Is Cholesterol Really the Bad Guy?

Cholesterol has for years been regarded as the number one bad guy in our fight against heart disease. Fat and its dangers have been declared so long and so loud that we list it as one of the seven deadly sins, certain that a daub of real butter or a juicy fat-flavored steak will send our cholesterol disasterously high.

Growing evidence seems to indicate that our real battle is not with that fat in our steak, but in the lack of some essential vitamins in our modern diet. While America has been obsessed with the evil fat in our food, we have grown fatter, and sicker. Obesity is now at record numbers with diabetes skyrocketing. Yet, we persist in our commitment to "low or no fat".

The truth is we need cholesterol. It is a major player in many of our hormones. And, some people, much to the contrary of our low fat mania, just don't manufacture it in needed amounts. In our pendulum swing away from the bad effects of trans fat and weight gain we are neglecting the good that fat can do for us.

Cholesterol is needed for proper brain and eye development. It is the raw material for the healing process. It actually gives strength to cell membranes, and it is necessary in our skin for the production of vitamin D.

The adage, old habits die hard proves true even in our medical community. In 1932 homocysteine, an amino acid, was discovered. Over the years research has been revealing this amino acid as the real culprit for which cholesterol has been taking the rap.

Homocysteine is a byproduct of a healthy metabolism. It's now becoming evident that the real problem is that we just don't get enough vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid to convert and escort this byproduct out of our body. Early research showed that patients with arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke often have no evidence of elevated cholesterol or LDL levels. While cholesterol is present in these diseased states, it is becoming apparent that it is less and less likely to be the cause.

Dr. Mccully, the discoverer of homocysteine, found that levels were extremely high in rare cases of children who died of hardening of the arteries. His research into the cases of childhood arteriosclerosis revealed that low levels of B-6, B-12, and folic acid caused the same disease in them that we see in our senior population. The lack of these nutrients causes an accumulation of homocysteine in our blood and tissues, which damages the artery walls. Cholesterol is just part of our body's attempt to put a band-aid on the hurt artery.

While the American Heart Association is not yet calling high homocysteine levels a major risk factor, they are strongly advising patients at high risk to get adequate amounts of these nutrients.
      
So, what does this mean to you and me? Our first line of defense should be eating nutritionally dense, properly prepared, whold foods. In other words, eat organic food that is not overcooked, and leave the boxed stuff on the store shelf. When we do this, we have the best chance of giving our body the fuel it really needs.  While that sugar packed, processed muffin and coffee for breakfast is mighty tasty, it not only fails to give you your basic B vitamins found in whole grains, it actually pulls these nutrients from your body.
     
Homocysteine levels naturally rise as we age and high intake of coffee and alcohol increase levels, as do high intake of red meat and chicken. So don't drink coffee all day. One cup really can get you going. Don't drink a bottle of wine. One glass with dinner is enough. And, eat that salad. it contains B-vitamins. Go ahead and eat that steak, but not seven days a week.
     
Our second defense should be supplementation. Most of us aren't active enough to burn the huge amounts of calories we would get if we eat what we really need. So, just what do we need?
     
While we can say which vitamins are proving necessary to fight heart disease, amounts needed are determined by your specific biochemical makeup. With this in mind, there are some guidelines that can help you not succumb to heart disease.
     
Homocysteine is measured in micromoles per liter. Safe levels according to health experts are believed to be between 6.3 and 12 micromoles. Above 14 is considered to be high risk for heart attack and stroke. First things first: get tested to find out your levels.
     
It is important to know just what your level is to determine supplementation needs. And, there are some caveats to supplements. For instance, daily doses of more than 1 milligram of folic acid can precipitate or exacerbate neurological problems caused by a vitamin B-12 deficiency. A qualified practitioner can help you work around your particular nutritional requirements.
     
With all of this said, for many people a general guide would be: 800 mcg folic acid, 1000 mcg B-12, 100 mg B-6. Additional supplements that have been found to help lower homocysteine levels are 250 mg choline, 250 mg inositol, 20 mg zinc, 500 mg betaine. Much higher amounts may be required if homocysteine levels are extremely elevated.
     
As our understanding of heart disease grows, it is important to find a doctor and nutritional advisor who can help you keep abreast of what can be done to positively affect your health. You are after all, the one in charge of what's on your plate. Maybe it can be a guilt-free steak.

Cherie Anello, NTP
Eugene, Oregon
253-468-6472

About the Author:
I have worked as a teacher, in commission sales, owned my own businesses and helped my husband pastor churches.  My own health issues created an interest in nutrition that I pursued for years.  But, the NTA training gave me a solid understanding of what I already knew.  Nutrition is the answer to America's health crisis.

As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner I am combining my love of teaching and desire to help people with my enthusiasm for nutrition.  I love seeing light bulbs go off for people when they understand what to eat and why, and actually connect that to how they feel.  And then, when I test them to see what specific whole food supplements help them with that nagging "problem", we both see real improvement. 

I work with people by appointment, one on one, to help make lasting changes in their health.  I am also available for (and love to do) group presentations. 

Additional Training:  Nutritional Response Testing, BA-English/Journalism, Washington State teaching certificate 4th - 12th grades. 

For more information or to make an appointment email cherieanellontp@hotmail.com or call 253-468-6472. Hours are by appointment: 85780 Loop Lane, Eugene, OR 97405.

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