High Cholesterol
Gabriel challenges cholesterol dogma: cholesterol itself is NOT the enemy—inflammation and oxidized LDL are the problems.
10 identified
12 recommended
12 to test
4 modalities
Gabriel's Approach
Gabriel challenges cholesterol dogma: cholesterol itself is NOT the enemy—inflammation and oxidized LDL are the problems. Standard lipid panel inadequate—need advanced testing (particle number, oxidized LDL, inflammation markers). Protocol: 1) Reduce insulin resistance (lowers triglycerides, increases HDL, shifts to large fluffy LDL), 2) Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (prevent LDL oxidation), 3) Optimize thyroid (if hypothyroid), 4) Increase fiber (binds cholesterol), 5) Support liver function, 6) Antioxidant support. GOAL: improve advanced lipid markers and inflammation, not just lower LDL number. Statins often unnecessary when root cause addressed.
Root Causes
Why Conventional Fails
Statins (atorvastatin/Lipitor, simvastatin, rosuvastatin/Crestor), Ezetimibe (Zetia—blocks absorption), PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha, Praluent—injectable, extremely expensive), Fibrates (for high triglycerides), Niacin (prescription extended-release), lifestyle advice ('low-fat diet, exercise').
Statins lower cholesterol but don't address root cause (insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress), significant side effects: muscle pain/weakness (very common—CoQ10 depletion), increased diabetes risk (9-20%), cognitive issues (brain needs cholesterol), liver enzyme elevation, depletes CoQ10, statins prevent cholesterol synthesis (needed for hormones, vitamin D, cell membranes, brain function), focus on lowering LDL number without testing particle size/oxidation status (small dense oxidized LDL is the problem, large fluffy LDL is benign), doesn't address inflammation, low-fat diet advice WORSENS lipid profile (increases triglycerides, lowers HDL, creates small dense LDL), overtreatment based on flawed cholesterol hypothesis (cholesterol is correlation not causation—inflammation and oxidation are key).
Your Complete Protocol
A comprehensive, tiered approach combining supplements, herbs, and advanced therapies
Your Protocol for High Cholesterol
Choose the level that's right for your healing journey
Essential Protocol
What's Included
- Red Yeast Rice 1200-2400mg (MUST include CoQ10 100-200mg)
- Omega-3 4g/day
- Niacin (B3) 500-2000mg
- Berberine 500mg 3x/day
- Red Yeast Rice (Hong Qu) — Naturally lowers LDL cholesterol and improves lipid profiles
- Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha) — Reduces cholesterol and improves fat metabolism
Available through Fullscript
Practitioner-Grade Protocol
Practitioner-Grade — Not Available on Amazon
What's Included
- SP Complete — Nutritional shake providing complete protein and whole food nutrients
- Gastro-Fiber — Fiber blend supporting healthy bowel function and cholesterol levels
- Livaplex — Comprehensive liver support combining glandular tissue, beets, and herbs
- Two Aged Herb Decoction (Er Chen Tang) — Drains phlegm and dampness that manifests as high cholesterol
- Salvia & Ligusticum Formula (Dan Shen Yin) — Moves blood and breaks up lipid accumulation in vessels
Whole food supplements by Standard Process
Complete Protocol
What's Included
- All Practitioner-Grade supplements & herbs
- BPC-157 (tissue repair + gut healing)
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune modulation)
Standard Process + Matter peptides
Recommended Supplements
Key Lab Markers
Dietary Guidance
Low-carb or ketogenic diet (dramatically improves lipid profile: lowers triglycerides 50%+, increases HDL, shifts LDL to large fluffy particles), increase soluble fiber (oats, beans, psyllium, vegetables), omega-3 rich foods, eliminate sugar and refined carbs, eliminate trans fats and oxidized seed oils, increase antioxidant foods (berries, dark chocolate 85%+, green tea, colorful vegetables), plant sterols in foods (nuts, seeds, legumes), garlic, onions, turmeric, organic, avoid excess alcohol.
Lifestyle Factors
Exercise critical (increases HDL, improves insulin sensitivity): both aerobic and resistance training, weight loss if overweight (improves all lipid markers), prioritize sleep (7-9 hours), stress management, quit smoking, maintain healthy weight, optimize thyroid if hypothyroid (hypothyroidism raises cholesterol), address insulin resistance (KEY—fixes triglycerides, HDL, LDL particle size), sauna therapy.
Recommended Treatments
Mind, Body & Spirit
Evidence-based practices that complement physical treatment protocols
Mind
Stress Reduction for Lipids
moderateManaging stress that drives cholesterol production and inflammation.
Meditation for Heart Health
moderateMindfulness practice improves lipid profiles and reduces inflammation.
Body
Aerobic Exercise
strongRegular cardio increases HDL and improves overall lipid profile.
Yoga for Cholesterol
moderateRegular practice shown to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Spirit
Purpose & Social Connection
moderateStrong relationships and life purpose reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Foods That Help
What You Should Know
Saturated Fat and Heart Disease
Saturated fat may not cause heart disease as previously believed
Cholesterol and Eggs
Dietary cholesterol from eggs may not affect heart disease risk
Statin Overprescription
Statins may be overprescribed for low-risk individuals
Statins and Myopathy
Statin muscle pain affects 10-15% in real-world use vs 1-5% in trials
Statin Primary Prevention Efficacy
Statins prevent 1 event per 100-300 people treated for 5 years
Cholesterol as Poor Predictor
Standard cholesterol tests miss half of heart attack risk
Curated for High Cholesterol
Supplements + Chinese herbal medicine
SP Complete + TCM
Standard Process + advanced peptide therapy
Find a Practitioner
Connect with specialists who treat High Cholesterol using root-cause approaches.
Browse PractitionersEducational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.