043: Are High LDL's Bad For You

Simple, Healthy Choices for Weight Loss

In this episode, Dr. Steve explores the question: "Are High LDLs Bad For You?" He clarifies that high LDL levels alone don't necessarily indicate a problem, discussing the 2013 guidelines that changed cholesterol treatment. He highlights the role of insulin in our energy sources and warns against sugar's effects. The episode also touches on harmful small, dense LDLs formed due to excess carbohydrate intake. Dr. Steve emphasizes practical steps for cardiovascular health, making this episode an enlightening exploration of cholesterol and LDLs.

[00:01 - 05:41] Treating Cholesterol and LDL

LDL levels can still be high even if blood levels are good and you eat a healthy low carb diet.

High LDL levels alone are not bad and do not require direct treatment.

2013 drug treatment guidelines removed the use of LDL as a direct treatment target.

[05:42 - 10:13] Insulin and Energy Sources

Body uses either fat or glucose as energy sources, determined by insulin levels.

Keeping insulin levels low allows the body to burn fat instead of storing it.

Glucose is stored in liver and skeletal muscles, while fat is stored in subcutaneous fat cells.

Ultra-processed foods and high sugar intake raise insulin levels and promote fat storage.

[10:14 - 14:19] Difference Between Natural Carbohydrates and Sugar

All natural carbohydrates like rice or vegetables are carbohydrates which get converted to glucose in the body.

Eating carbohydrates raises glucose levels.

Both sugar and high-fructose corn syrup contain both glucose AND fructose. Fructose is extremely harmful for several reasons and also gets turned into fat.

Excessive glucose and fructose intake leads to excess fat in the liver.

[14:20 - 22:59] Understanding LDLs and Their Role in the Body

The liver produces VLDLs to carry fat and cholesterol in the body.

VLDLs become LDLs as they release triglycerides and cholesterol.

Too many carbs raise triglyceride levels and lead to harmful small, dense LDLs.

Small, dense LDLs can damage blood vessels and cause organ problems.

[22:59 - 29:50] Closing Segment

LDL and VLDL are not cholesterol, but lipoproteins.

To determine small dense LDLs, take the ratio of total cholesterol to HDLs.

Triglyceride level divided by HDLs should be less than two, but ideally, one or less.

Total Cholesterol divided by HDLs should be less than 5, but ideally, 3.5 or less.

Decrease triglyceride levels by reducing carbohydrate intake.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“It's not LDLs, it's not your normal LDLs that get the fat out of our liver and takes it around to all the parts of our body that need it. It's the small, dense LDLs that are causing all the damage. ” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“Fructose is poison.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“LDL is not cholesterol, VLDLs is not cholesterol, it's a lipoprotein, and cholesterol is just part of it.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett