You know what most people ask when they find out their cholesterol is high?
“How do I lower it?”
But from a functional medicine perspective, that’s actually the wrong question.
The better question is:
“Why is my cholesterol elevated in the first place?”
Because high cholesterol doesn’t happen in isolation.
It’s influenced by blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, diet, gut health, stress, sleep, and lifestyle. Elevated cholesterol is often a downstream effect of metabolic dysfunction—not the root cause itself.
That’s why we don’t chase cholesterol at Best Life Functional Medicine.
We fix the system.
Many cases of high cholesterol are driven by:
- Insulin resistance
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
• Processed foods
• Poor gut health
• Lack of movement
One of the biggest misconceptions is that fat is the problem.
In reality, sugar and refined carbohydrates are often much more damaging. Repeated blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, which changes how the body processes fats and cholesterol. This can increase triglycerides, alter LDL particles, and increase cardiovascular risk.
Cholesterol Is Not the Enemy
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
Cholesterol is essential for life.
In fact, it’s the building block for many of your hormones.
Everything starts with cholesterol. It is used to create pregnenolone, often called the “mother of all hormones,” which then goes on to produce progesterone, cortisol, and DHEA. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.
This is one reason we don’t like to see cholesterol too low.
When cholesterol is too low, hormone production can suffer, energy may decline, and inflammation can actually increase.
So What Can You Do Right Now?
The first place to start is blood sugar stabilization.
When blood sugar becomes more stable:
- Energy improves
• Cravings decrease
• Mental clarity improves
• Inflammation decreases
One of the fastest ways to begin is by removing foods that drive inflammation and insulin resistance.
For the next 10 days, focus on:
- Eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Avoiding ultra-processed foods and industrial oils
• Eating real, whole foods
Think fewer foods from a package and more foods from the refrigerator.
Focus on These Foods
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats help stabilize blood sugar and support cardiovascular health.
Try:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Avocados
• Nuts and seeds
• Wild-caught salmon
Protein
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, support muscle mass, and improve metabolic health.
Aim to include protein at every meal.
Fiber
Fiber helps remove excess cholesterol from the body while feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Focus on:
- Vegetables
• Leafy greens
• Beans
• Nuts and seeds
What Does That Look Like?
A simple breakfast could be:
- Eggs
• Sautéed spinach or kale cooked in olive oil
• Half an avocado
• Berries
This combination helps stabilize blood sugar right away.
For lunch, think protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber. An apple with almond butter, hummus and vegetables, or a nutrient-dense salad bowl are all great options.
Remember, this isn’t about restriction.
It’s about giving your body what it needs to function well.
When you improve blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, support gut health, and eat real food, cholesterol often improves naturally.
Because cholesterol is usually not the problem.
It’s the messenger.
