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Cholesterol Levels Linked to Violence and Suicide
 Dr Patricia Gilbaugh
High cholesterol foods creep into the diets of Americans everyday. One cup of ice cream has more cholesterol than ten glazed doughnuts! According to the American Heart Association, people should limit cholesterol intake to 300mg a day. Since the body naturally produces all the cholesterol a person needs, eating food with saturated fats expose people to heart disease and other problems. Avoiding high cholesterol foods, such as eggs, dairy, and meat products isn't easy. Most nutrition guides suggest replacing these foods with high fiber foods, or food with low saturated fats.
The news about high cholesterol is becoming widely known. Less known is the more recent development of a link between low cholesterol and suicidal or aggressive behavior. More than 30 studies have now linked low levels of serotonin to aggressive behavior and non-illness or traumatic deaths, such as suicide. Although these studies have not been scientifically replicated, the emerging results are alarming! Mediating factors were identified in most studies that pose more problems with the studies than affirming the answers. For example, lowered levels of cholesterol may induce an increase in hunger which is a primary drive for aggression. Lower serotonin receptor activity was previously recognized as a predicting factor in mood disordered patients who were at risk of suicide. Lowering cholesterol levels may simply strengthen this link, rather than causing it.
Research is consistent in demonstrating the links between cholesterol levels and mental health disorders. For example, patients who have heart disease are more likely to suffer from depression symptoms. People who have mood disorders, such as bipolar, are more likely to be obese. Obesity is only one factor in assessing risk for high cholesterol. Avoiding high cholesterol foods may be necessary, but making cholesterol levels too low may lead to increases in aggression, violence, or suicide ideation.
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