Why Your Cholesterol Is High—and How to Start Fixing It in 10 Days
6/8/202624 min
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 metabolic health that drives long-term cardiovascular risk. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about the 10-Day Detox: https://bit.ly/3PIUoxf Listen to my full conversation with Dr. Aseem Malhotra: https://bit.ly/4x5wEUR Track your metabolic and cardiovascular health biomarkers: functionhealth.com/mark for 160+ lab tests at just $365/year. Use code MARK2026 for $50 off. Have a question you'd love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here (0:25) Introduction (1:11) Understanding and Addressing Cholesterol with Functional Medicine (2:20) Metabolic Dysfunction, Health Reset, and Dietary Recommendations (8:07) Example Daily Meal Plan and Importance of Movement (12:46) Sleep, Stress, and Supplements for Cholesterol (14:27) Cardiovascular Risk Insights and Dr. Asim Malhotra Clip (20:30) Closing Remarks, Listener Engagement, and Social Media (21:57) Disclaimer, Medical Guidance, and Gratitude to Sponsors
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First 90 secondsMark Hyman· Host0:00
What if brain fog, anxiety, and mood swings aren't simply all in your head? What if the health of your mind actually starts deeper in your body, in your gut, in your hormones, metabolism, and your immune system? Well, let me tell you, the connection is real, and it affects how you think and you feel every single day. And that's why I created Brain Shaping Academy, a six-week program that shows you how healing your body can help you heal your mind. Brain Shaping Academy relies on the same targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies that I've used for thirty years to help my patients improve their mental, emotional, and cognitive health. So if you want to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control and stay sharp and protect your brain as you age, check out Brain Shaping Academy at drhyman.com/brainshaping. That's drhyman.com/brainshaping. Welcome to Office Hours. This is our dedicated one-on-one space to go deeper, get clear, and explore what truly moves the needle for your health. I'm Dr. Mark Hyman, and each week, we're going to pull back the curtain and share the insights, the research, the lessons that don't always make it into our conversations with guests. Because at the end