Suicide and Cholesterol

Decreasing levels of cholesterol can contribute to an altered brain state and have been linked with increased suicide risk. The decrease may occur spontaneously for some reason or other or be due to drugs or dramatic alterations in a person’s typical menu. This waxy fat-like substance, found in all cells of the body, is made largely by cells in the liver. Cholesterol levels can also be impacted by what a person eats, especially foods that come from animal products and/or involve hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Cholesterol is the precursor for the synthesis of cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and vitamin D; and impacts memory functions. The brain and body work best when everything is in balance. The brain and body need cholesterol—not too much and not too little and higher amounts of the HDL type. HDL and LDL tomorrow.