How to Reduce Elevated Cholesterol by Boosting Nitric Oxide and Correcting Metabolic Syndrome
- Jeff Butterworth B.App.Sc N.D
- Oct 2, 2025
- 6 min read
High cholesterol is one of the most common health challenges we face as we age.
The science is very clear….elevated cholesterol levels over time will cause heart disease, the number 1 killer in the western world. It therefore makes sense to reduce cholesterol levels, however it is not as simple as this.
Cholesterol is vitally important for our health, it is needed for hormone production, cell structure, and brain health. Yet elevated in cholesterol metabolism can set the stage for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and metabolic dysfunction.
The issue occurs is when cholesterol turns from being protective, to destructive. In our youth it primarily is produced by the body for the above reasons. As we age however cholesterol is used as a protective factor in the circulatory system, preventing reactive oxygen from damaging blood vessels. As it does this, cholesterol plaques build up and also calcify leading to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. One being fatty build up and the other calcium.
Yet is cholesterol really the problem here? Yes and no. Lowering cholesterol can help, however the underlying pathology of excess oxidative stress remains and can further continue to damage the body in many ways.
The real culprit is metabolic disease. Metabolic disease is a group of metabolic processes which drive oxidative stress, inflammation and fat accumulation.
The good news? Elevated cholesterol is not a life sentence. By focusing on correcting metabolic syndrome boosting and nitric oxide production, you can transform your cardiovascular health and bring your lipid profile back into balance, just like I did in as little as 30 days. (see my results and protocol below)
Why Cholesterol Becomes a Problem
Cholesterol problems rarely occur in isolation. They’re often the downstream result of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions reduce the body’s ability to handle fats and sugars effectively, creating an environment where LDL cholesterol particles become oxidised, arteries stiffen, and cardiovascular risk rises.
Traditional approaches only target cholesterol numbers, but they don’t address the root cause: metabolic syndrome, poor vascular function and impaired nitric oxide signalling. Hence why statins do not reduce overall mortality and there is so much controversy around the use.
Correcting Metabolic Syndrome
Elevated cholesterol goes hand-in-hand with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of issues including:
Increased waist circumference
High blood sugar and insulin resistance
Elevated triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol
High blood pressure
Correcting metabolic syndrome requires a whole-system reset:
Nutrition: reducing overall calorie intake, a plant predominant, pescatarian Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, clean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce refined carbs and processed foods.
Exercise: Both resistance and aerobic training improve insulin sensitivity and stimulate nitric oxide release through muscle activity.
Sleep & Stress Management: Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and lipid imbalance.
By tackling metabolic syndrome head-on, you improve not just cholesterol, but the entire cardiovascular and hormonal environment. There are peptides which when used correctly can manage appetite and improve metabolic disease.
The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cholesterol Balance
Nitric oxide (NO) is a little known, however vitally important molecule with a massive impact on heart and metabolic health. Produced in the lining of your blood vessels, NO keeps arteries flexible, improves circulation, and prevents LDL cholesterol from embedding into artery walls.
When nitric oxide levels drop.....as they do with age, poor diet, and inactivity, arteries become stiff, blood pressure rises, and cholesterol particles are more likely to cause plaque build-up.
By restoring NO production, you directly support vascular health, reduce arterial inflammation, and create conditions where cholesterol can return to healthy balance. Aside from a diet high in plants, there are supplements which can quickly boost NO levels in the body. The best thing to do however is first test your NO levels in a simple saliva test and then retest weekly to monitor the improvement. When your NO levels increase, this reduces harmful cholesterol production and systemic inflammation.
Supplements That Support Nitric Oxide and Cholesterol Balance
Supplement can be a valuable too to quickly boost NO production in the body. Of course diet and lifestyle are key long term, however from the age of 50, most people should be taking some form of supplement to boost NO levels.
BOOST 3
Designed with cardiovascular and metabolic health in mind, BOOST 3 is a natural formula that directly enhances nitric oxide while supporting mitochondrial energy and cholesterol balance.
Key components include:
Beetroot powder: Rich in dietary nitrates, it fuels nitric oxide production for improved blood flow and vascular function.
Medicinal mushrooms: Support immune modulation, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic resilience.
Broccoli extract: Naturally high in sulforaphane which up-regulates eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), the enzyme that makes NO from L-arginine.
Other supplements which are useful in the production of Nitric Oxide and lowering cholesterol
Compound | Effect on Cholesterol | Effect on Nitric Oxide (NO) | Key Notes |
Red Yeast Rice | Lowers LDL & total cholesterol (statin-like via monacolin K). | Neutral. | Natural alternative to statins; monitor for muscle/liver effects. |
Phytosterols | Reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol → lower LDL 5–15%. | Neutral. | Found in nuts, seeds, fortified foods; best taken with meals. |
Arugula Extract | No direct cholesterol effect. | Strong NO booster (high nitrate content). | Improves vascular function, lowers blood pressure. |
Citrulline | Neutral for cholesterol. | Enhances NO by converting to arginine (more efficient than arginine itself). | Good for vascular health, endurance, erectile function. |
Arginine | Neutral for cholesterol. | Direct NO precursor, though less effective than citrulline due to metabolism. | Works better when paired with citrulline. |
Vitamin K (K2, esp. MK-7) | Helps prevent vascular calcification; may indirectly improve lipid profile. | Supports vascular elasticity; not a direct NO booster. | Directs calcium into bones instead of arteries → protects arteries. |
Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) | Improves lipid metabolism, protects LDL from oxidation. | Supports mitochondrial function → indirectly preserves NO. | Especially important if using statins; boosts energy, heart function. |
Berberine | Strong LDL- and triglyceride-lowering effect; improves insulin sensitivity & glucose control. | Indirect NO support by improving endothelial function. | Sometimes called “natural metformin”; excellent for metabolic syndrome. |
When combined, these ingredients help restore vascular health, improve nitric oxide signalling, and bring cholesterol ratios back into a protective range.
Every adult with elevated cholesterol, whether on medications or not, should be following a similar protective regime if you want to avoid heart disease as you age.
My Story
I have always eaten well and been active. Followed a pescatarian diet and limited saturated fats. From the age of 40 I have slowly gained some weight, yet it was not obvious or in the healthy range. I basically went from 77kg to a floating 83kg depending on my level of activity. My real issue was overeating and largely sedentary daytime through working at a desk. Yet I was confident my cardiovascular health was fine.
A few years ago through a routine blood test my LDL cholesterol started to become elevated. Not to dangerous levels and all my other markers of HDL, triglycerides and ratios were healthy.
Then recently I had a routine Coronary Calcium Scan and to my horror and surprise my CAC was in the mild range. This in itself is not dangerous however it is the starting of arteriosclerosis which will develop if unchecked.
So I started a regime of reducing weight, boosting nitric oxide and reducing metabolic syndrome drivers.
First was to test Nitric Oxide levels. When starting my levels were threshold and finished at very high.
I was able to lose 6kg in a month
Reduce LDL to a healthy range
Boost HDL into optimal levels.
This is the protocol I used;
Boost Plus 1 heaped scoop per day
Co Enzyme Q-10 200 IU per day
Vitamin K2 100mcg per day
Berberine 1000mg per day
Cardiovascular endurance exercise every other day
Key peptides for mitochondrial function, metabolic syndrome and weight management.
Before
After 1 month
I am taking a limited number of people to follow a health optimisation protocol if you are interested. Here is a link to apply.
The Bigger Picture
Reducing cholesterol is not just about lowering a number, it’s about improving the health of the arteries and metabolism. By focusing on nitric oxide production and correcting metabolic syndrome, you’re addressing the root causes rather than just chasing lab values.
With the right lifestyle changes and targeted supplementation, it’s possible to move cholesterol back into a healthy range, even with a genetic tendency while at the same time enhancing energy, performance, and long-term vitality.
Takeaway: Elevated cholesterol is a symptom, not the cause. The real target is poor nitric oxide signalling and metabolic dysfunction. Fix those, and cholesterol naturally finds its balance.
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