We Must Rethink Cholesterol. We Probably Owe it an Apology.

Cholesterol

In the world of health and medicine, few topics have been as aggressively pursued as the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular disease. For years, we’ve been told that high cholesterol is the primary culprit behind heart problems, leading to aggressive treatments with statin drugs. However, as a naturopath, I’ve long held a different view – one that’s FINALLY gaining traction in some medical circles.

Contrary to popular belief, the cholesterol plaque in our arteries might actually be part of our body’s immune response – a protective mechanism rather than the root cause of heart disease. This challenges the conventional wisdom that has dominated healthcare for decades.

Recent research has cast doubt on the direct link between elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Some studies suggest that lower cholesterol levels might increase the risk of death from other causes. This revelation begs the question: Have we been focusing on the wrong target all along?

An alternative model proposes that atherosclerotic lesions – the hallmark of heart disease – are actually the result of the body’s healing process. According to this theory, blood clots form to repair arterial damage, and these healed areas create the characteristic plaques we associate with heart disease. The evidence supporting this model appears more robust than the traditional cholesterol hypothesis! I’ve been telling people this for years, only to be met with raised, questioning eyebrows.

Despite these findings, the medical industry has largely continued to push cholesterol-lowering statin drugs as the primary treatment for heart disease. The statin market has ballooned into a trillion-dollar industry, yet the benefits of these medications are surprisingly minimal. Some analyses suggest that years of statin use might extend life by only a matter of days, while the potential side effects can be severe and long-lasting. At least 20% of Statin users experience injury due to use of the medication, and 44.7% discontinue use within the first year of starting due to unwanted side-effects. Do not underestimate the enormity of the Statins industry, how much money there is to be made by pushing the “cholesterol = bad and statins = good” narrative and how well trained cardiologists and doctors are to hand this medication out like candy.

What’s often overlooked in the cholesterol debate is the vital role this molecule plays in our body’s fundamental functions. Cholesterol is not just a potential health risk – it’s an essential component of every cell in our body. It forms a crucial part of our cell membranes, providing stability and helping to regulate what enters and exits our cells.

Cholesterol is particularly important for brain health and function. Our brains contain about 25% of all the cholesterol in our bodies, despite making up only about 2% of our total body weight. This cholesterol is vital for the formation of synapses – the connections between brain cells that allow for thought, memory, and learning. It also plays a role in the production of important hormones and vitamin D.

Given cholesterol’s integral role in these critical bodily functions, it’s clear that our relationship with this molecule is far more complex than “lower is better.” A more nuanced approach to cholesterol management – one that recognises both its potential risks and its essential functions – may be key to better overall health outcomes.

As a naturopath, I advocate for a more holistic approach to heart health and overall wellness. Instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals, we should focus on the foundations of good health – primarily, a nutrient-rich diet. Contrary to popular belief, red meat isn’t the enemy. In fact, high-quality animal proteins have played a crucial role in human evolution and can be part of a heart-healthy diet.

A truly heart-supportive diet should be high in fiber and include a variety of plant foods (if well-tolerated), along with high-quality meats. Equally important is the avoidance of ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and poor-quality oils like vegetable, canola, and sunflower oils, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Naturopathy offers various tools to support cardiovascular health, and nothing beats starting with a solid nutritional foundation. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed alternatives, we can take significant steps towards protecting our hearts – without the potential risks associated with long-term medication use.