Dr Berg Interviews Feldman on the Truth About LDL Cholesterol

Let's talk about cholesterol on a keto diet. It's a topic that causes confusion. Many people starting a ketogenic diet worry about increased cholesterol levels.

This concern is understandable. We've long been told high cholesterol is bad. The relationship between cholesterol and health is more complex than that, especially on keto.

This article explores the dynamics of cholesterol on a keto diet with expert insights.

Understanding Cholesterol on the Keto Diet

A keto diet drastically reduces carbohydrate intake while raising fat consumption. This forces your body to switch from glucose to fat as fuel. This metabolic shift affects cholesterol.

Why Cholesterol Might Rise on Keto

On keto, your body breaks down stored fat into fatty acids and ketones. These, along with cholesterol, are transported by lipoproteins, potentially increasing LDL cholesterol.

For lean individuals, this LDL increase can be substantial, sometimes labeling them “hyper-responders.”

However, Dave Feldman, a cholesterol researcher, says, “LDL is one of the least useful markers of metabolic health.” they stress that LDL cholesterol alone doesn't fully represent heart health.

The Importance of Other Markers

Feldman emphasizes triglycerides and HDL when assessing cholesterol on keto. Studies indicate improved cardiovascular health and reduced mortality with lower triglycerides and increased HDL, typical keto results.

Elevated LDL cholesterol doesn't mean heart problems without injury, oxidative stress, cell disruption, or circulatory issues.

Look at metrics like particle size and consider using an NMR analysis to learn more about heart health. This will help assess LDL cholesterol and its different particles that can affect your health.

The Role of Lipoproteins

Lipoproteins transport not only cholesterol but triglycerides, vitamins, and more. Feldman views them as supply carriers. Cholesterol is important; cells depend on it.

Our cell membranes contain it. These membranes also contain phospholipids.

The Feldman Protocol: Managing Cholesterol on Keto

Dave Feldman developed the Feldman Protocol, outlined on cholesterolcode.com. It involves higher fat intake before cholesterol tests.

How it Works

The Feldman Protocol contrasts with reducing fat before testing, which can misleadingly elevate LDL cholesterol. It acknowledges that lowering fat intake pre-test creates an inaccurate picture.

This is particularly important if cholesterol on a ketogenic diet is something you're investigating and you're seeking to avoid statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Many prefer to keep an eye on these blood lipids with the hopes of taking no such medication.

Triglycerides and HDL: The Real Indicators of Heart Health?

Many see triglycerides and HDL cholesterol as vital cardiovascular risk indicators. Reduced triglycerides suggest efficient fat processing. Optimizing triglyceride levels and balancing cholesterol levels can reduce insulin resistance.

This can lead to lower blood glucose levels, thereby reducing potential heart-related risks. A balanced ratio of these implies metabolic wellness.

HDL and Reverse Cholesterol Transport

HDL plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport. It removes excess cholesterol from tissues back to the liver for balance.

The HDL helps remove unneeded cholesterol.

The Role of Insulin

Chronically high insulin is often associated with poor metabolic and heart health.

Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia

Feldman states high insulin hinders cell repair (autophagy). Addressing hyperinsulinemia through diet and intermittent fasting helps optimize triglycerides and HDL for better metabolic health.

If someone's goal is peak metabolic and heart health, regular monitoring of insulin levels, alongside triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, becomes crucial. A holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, and stress management is also essential.

Addressing the Root Causes

A well-formulated keto diet with whole foods is often advised to manage metabolism and cholesterol.

Intermittent fasting, keto, and addressing insulin issues are optimal for metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Consider testing insulin levels and look into additional resources and research to fully understand these complex topics. There's a vast array of knowledge on the nuances of these diets.

A comprehensive cholesterol panel, including HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides (via NMR analysis), is recommended. Such tests provide deeper insight compared to standard cholesterol assessments.

This enables more informed decision-making regarding diet and lifestyle changes, which contribute to comprehensive heart health management.

You'll find this to be quite a different experience compared to what you'll see with a standard lipid panel, as you're getting far more information.

If you have high cholesterol or even optimal cholesterol readings, you can improve your knowledge by seeking the right advice from a medical expert.

Balancing Fats for Healthy Cholesterol on Keto

One common concern when starting a ketogenic diet is its impact on cholesterol levels due to the high intake of dietary fats.

While keto emphasizes healthy fats for energy, it's crucial to focus on sources that support heart health.

Incorporating more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish can help maintain balanced cholesterol levels while limiting saturated fats from processed meats and butter.

Additionally, adding fiber-rich, low-carb vegetables and seeds like chia and flax can aid in managing cholesterol by supporting digestion and promoting heart health.

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and making thoughtful food choices can ensure the keto diet remains both effective and heart-friendly.

Conclusion

Cholesterol on keto is multifaceted. Fixating on LDL alone oversimplifies the broader metabolic picture, including triglyceride reduction.

For those seeking to enhance metabolic and heart health on keto and other diets, exploring research is key to fully grasp the subject. By understanding these factors, you can adopt more informed dietary and lifestyle choices.

This allows a personalized approach, resulting in more effective cholesterol management and overall wellness, both inside and out. The effect on heart health markers often manifests faster compared to more generalized approaches.

FAQs about cholesterol on the keto diet

What is the best diet to lower your cholesterol?

Several diets can benefit cholesterol. The ketogenic and Mediterranean diets often help lower it. A low-fat diet might not improve cholesterol compared to diets like the Mediterranean diet.

Does your cholesterol go up on a keto diet?

Some experience an LDL spike after starting keto, but the effect varies. High LDL may not indicate negative heart outcomes.

The Mediterranean diet or other healthy eating patterns with adequate physical activity play important roles in lowering the risks for several diseases, including those related to heart health.

Will cutting out carbs lower my cholesterol?

Reducing carbs, especially refined ones, can improve metabolic markers. Cholesterol increases on low-carb or keto often occur due to the breakdown of stored cholesterol.

This stored cholesterol transforms into triglycerides for transport throughout the body.

What keto foods are low in cholesterol?

While dietary cholesterol has less impact than presumed, low-cholesterol keto options include non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and avocados.

Foods lacking saturated fat are often associated with being cholesterol-free. Additionally, soluble fiber plays a vital role in preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the body.