Cholesterol and gut health are more closely connected than most people realise. As a naturopath and colon hydrotherapist, Marijke Vogel regularly sees clients whose digestive health, diet, and broader cardiovascular wellbeing are deeply intertwined. This post explores the relationship between cholesterol, gut health, and the heart — and what dietary and lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.
What is Cholesterol and Why Does It Matter?
Cholesterol is not inherently harmful. The liver produces it naturally, and you also obtain it through food — your body needs it to build cell membranes, produce hormones, and support brain function. The distinction that matters is not simply between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but between the balance and particle size of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in the bloodstream.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates, processed grains, saturated fats, and sugar increases cardiovascular risk and disrupts this balance. Conversely, a diet rich in low-GI foods supports healthier cholesterol ratios. Good choices include organic whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish. Research has consistently shown that omega-3 intake links to reduced cardiovascular risk, particularly in populations with high fish consumption.
Cholesterol, Gut Health and Bile Acid Elimination
The gut plays a direct role in cholesterol metabolism. The liver produces bile acids from cholesterol and releases them into the digestive tract to help digest fats. When the gut functions well and fibre intake is adequate, a proportion of these bile acids bind to fibre and leave the body as waste, prompting the liver to draw on circulating cholesterol to produce more. This is one of the mechanisms by which a high-fibre, plant-rich diet supports healthy cholesterol levels.
Conversely, a congested, sluggish bowel disrupts this process. Waste that lingers in the colon allows bile acids to be reabsorbed rather than excreted. This returns cholesterol to circulation and reduces the liver’s need to process it freshly. Good bowel function — through diet, hydration, and where appropriate, colon hydrotherapy — therefore matters for cardiovascular health, not just digestive comfort.
Nutrients Worth Knowing About
Several nutrients are particularly relevant to both heart health and neurological function. The body produces Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) naturally and concentrates it especially in the heart muscle, where it plays a key role in cellular energy production. Levels decline with age and certain medications may affect them further. Magnesium supports cardiovascular function, nerve transmission, and digestive motility. Yet deficiency is increasingly common in people eating processed diets.
Omega-3 fatty acids — found in oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts — support healthy LDL particle size and reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers now recognise as a key driver of cardiovascular disease.
Marijke recommends discussing any supplementation with your GP or a qualified nutritional therapist, particularly if you are taking prescription medication.
What Marijke Recommends
From a naturopathic perspective, supporting cholesterol gut health starts with diet and digestion. The most consistent changes Marijke sees in clients who improve their cardiovascular and digestive health together are:
- Reducing refined carbohydrates, processed grains, and sugar
- Increasing oily fish, nuts, seeds, and plant-based fats
- Ensuring adequate daily fibre from vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Staying well hydrated — the bowel depends on water to function effectively
- Considering a course of colonic hydrotherapy to clear accumulated waste and support bile acid elimination
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels or cardiovascular health, always consult your GP first. Dietary and lifestyle changes work best as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical advice.
Book a session with Marijke at Balance On The Lane, 16 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3. Call +44 (0)7982 831239 or WhatsApp directly.
You may also find the colonic health benefits and digestive health pages useful.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine.
About Marijke Vogel – expert in Cholesterol Gut Health
Marijke Vogel is an ARCH and CNHC-accredited colon hydrotherapist and naturopath with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at Balance On The Lane, 16 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3 4TG. CNHC registration: CNHC04200.
