The Importance of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the substance from which all of the sex hormones are derived. Our cholesterol is first converted to pregnenolone. From there, we begin to build the hormones we need, when we need them, in the amounts that are best for us. As we age, some of the conversions become less efficient. That's to be expected. Nevertheless, I'd like you to think about the overall picture. Consider it in terms of what is screamed at us day in and day out - "LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL!"

Not only does the modern medical establishment encourage everyone to lower their cholesterol levels, they also have an arsenal full of potent drugs they'll order for you if you can't get your levels low enough to satisfy their laboratory charts. All the while, you're using drugs, diet, and exercise to lower cholesterol levels and your body is starting to cry out for additional hormones. Sadly, you can't meet the need for the hormones your body wants because your efforts to drop your cholesterol have been successful - and you no longer have enough cholesterol to use as a starter source.

This is serious business. At no time throughout the development of the human being have we ever been exposed to drugs the likes of statins. They block the conversion of carbohydrates into cholesterol, effectively lowering our cholesterol levels. Yes, cholesterol is made from carbohydrates, not fat. Cholesterol is a vital part of life because it is the starting material for so many important hormones.

The rush to push cholesterol levels lower and lower is ultimately unwise, especially as so many people are suffering direct side effects from the drugs used as well as declining health from the lack of healthy hormone production.

Every function in the body depends on hormones, not just those associated with sex. Hormones are needed to control our sugar levels (insulin) and make anti-inflammatories (cortisol) that reduce pain and swelling in our joints. They transfer messages from our pituitary gland and control the actions of our thyroid. Hormones are important factors in helping us cope with stress and they encourage healing.

Using cholesterol lowering drugs exposes people to the potential for large numbers of chronic disorders - anything from muscle pain, to fibromyalgia, to arthritis, and even thyroid malfunction. Still the madness continues.

Recent reports suggest testing children as young at 2 years for cholesterol and to prescribe statin drugs for children as young as 8 years. These drugs are toxic for adults and we have scant little information about how they work in children. Not only do we not know how they will work in the short run, we are totally in the dark about their impact when used for decade after decade.

Low cholesterol is more harmful than elevated cholesterol. Cholesterol itself does not cause disease.

Why, then, take drugs to lower it?

If you are already taking cholesterol-lowering drugs don’t stop on your own. Talk to your doctor. Express your concerns that low cholesterol can be harmful to many hormone systems in the body. Work with your doctor to investigate other avenues to health. See if your doctor will allow a short "drug holiday" - a time where you get along without the drugs. See if you feel better. Then do something about staying healthy without drugs.

Finally, don't allow children under your care to start taking potent cholesterol-lowering drugs. Yes, I know it is hard to disregard a doctor's orders, but it is important for the long-term health of the child that you reject any advice that causes you to give drugs to a child for the rest of his or her life. Parents are responsible for the health and well-being of their children. Doctors can help, but they are NOT responsible for our children. You are. Remember that and act accordingly.