About this episode

The episode discusses the underlying causes of high cholesterol and how to improve metabolic health in 10 days.

High cholesterol is one of the most common reasons people are told they’re at risk for heart disease. But what if cholesterol isn’t the root problem? What if it’s actually a signal of deeper metabolic dysfunction—and focusing on the number alone causes us to miss what’s really driving cardiovascular risk? In today’s episode, we explore a functional medicine approach to cholesterol and heart health, including: Why high cholesterol is often a downstream effect of insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction The surprising role sugar, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods play in driving unhealthy cholesterol patterns How healthy fats, protein, fiber, and gut health influence cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular risk The nutrition and lifestyle changes that can improve metabolic health—and begin shifting key biomarkers in as little as 10 days When it comes to cholesterol, the better question isn’t always, "How do I lower this number?" It’s, "Why is it elevated in the first place?" By addressing the root causes—from blood sugar imbalance and inflammation to diet, movement, sleep, and stress—you can improve not just your cholesterol, but the underlying…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Mark Hyman

Topics covered

• cholesterol
• heart health
• metabolic dysfunction
• insulin resistance
• nutrition
• lifestyle changes

Keywords

• cholesterol
• heart disease
• metabolic health
• insulin resistance
• nutrition
• lifestyle changes
• sugar
• processed foods
• healthy fats
• biomarkers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: functionhealth.com

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