on the cholesterol drugs

you can talk to your doctor or

pharmacist about those so what that

means is if you are taking one of those

it is an absolute must that you take

healthy fats and that you take CoQ10 so

I highly recommend my cholesterol

support it has CoQ10 levels in it so you

can be taking CoQ10 and if you use the

Omega turmeric you're replenishing some

of those fats that the brain and the

other parts of the body still need to

have healthy cholesterol working for

them in the body making new cells while

you and your doctor are dealing what

they're looking at as unhealthy

cholesterol levels next with with the

Omega tumeric lower cholesterol Omega-3s

have been shown to support normal

cholesterol levels healthy cholesterol

levels I think it's a great idea to add

in fish into your diet is a really good

one I like Omega-3s from animal sources

maybe a little flax seed you want to be

careful there that you don't overload

too much linolic acid which is very

toxic and causes oxidation to the

cholesterol that's why we want to stay

with omega-3 coming from fish sources

ideally I like to combine mine with

turmeric because those are two very

well-known herbs some the most studied

on the planet to help support a normal

inflammatory response all right next up

my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers

are extremely high should I stop using

coconut oil I'm already on the

cholesterol support as well as the Omega

turmeric what do I do here Dr living

triglycerides and cholesterol are really

high you said the name right there

triglycerides are high if those are high

I think that's the perfect first place

to start with your lifestyle because it

usually signals oving and over

consumption of carbohydrates Rota

ational eating is a great solution for

that you can grab my free book I break

it down there or I have a video right

here on this channel to help break it

down with a guide I would start

rotational eating a lower carbohydrate

intake you can impact if you have fatty

liver built up in your system you can

impact that in 2 weeks by eating this

way so rotational eating two weeks

lowers the fat in the liver I would also

add in some lemon water and I like that

you're taking the cholesterol support

with things like beta glucan plant

sterols and aged garlic CoQ10 and the

Omega turmeric very good options number

eight so I have a genetic cholesterol

issues genetic heart issues

atherosclerosis I was told to eat a

plant-based diet you suggest avoiding

plant oil please clarify okay so in the

scenario of genetic side of things

you're working with your doctor again

I'm not giving you advice on how to

manage your cholesterol we want to make

healthy choices so the body promotes

healthy cholesterol what happens if you

get a lot of small particle sizes that's

why that test is so important it's

called an NMR Nancy Mary Randall okay

NMR or particle size test if you have a

lot of small particles then what can

happen is your body's not recycling them

very well and actually plant oils can

add to that problem so in that scenario

I would cut out all sources of plant

oils okay I would cut out coconut oil

avocado Olive which are ones that I love

but definitely vegetable soybean cotton

seed these are all going to be very

dangerous plant oils that are going to

add to the fire add to the oxidation and

those really impact shows the research

the LDL particle size rolling over so

they can become big particles again so

that's the scenario that I would

experiment with 90 days of no plant oil

at all what do you cook with you have

butter you have ghee you have animal fat

that's all you're focusing on okay just

those okay and then I would be eating a

lower carbohydrate rotational eating

plan like the video below and then

retest to see how you're doing during

that time I would absolutely be using

the CoQ10 still love the beta glucan in

that scenario but retest it at that

point point so that's what I mean with

the plant oils getting very strict in

that regard that's not advice for

everybody but that's one for those that

deal or struggle with small particle

sizes finally someone asked a carnivore

diet may be good for your small

intestines but what are its effect on

cholesterol again only 25% of the

cholesterol that you have in your system

comes from your diet and you're assuming

that just goes straight to it and that

is the culprit well as we've cut down

low fat no fat attacks on meat we've

increased carbohydrates like crazy we've

increased sugar like crazy over the past

50 years and heart disease rates are

exploding so it is not meat that is

driving all of that problem it's all the

oxidative stress of chemicals too much

sugar too much stress it's damaging the

good cholesterol in our body could a

carnivore diet be right for everybody no

I think it's a tool to be used it has a

really good impact on the environment of

the gut microbiome and some people do

really really well with it from a heart

perspective of just going that route cuz

maybe they don't have enough of amino

acids maybe their liver is really really

struggling what a carbo diet does is it

gets all those carbohydrates out of the

way right completely strips them out of

the diet so your liver has a chance to

reset that's what's processing all this

cholesterol in the first place that's

why I think it is a useful tool you

could go plant-based but again you got

to watch your small particle sizes I

like to stay right in the middle of the

road with a lower carbohydrate approach

right you're lowering down the amount of

carbs you're eating a normal amount of

protein you're focusing on good healthy

fats that's a well balanced approach

along with rotational eating I think

those are the best com combatants check

out the other resources below for you

and cholesterol I'm live every Wednesday

at 8:30 answering questions to help you

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compiled nine of them on cholesterol

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below to understand your numbers and

then understand a way that you can be

proactive with your lifestyle to help

support healthy cholesterol and healthy

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