Are You Ignoring This Simple Health Fix?

Hey Fitlifers,

Ever feel like you’re doing “all the right things” for your health, but something’s still off? Sometimes it’s not about adding more—it’s about understanding what’s already in play. This week, we’re cutting through the noise and getting back to the real stuff: the science, the facts, and the simple habits that actually move the needle.

From unlocking the brain-boosting power of your breath to exposing the truth about cholesterol (spoiler: it’s not the villain you’ve been told), we’re diving deep into what your body really needs to thrive. Oh, and fermented foods? They’re not just trendy—they’re ancient, powerful, and your gut’s new

Here’s what we’ll dig into together this week…

• 🥩 The Truth About Cholesterol: The Good vs. The Bad

• 🥬 The Funky Truth About Fermented Foods

• 📺 3 Common Foods Are Harming Your Kids’ Health

• ❤️ Promotion of the Week

Bonus - want to win some Organifi Products? Rate the newsletter (at the bottom) and let us know what you’re struggling with or want to learn next.

🥩 The Truth About Cholesterol: The Good vs. The Bad

Cholesterol 101: Your Body’s MVP

Cholesterol isn’t some rogue invader—it’s produced by every cell in your body because you literally can’t live without it.

• Your brain? It holds about 25% of your body’s cholesterol, helping with neurotransmitter function.

• Your hormones? Built from cholesterol.

• Vitamin D? Yep, cholesterol is the starting point. Even your cell membranes rely on it for structure and flexibility.

The liver steps in as the main player, producing most of your body’s cholesterol and packaging it in little carriers called lipoproteins. These are like Uber drivers—LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) delivers cholesterol to your cells, while HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) picks up the leftovers and brings them back to the liver.

The Real Issue: It’s Not the Cholesterol—It’s the Carrier ❤️

The media loves to call LDL the “bad” cholesterol and HDL the “good” one. But here’s the plot twist: cholesterol is the same in both. It’s the carrier—the lipoprotein—that makes the difference. Think of LDL like a delivery truck. It’s only a problem if the trucks start breaking down and spilling their cargo (cholesterol) in the wrong places, like the walls of your arteries.

So, What Should You Do? 🚀

It’s not about cutting out cholesterol—it’s about balancing how it’s transported. Here’s how to support that balance:

• Eat real food. Load up on veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, quality meats, and whole grains.

• Ditch processed junk. Say goodbye to trans fats, heavily cured meats, and anything with an ingredient list longer than your grocery receipt.

• Move your body. Exercise helps improve HDL levels, which means better cholesterol cleanup.

• Don’t fear healthy fats. Your body needs them to function properly. Avocados, olive oil, fatty fish—they’re your friends.

Cholesterol isn’t your enemy. It’s the lifeblood of your hormones, brain, and cells. The real focus should be on managing how it’s transported in your body. So next time someone tells you cholesterol is “bad,” you’ll know the truth: it’s not the cholesterol—it’s the context. ❤️

🥬 The Funky Truth About Fermented Foods

You know that tangy kick in kimchi, the fizz in kombucha, or the creamy magic of yogurt? That’s not just flavor—it’s fermentation, and it’s been rocking human health for over 10,000 years. Yep, before anyone had fancy supplements or probiotics in pill form, fermentation was the OG gut health hack.

Why Fermented Foods Are Gut Royalty 🥒

Forget the hype—fermented foods are more than just trendy jars of sauerkraut and overpriced kefir. They’re packed with live bacteria that actually do something when they hit your gut. Here’s the science behind the funk:

✨Gut Diversity = Health Gold: Foods like kimchi, yogurt, and kombucha boost the diversity of your gut microbiome. Think of it like having a well-rounded team—diverse bacteria = better digestion, a stronger immune system, and less inflammation.

✨Nutrient Supercharger: Fermentation breaks down anti-nutrients (yeah, that’s a thing) like phytic acid, which normally blocks mineral absorption. The result? You get more iron, zinc, and even bonus vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin K.

✨Immune System’s Best Friend: Fermented veggies help produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which keep your gut lining strong and your immune system in check.

✨Digestive Hack: Struggle with dairy? Fermented dairy like yogurt breaks down lactose, making it easier to digest. Plus, the probiotics can ease IBS symptoms and soothe gut issues naturally.

Cultures around the world have their own funky favorites, from natto in Japan to injera in Ethiopia. And that slimy disc floating in your kombucha? It’s called a SCOBY. It looks like something from a science experiment but works like magic for your gut.

So next time you sip on kombucha or pile some sauerkraut on your plate, just remember: you’re not being trendy—you’re tapping into an ancient, science-backed superpower. Your gut (and your taste buds) will thank you. 🚀

📺Foods that are Harming Your Kid’s Health

That’s a wrap for this week, Fitlifers

Remember, your health isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about mastering the basics with a little wisdom and a whole lot of consistency. Whether it’s breathing better, rethinking your relationship with cholesterol, or giving your gut some fermented love, the power is already within you.

Until next time, stay vibrant, stay curious,
Drew Canole

PS: Want to win some Organifi products? Rate the newsletter (below) and let us know what you’re struggling with or want to learn next.