This is the story of a condition that was created and its pharmaceutical “solution”: statins. When it comes to cholesterol, as with many other health issues, opinions are often conflicting, leaving patients unsure of what to do. Let’s clarify some key points and explore how natural remedies can help.
What Is Cholesterol, What Produces It, and How Many Types Exist
The fats we consume are absorbed in the intestines and transported to the liver. There, they are transformed and distributed throughout the body to fuel energy production. The liver converts these fats into two primary forms: cholesterol and triglycerides. These are packaged into protein structures called lipoproteins, which circulate through the bloodstream.
Depending on their density, lipoproteins are classified as:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)
- Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL)
Cholesterol itself remains the same; what changes is its transport system, which determines its behavior and effects.
According to the World Health Organization, excess cholesterol contributes to approximately 2.6 million deaths each year. Conventional medicine claims that LDL (“bad cholesterol”) deposits on artery walls, forming plaques that harden arteries. However, a crucial detail often overlooked is that atherosclerotic plaque is caused by inflammation.
When blood vessel walls are damaged due to chronic inflammation, cells require repair. The liver responds by producing more cholesterol to heal the damage and replace dead cells with new ones.
In short, cholesterol itself is not the cause of atherosclerosis. The real culprit is endothelial damage and chronic inflammation.
Where Does Chronic Inflammation Come From?
- Hormonal imbalances
- Insulin resistance
- Excess sugar consumption
- Stress
- Food additives and preservatives
- Environmental pollutants
Foods to Include in Your Diet
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Raw garlic
- Pomegranate juice
- Wild-caught fish
- Whole grains (preferably at lunch)
Statins: A Highly Profitable Invention
Allopathic medicine often prescribes statins. While profitable for pharmaceutical companies, research shows they may cause serious side effects in multiple organs, including the brain. In some patients with low cholesterol, statins have been linked to cognitive decline. Cholesterol and fats are essential components of cell structure and metabolism—they are crucial for forming synapses and the myelin sheath.
Nature Comes to the Rescue
Among the phytotherapeutic remedies, we find macerates of:
- Rosemary
- Burdock
- Milk thistle
- Artichoke (avoid if prone to gallbladder colic)
- Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom)
- Support for the intestinal microbiota
- In cases of hypertension, combine with hawthorn and magnesium
Rosemary helps regenerate liver cells and supports detoxification. It can be combined with burdock, milk thistle, and artichoke (except for those prone to gallbladder colic, as artichoke is cholagogue—use with caution).
The spagyric mushroom Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom of Japanese origin with immunomodulating and adaptogenic anti-inflammatory properties. It is known for its ability to modulate the body’s response to external agents and various forms of stress. It helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol while protecting the extracellular matrix. Its therapeutic action primarily affects the Heart, Liver, Stomach, Kidneys, and Spleen meridians.
Pomegranate juice acts as a powerful antioxidant and is an excellent supplement for overall health and arterial integrity.
Regarding our intestinal microbiota, I have always considered it the engine of our health, as our well-being depends on it. Chronic dysbiosis over time, combined with excessive intestinal permeability, indicates silent inflammation affecting multiple systems throughout the body.
Dr. Monica De Felice
Environmental Energy Naturopathy – Animal Naturopathy – Nutrition and Animal Probiotic Clinics