Cholesterol gets a bad rap. LDL too. Reality is much different. It is the oxidized LDL, a lipid particle that has undergone serious damage, that is the dangerous player.

We have all been brainwashed about cholesterol (and its partner, LDL). Media, Pharma, and MD’s tell us it’s bad and we need to lower it. They make up guidelines pushing statins drugs that the MD’s must follow, or else.

But the body (and all animals) makes cholesterol for a reason. Actually, the body makes cholesterol for many reasons including:

1. Sex hormone formation
2. Vitamin D precursor
3. Essential component of digestion
4. Cell membrane integrity and function
5. Potent antioxidant
6. Major component of breast milk

Cholesterol doesn’t like water. It is a hydrophobic molecule. As such, it must be “escorted” around the body. In this case, an LDL particle takes cholesterol around the body, much like a bus transports its passengers. Cholesterol is one of the passengers on the LDL bus. There are many other types of passengers as well on the LDL bus including phospholipids, triglycerides, Co Q 10, and fat-soluble vitamins.

As you can see, LDL is a good thing. That is why the human body and all mammals make LDL.

But when LDL is oxidized (damaged), risk of cardiovascular events goes up markedly. Oxidation is like rusting of the body and body parts. Evidence of oxidation means your body it out of balance- too many things causing oxidation and not enough things leading to ANTI-oxidation.

A recent study showed a 79% increase in heart events in those with high ox-LDL. Oxidized LDL looks different to scavenger receptors on the liver and likely has a decreased clearance from the circulation. More inflammation and immune activation are the result of this lack of clearance and likely lead to more vascular damage.

The immune recognizes the ox-LDL as a foreign invader, cranking up the immune response. Macrophages in the blood vessel walls gobble up ox-LDL and now get classified as foam cells. Then the foam cells eventually die, leading to plaque in the arteries, vulnerable to rupture. Next is a heart attack or worse.

Ox LDL also inhibits nitric oxide (NO) formation and can negatively impact vascular function.

Action plan

• Get tested for ox-LDL. We do this in our office and maybe your doctor does too. If not, come out to Arizona for the most advanced testing in the world. Another test of overall oxidative stress is MPO, myeloperoxidase. Most labs offer this test.
• Lower your oxidized LDL naturally.

How to lower your oxidized LDL naturally

• Eat organic Paleo foods such as green leafy vegetables, spices, berries (including organic capers- loaded with quercetin), eggs, and other cholesterol rich foods. Remember, cholesterol is an anti-oxidant.
• Coffee, we recommend Cardiology Coffee which is organic and mold and toxin free, organic green matcha tea, and HRW hydrogen tablets to add to your water. Hydrogen is specifically proven to have a protective role in this study.
• Get sleep, get sunshine, get away from chemicals, and get away from stress.
• Chiropractic care – Surprised by this recommendation? Well, don’t be. The brain and autonomic nervous system innervate the liver and blood vessels ( in addition to just about everything else). When a neurologic connection between brain, liver, and blood vessels are optimized, inflammation and oxidative stress go down. See your chiropractor. Don’t have one? Email us.
• Evidence-based supplements such as Daily Greens, Super C, and our Detoxicore (anti-oxidant and liver detox product). Berberine is specifically proven to reduce ox LDL. Our Berbe is made by the best company in the world.
• Get active. Physical activity exercise lowers oxidized LDL.

Take control of your health. The average MD is not going to check this test. Find one who does.