07/18/2025
🫶🏽Wellness Fact Friday🫶🏽
🧠 Is Your Statin Causing Brain Fog?
Statin medications are often prescribed to lower cholesterol, but did you know they could be affecting your brain function?
👉 How Statins Work
Statins block an enzyme in the liver called HMG CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol production. But this also interferes with the body's ability to make important hormones and neurosteroids, which are crucial for memory, focus, and mood.
💡 Why Cholesterol Matters for Your Brain
Your brain is made up of nearly 60 percent fat, and cholesterol is essential for creating:
• Cell membranes
• Vitamin D
• S*x hormones
• And most importantly, neurosteroids that support brain function
📉 Statins Can Disrupt This Process
They don’t just lower cholesterol. They may block the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone and other neurosteroids, which can lead to brain fog, mood swings, and mental fatigue in some individuals.
🚨 Cholesterol Alone Isn’t the Full Story
Elevated cholesterol without other risk factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome is not a reliable predictor of heart disease.
In fact, studies like the Framingham Offspring Study have shown that total cholesterol by itself is a poor indicator of cardiovascular risk, especially in older adults.
✅ Better Ways to Support Healthy Cholesterol
Improve Your Overall Diet
Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Reduce processed carbs and seed oils. Include healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts.
Optimize Thyroid Function
Low thyroid slows metabolism, including how your body processes cholesterol. When thyroid levels are corrected, LDL levels often improve naturally.
Increase Soluble Fiber
Foods like oats, beans, and flaxseed bind excess cholesterol and help remove it from the body.
Add Omega 3s
Fatty fish or quality supplements help improve HDL levels and reduce inflammation.
Support Liver Function
Your liver manages cholesterol production. Support it with nutrients like milk thistle, turmeric, and by limiting alcohol.
Prioritize Exercise and Sleep
Daily movement and restorative sleep play a key role in balancing cholesterol and supporting heart health.
🧬 The Goal Is Balance, Not Blind Suppression
If you're feeling foggy or forgetful and currently taking a statin, it might be time to look deeper. There are safe, effective, and natural ways to improve cholesterol levels without compromising brain health.