What Is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by your liver and found in some foods. It plays vital roles: - Makes hormones (like estrogen and testosterone) - Helps build cell membranes - Supports vitamin D production and bile for digestion There are two main types: - LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “Bad cholesterol” because it can build up in arteries - HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “Good cholesterol” because it helps clear LDL from the bloodstream So, question of the day: Does cholesterol alone cause heart attacks and strokes?

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The question the other day was does cholesterol solely cause heart attacks and strokes? Cholesterol is not the root cause—it’s part of the process. From a metabolic health standpoint: * Cholesterol is essential (hormones, cells, vitamin D) * LDL becomes a problem only when the environment is unhealthy What creates that unhealthy environment? * Insulin resistance → drives abnormal fat and sugar metabolism * Inflammation → damages artery walls * Oxidative stress → turns LDL into a harmful form * Endothelial dysfunction → allows particles into artery walls What actually matters more than total cholesterol: * ApoB (number of dangerous particles) * Triglyceride/HDL ratio * hs-CRP (inflammation marker) * Blood sugar & insulin levels Have you checked these important health markers?

Here is some additional information on cortisol! Cortisol’s Everyday Roles (When It’s in Balance) Cortisol isn’t just for emergencies. You need healthy daily levels for your body to function properly. Normal Cortisol Helps: - Regulate blood pressure - Control blood sugar - Balance metabolism - Maintain energy patterns throughout the day - Regulate your sleep–wake cycle, with levels naturally higher in the morning and lower at night Cortisol only becomes a problem when levels are too high or too low for long periods. When Cortisol Levels Stay Too High Chronic stress—whether from work pressure, poor sleep, emotional strain, financial stress, caregiving, or illness—can keep cortisol levels elevated far longer than your body was designed to handle. Signs & Consequences of High Cortisol - Increased belly fat - High blood sugar - Elevated blood pressure - Increased inflammation - Weakened immune function - Sleep disturbances - Worsened anxiety and depression - Higher long-term risk of heart disease Over time, chronic high cortisol can seriously disrupt metabolic health, weight, mood, and disease risk. When Cortisol Levels Are Too Low Very low cortisol—such as in Addison’s disease—can be dangerous. Symptoms of Low Cortisol - Fatigue - Weight loss - Low blood pressure - Low blood sugar - Salt cravings - Higher risk of adrenal crisis - Can become life-threatening if untreated While true cortisol deficiency is rare, chronic stress can eventually burn out cortisol production, causing low morning energy, chronic exhaustion, and difficulty handling stress.

So this was one of the most picked topics to address! It’s imperative to discuss cortisol if we’re going to address stress. I’ll share some important information about this hormone that we will need to be familiar with if we hope to improve your stress levels Let’s get started! What Is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. It’s often called the “stress hormone” because it plays a major role in how your body handles physical, mental, or emotional stress. But cortisol isn’t just about stress. It helps regulate and support hundreds of essential functions throughout your body, including metabolism, inflammation control, immunity, and energy balance. ⸻ How Cortisol Works in the Stress Response Think of cortisol as part of your personal survival alert system. When you face a stressful event—like almost getting into an accident or preparing for a big presentation—your brain signals the adrenals to release cortisol. What Cortisol Does in a Stressful Moment * Increases blood sugar to fuel muscles and brain * Boosts energy and alertness * Raises blood pressure for better oxygen delivery * Temporarily suppresses digestion, reproduction, and immune function so your body can focus on survival This is the classic “fight-or-flight” response—normal, helpful, and protective in short bursts.