Explaining Cholesterol
Cholesterol is required in order to be healthy; your body uses cholesterol for cell membranes, hormones, neurotransmitters and overall nerve function. Having an optimal vitamin D level is crucial for good health, and vitamin D synthesis depends on cholesterol. Cholesterol level reflects chronic inflammation in your body; the more inflammation you have, the higher your total cholesterol. Your body makes cholesterol to “patch up damage” from this ongoing inflammation
Metabolism of ingested cholesterol yields very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL). Further metabolism of the VLDL results in the cholesterol rich LDL, which is the key ingredient for the development of an atherosclerotic plaque.
There are 2 types of Cholesterol made by the liver:
- Triglycerides: Triglyceride levels are known to rise from eating too many grains and sugars, being physically inactive, smoking, drinking alcohol excessively and being overweight or obese.
Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a): Lp(a) is a substance that is made up of an LDL “bad cholesterol” part plus a protein (apoprotein a). Elevated Lp(a) levels are a very strong risk factor for heart disease.
There are 2 ratios that are potent risks for Heart Disease.
- HDL/Cholesterol ratio above 24%
- Triglyceride/HDL ratio below 2
