016. Cholesterol: Going Beyond the Numbers

Cholesterol is more than just “good” and “bad” numbers. If that is all you have been told, you are missing the bigger picture.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ellis breaks down what your cholesterol labs actually mean, including the importance of particle size, density, and cardiovascular risk beyond standard lipid panels. You will learn why some people with “normal” cholesterol still develop heart disease, how inflammation, insulin resistance, gut health, and stress affect cholesterol levels, and what functional medicine looks at when conventional labs fall short.

We also explore evidence-based, natural strategies to support healthy cholesterol through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplements, without fear-based messaging or oversimplified advice.

If you have ever felt confused, dismissed, or pressured into one-size-fits-all treatment, this episode will give you clarity, context, and confidence to advocate for your health.