How stress affects cholesterol: Why do you have high cholesterol despite eating healthy?

You've been eating healthy for months, and yet your latest test shows that your cholesterol is still high. It's frustrating, isn't it?

What many women don't know is that high cholesterol in premenopause is not only affected by diet, but there is another player in this equation: stress.

Here I explain how stress affects cholesterol, even when you think you're doing everything right.

How does stress affect cholesterol?

Chronic stress has a subtle but powerful way of affecting your body. And even if you eat healthy, it could be raising your cholesterol levels without you even realizing it.

• You release more triglycerides and fatty acids: Stress can affect the way your body uses and stores fats, promoting an increase in LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and decreasing HDL (good cholesterol).
• Stress promotes inflammation : this affects blood vessels, which further worsens the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Poor sleep: When you don't get enough rest, your body becomes disrupted and can cause your blood fat levels to go out of control. And if you have sleep apnea (you stop breathing while you sleep), your bad cholesterol and triglycerides can go up, while your good cholesterol goes down, as the apnea gets worse.
• Hormonal imbalance : Stress not only disrupts cortisol, but also other hormones such as insulin. This throws your metabolism out of whack, causing your body to mishandle sugars and fats. As a result, your liver produces more cholesterol than you actually need.

How can you manage stress to improve your cholesterol?

The key to lowering cholesterol isn't always about eating more salads or grilled proteins. Often, the solution is learning to manage stress.

• Practice mindful breathing: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and reduce cortisol levels. Try deep breathing exercises or guided meditation to calm your nervous system.
• Include relaxation techniques in your daily routine : practice yoga, tai chi, or even walk in nature, it reduces stress levels and, in the long term, lowers your cholesterol levels.
• Take care of your sleep : Establishing a regular and relaxing sleep routine is crucial: instead of looking at your cell phone or TV before going to bed, read a book, listen to music, take a bath with Epsom salts or have fun with your children.
• Functional Nutrition : There are many benefits of taking magnesium glycinate (300 mg), glycine (675 mg) and adaptogens like ashwagandha (250 mg), they help to better manage stress and its effects on the body.
• Get moving : Spending too much time sitting, watching TV or on the computer can lead to obesity, which significantly increases bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Walk, even for 30 minutes a day or do an exercise you enjoy.

Taking time to care for your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your diet. When you manage to reduce stress in your life, you will see how your entire body—including your cholesterol levels—begins to improve.

Important: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any health conditions, please consult with your doctor. And please consult before starting any new supplement to ensure it is suitable for you.

Sources:

• Cholesterol: What is it and what are healthy levels?
• Sapolsky, Robert M. *Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers*, 3rd edition, Holt Paperbacks, 2004, pp. 287293.
• McEwen, Bruce S. *The End of Stress as We Know It*, National Academies Press, 2002, pp. 98102.