If we don’t ask about disordered eating and undernourishment, as clinicians, we can be a detriment to a patient’s health with the wrong advice. Thus, perpetuating the patient’s need to restrict and undernourish even more!
Undernourishment can lead to high cholesterol levels through several interconnected mechanisms:
Liver Function: When you’re undernourished, your liver may produce more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This happens because the liver tries to compensate for the lack of nutrients by increasing cholesterol production.
Imbalanced Diet: Undernourishment often results from a diet lacking in essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A diet low in fiber can lead to poor digestion and absorption of fats, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
Insulin Resistance: Undernourishment can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This can result in higher blood sugar levels and an increased production of LDL cholesterol by the liver.
Inflammation: Undernutrition can weaken the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation. Inflammation can damage blood vessels and promote the accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Lack of Antioxidants: A diet lacking in antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can make the body more susceptible to oxidative stress. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to become trapped in arterial walls and contribute to plaque buildup.
By understanding this mechanism and learning more about our patients lifestyle habits, we can turn this around and promote better health outcomes by educating our patients on proper nourishment.
If a clinician is saying you need to buy only their supplement line to feel better, you don’t have a clinician concerned about you…you have a clinician that is concerned about their bottom line. 📈
🥇First things first, lifestyle MUST be addressed. Once those changes are addressed and in place, THEN we talk additional supplements (unless there is an evidence-based, documented deficiency needing correction).
Lifestyle changes are HARD. But remember, that is likely one of the main reasons you are feeling the way you do now! 😬
And remember lifestyle changes are FREE…and that, my friend, is PRICELESS. 🤑
Cool Creek Family Health is a direct primary care clinic. Contact us today to learn how we put you in the driver’s seat of your healthcare and can make you love your primary care experience again!
