Fixing Lipids

Part 2: Lowering Lipids without the Meds

If you have not already read Part 1, take a moment to read it. It will help you understand why it’s important to fix your lipids and why statins are a last-resort.

In Part 1 of this two-part series on lipids we discussed what lipids are, the basics of reading a lipid panel, and why statins are not the ideal solution. In Part 2 we will discuss better ways to lower your lipids without medications.

As with most chronic or lifestyle diseases, elevated lipids begin in the kitchen. If your diet is poor, your lipids will be poor. In my opinion, it is actually easier to out-train overeating than it is elevated lipids.

The reason for this is largely evolutionary. The human body is designed to thrive during feast times as well as famine times. You can live for a tremendous amount of time on fat reserves. This helps explain why the body is so good at storing fat. When you overeat during the feast time your body stores those calories away in the form of fat very efficiently. During the famine, you strip that fat off quickly.

Our society has not done anything to help this evolutionary advantage. We are surrounded by food nowadays. You have access to calories instantly in whatever form you crave 24/7. Craving a salty treat? Just get in your car and go get it. Our bodies are not adapted for this.

Furthermore, the type of food we have today is not ideal. Ultra-processed, hyper-palatable foods are abundant. Your body can easily digest these foods and they are designed to be easy to desirable, easy to overeat, and keep you coming back for more. The body doesn’t need to work as hard to access the calories compared to something like a potato which is full of fiber.

What does all that have to do with lowering your lipids?