Post
by Dolev » Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:52 pm
A lot of nutritional decisions will feel like a coin toss, because many opinions are out there and seem to be in conflict. To resolve this dilemma and arrive at some concrete conclusions demands serious study. A true conflict exists in matters where there are two opinions based on solid evidence and rationality. There truly are matters like this in the field of nutrition. However, most conflicts can be resolved. In many cases, in-depth examination will clarify that many things that are said are complete nonsense. Many opinions are based on some old and poorly conducted research which has been disproven. Many opinions have flimsy basis, which has been embellished and promoted by commercial interests. In many cases, human knowledge has not progressed enough to resolve the conflict. In many cases, what is true for one person may not be true for another person because of biochemical individuality. In many cases, conflicts are not real, since the opinions stated are not talking about the exact same thing.
As to "feeling cholesterol": One cannot feel his cholesterol level like feeling whether you are hot or cold. However, cholesterol has many vital functions. It is the building block from which many hormones are constructed. It is a major factor in regulating the liquidity of cell membranes, which in turn affects the actions of many proteins in the membranes. (Cell membranes are sort of like the "brain" of the cell). Cholesterol makes the skin waterproof and prevents dehydration, as well as being the precursor of vitamin D production in the skin. Cholesterol is the substance from which many digestive juices are formed (with the necessary help from vitamin C, by the way), so it aids digestion. From all this, it is not difficult to imagine that when the level of cholesterol is too low, the person will not feel very well.
I have seen in my own patients and have heard from other practitioners, that people with low cholesterol, below perhaps around 165, become depressed. First statins, then Prozac, then Viagra.
Dolev