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Cholesterol is a simple four ring molecule composed of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms plus a couple of oxygens. It is one of the most fundamental molecules in our bodies. Cholesterol is the base molecule for most of our hormones.
Hormones are messengers. They that deliver signals for changes throughout our bodies. They turn on many processes that are necessary for our bodies to work. This messenger type delivery system is a distinction from nerves that act as electrical signals in our bodies.
It is amazing how specific these hormone messengers are considering how similar they all look. The difference between a female hormone (estrogen) and a male hormone (testosterone) is only one carbon atom. But, as you know, their effects are vastly different.
Cholesterol itself has gotten a bad image over the past hundred years because of its association with hardening of the arteries. Plaque that forms inside the arterial walls are composed partly of cholesterol. Therefore, many people associate large amounts of cholesterol in the blood stream with massive plaque development.
Actually, plaque development only occurs when the blood vessels are inflamed. Without inflammation of the vessel walls, cholesterol can flow smoothly through blood vessels without harm.
Inflammation of blood vessel walls can be caused by many toxic materials including large amounts of sugar, unnatural chemicals like pesticides, as well as trans and saturated fatty acids.
When cholesterol gets targeted as a potential risk for hardening of the arteries that might lead to heart attacks and strokes by compromising blood flow, it is often pulled out using “statin” drugs.
Unfortunately, statins, like any concentrated, pharmaceutical drug, have undesirable side effects. Most commonly, statin drugs can cause uncomfortable muscle cramps. One way around these side effects is to consider its plant counterpart. Red Yeast Rice has the statin qualities of reducing cholesterol without their side effects. It accomplishes this through its synergistic relationship with all the other constituents of the plant that buffer its interaction with the body.
One known effect of statin supplementation that is often overlooked is that it depletes CoEnzyme Q10. Q10 is a very important enzyme for processing energy in our bodies. Besides depletion from statin use, which doesn’t happen when using Red Yeast Rice, Co Q10 is known to diminish on its own after the age of 50. So, it’s a good idea to consider supplementing with CoEnzyme Q10 in order to keep your stamina up.
Bottom line; cholesterol is not the enemy…..inflammation is. Here again the best course of action is prevention. Eat a diet strong in non-inflammatory foods (like vegetables) and avoid saturated fats (fats that are solid at room temperature). And, if inflammation is present, control the cholesterol influence with gentle supplements.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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