Cholesterol has been given a bad rap. We have been taught that cholesterol in our body is bad. But cholesterol is a substance critically needed by the body! The number of functions it has in the body is truly remarkable. As the cholesterol debate continues, time is revealing the truth about cholesterol.

One truth is that the heart disease - high cholesterol levels connection has been weakening. In fact, it was never very strong to start with, at least from the standpoint of high cholesterol causing heart disease. What we are learning, is that high cholesterol in itself is not the real danger, but rather is an indicator that something may be going amiss in the cardiovascular system, such as vascular damage. Cholesterol is the healing serum that comes to the rescue when damage occurs to the arterial walls. So if cholesterol levels go up, we should be taking a look at what we may be doing that is setting the stage for damage to occur.

Too much acid in the diet (coffee, sugar, alcohol, etc), rancid/oxidized fats, high levels of omega-6 fatty acids/trans fats/polyunsaturated fats, elevated homocysteine levels in the blood, deficiencies of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E, amino acids and minerals, many medications, including statins, hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy, sedentary lifestyle, and psychological factors such as hostility, stress, anger and depression can contribute to vascular damage, and/or weakening of the heart. If cholesterol levels are on the rise, we need to look at the reason why they are up.

Cholesterol isn't the bad guy. We need cholesterol for fat metabolism, to develop cells, to maintain the strength and pliability of blood vessel walls, to make Vitamin D, for mineral metabolism. It is a component of brain cells, needed for brain function, component of the myelin sheath that protects the nerves (and for nerve impulse propagation), it is used in seminal fluid and vaginal lubrication, the basic substance from which steroid hormones like DHEA, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are produced. Cholesterol is needed for normal development of embryos; it is used to repair and protect tissues, and to digest fats. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer, plays a key role in the formation of memory, and is necessary to uptake hormones in the brain, especially serotonin - the body's "feel good" hormones. Cholesterol is also needed for the serotonin receptors to work, precursors to the adrenal corticoid hormones that regulate blood sugar and mineral balance. These hormones also promote healing and help reduce inflammation.

Artificially lowering cholesterol levels isn't the answer for protecting the heart and vessels. It's a warning flag that if we don't address the real cause, we will be in big trouble. According to Sally Fallon, a well researched authority on cholesterol, "Blaming coronary heart disease on cholesterol is like blaming the police for murder and theft in a high crime area." We have to focus on the crime - the damage the cholesterol has come in to repair.

Learn more, attend my upcoming class, "High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health," Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Vital Health in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 35 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.