Video: Cholesterol Panels Decoded with Dr. Robert Lustig & Dr. Casey Means
This podcast episode was originally published on Sep. 25, 2023
Dr. Rob Lustig breaks down the importance of the triglyceride to HDL ratio and its impact on your overall health. He also discusses insulin, its role beyond diabetes, and how it connects to your metabolic well-being.
🩸 Triglyceride to HDL Ratio Matters:
The triglyceride to HDL ratio is a crucial marker of metabolic health.
Lower ratios are generally better, but they can vary among different racial groups.
A ratio below 1.5 is often considered optimal for overall health.
🩸 Understanding Lipid Profiles:
Fasting lipid profiles provide valuable insights into the relationship between various lipid molecules.
Rather than fixating on total cholesterol or isolated LDL numbers, focus on the interplay between these lipids.
🩸 Insulin: More Than Just a Diabetes Hormone:
Insulin is not only about managing blood glucose; it's also your body's energy storage hormone.
High insulin levels can lead to various health issues beyond diabetes, including cell proliferation and metabolic diseases.
🩸 Sugar and Liver Fat:
Excessive sugar consumption contributes to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
This liver fat can lead to insulin resistance, driving dangerous small density LDL levels.
🧑⚕ Taking Action for Optimal Health:
Prioritize getting your triglyceride to HDL ratio below 1.5 to optimize metabolic health.
Aim to maintain triglycerides below 100 for a healthier lipid profile.
Strive for high HDL levels, ideally above 60, to further improve your metabolic well-being.
Recognize the role of genetics in HDL levels, and work on improving them if needed.
Consider a fasting insulin test, with a target level of less than six, to assess your metabolic health.
Conclusion:
Understanding your lipid profile and insulin's impact is crucial for long-term health.
By focusing on the triglyceride to HDL ratio, managing sugar intake, and addressing liver fat, you can take proactive steps towards optimizing your metabolic health.
