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Dr Joel Wallach, DVM ND

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Cholesterol Facts: What You May Not Know

Cholesterol Facts: What You May Not Know

Cholesterol often gets a bad reputation, but it plays a far more important role in the body than most people realize. In fact, many of your essential hormones and protective structures depend on it.

Cholesterol: The Master Building Block

Cholesterol is the foundation for several major hormone groups:

  • 95% of male sex hormones
  • 95% of female sex hormones
  • 95% of adrenal hormones

All of these are made from a single master steroid—cholesterol.
Your body produces only about 10% of the cholesterol it needs. The remaining 90% must come from dietary sources.

When the adrenal glands become fatigued or overworked, the body may struggle to maintain adequate cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol and the Brain

The brain relies heavily on cholesterol. About 75% of the brain’s myelin—the protective sheath around nerves—is made entirely from cholesterol. This makes cholesterol essential for healthy nerve function and communication.

What Can Cause Elevated Cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels can rise for many reasons. Some contributing factors include:

  • Low levels of Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • Omega‑3 fatty acid deficiency
  • Chromium deficiency
  • Vanadium deficiency
  • Low thyroid function
  • Diabetes
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

Lifestyle factors also play a major role. In many developed countries, the most common contributors to dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels) include:

  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats
  • Overuse of alcohol
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Certain liver conditions
  • Specific medications such as thiazides, beta‑blockers, retinoids, antiretroviral drugs, estrogen/progestins, and glucocorticoids

Trans fats—often found in processed foods—are particularly concerning because they behave similarly to saturated fats in the body.

Diabetes and Cholesterol: A Significant Connection

Diabetes is one of the most impactful secondary causes of abnormal cholesterol levels. Many individuals with diabetes experience a pattern known as diabetic dyslipidemia, which often includes:

  • High triglycerides
  • Small, dense LDL particles
  • Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol

This combination can increase cardiovascular risk. Factors such as obesity, poor blood sugar control, and increased free fatty acids can contribute to this pattern. Lifestyle habits—like high caloric intake and low physical activity—can make it worse.

Women with diabetes may face an even higher risk of heart‑related complications from these lipid changes.

Testing and Evaluation

Certain tests may be recommended in specific situations, such as:

  • Lp(a) levels for individuals with early cardiovascular disease or unusually high LDL
  • C‑reactive protein or homocysteine levels for additional risk assessment

To check for secondary causes of dyslipidemia, healthcare providers may evaluate:

  • Fasting glucose
  • Liver enzymes
  • Creatinine
  • Thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Urinary protein

These tests help identify underlying conditions that may be influencing cholesterol levels.

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