Ep. 230 Cholesterol Isn’t the Villain-Why Context, Ratios, and Root Causes Matter
In this episode, I'm challenging the fear-based narrative around high cholesterol and unpacking what your labs are really telling you. Spoiler: high cholesterol isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a data point that needs context.
We dive into why dietary cholesterol (hello, eggs and beef) isn’t the cause of clogged arteries, why inflammation and metabolic health matter way more, and how to read your cholesterol panel in a more informed and less fear-driven way.
Here’s what we cover:
🧠 Cholesterol Basics:
What cholesterol actually does in the body (hint: it’s essential, not evil)
Why your body makes most of your cholesterol internally
The difference between total cholesterol vs. meaningful patterns
💥 Why It’s Not About the Number:
The truth about LDL and why size and density matter
What HDL and triglyceride levels really tell us
Why the Triglyceride:HDL ratio is one of the best predictors of cardiovascular risk
🔥 Inflammation Is the Bigger Issue:
How oxidized cholesterol and inflammation—not cholesterol itself—lead to plaque
The role of blood sugar imbalances, stress, and processed oils
Why cholesterol shows up to “patch damage” in the body—it’s a response, not the root cause
🌿 What to Focus On Instead:
Supporting metabolic health and inflammation with nutrition and lifestyle
Looking at full labs—including particle size and ratios
The importance of bile flow, liver support, and nervous system regulation in fat metabolism
💬 The Reframe: Cholesterol is not the enemy—it’s a messenger. And when we work with our bodies rather than against them, we can approach health from a place of curiosity, not fear.