Today, many medical practitioners look at cholesterol as the artery-clogging model of heart disease.

Really though, it has been the ultimate scapegoat since the start of the 1980 anti-fat campaign. Even though the cholesterol model has been replaced with the inflammation model, it is still considered the bad guy. Yes, cholesterol is at the scene of the crime, but only as a first responder, since it is a protective antioxidant element that repairs damage to arteries. The latest science confirms that inflammation is the culprit, which leads to endothelial and vascular smooth muscle dysfunction as well as oxidative stress.

Inflammation from stress, poor diet, and physical inactivity increases blood pressure and constricts blood vessels. Homocysteine is a type of inflammation, which can cause atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. We believe the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease and increased risk of stroke are: 1) high homocysteine, 2) triglycerides, and 3) overall inflammation (CRP).

So, if a person has high cholesterol, it could be a B-vitamin deficiency, a hidden infection, or even poor gallbladder function. The gallbladder is what gets rid of the cholesterol in our body. Hidden infections can raise inflammation and raise cholesterol at the same time. Most people don’t think about those two issues when thinking about lowering cholesterol since diet gets all the attention. We have known for decades that eating the Standard American Diet high in sweets, treats, wheat, cheese, and meat causes high cholesterol. It’s the hidden causes of high cholesterol that need some attention too.

At Red Mountain, our doctors are experts in functional medicine, having trained with the best doctors in the world. We can help you formulate an individualized treatment plan aimed at the source of your high cholesterol. Whether you need to change your diet, take more B-vitamins, or even treat a hidden gut infection, we have the tools and techniques to help you optimize your cholesterol levels naturally and help prevent strokes from occurring.