In this episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable., Susan Robbins is joined by renowned expert lipidologist Dr. Tom Dayspring for Part 1 of a special two-part series on genetically driven lipid disorders. Together, they explore phytosterolemia (formerly known as sitosterolemia), a little-known but potentially serious genetic condition that affects how the body absorbs and processes plant sterols. While often overlooked in conventional healthcare, this disorder can contribute to elevated cholesterol markers, cardiovascular risk, xanthomas, kidney issues, and other health concerns when left undetected.

Dr. Dayspring breaks down the complex science of cholesterol absorption, plant sterols, and the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes in a way that is easy to understand. Susan shares what she has observed through years of genetic testing and coaching, including how frequently she is seeing these gene variants appear in practice and why many people are being missed by standard testing. This conversation highlights the importance of personalized medicine, advanced lipid testing, and understanding the unique ways genetics can influence long-term health outcomes.

In this episode:

• What phytosterolemia is and why it is often missed
• The difference between cholesterol and plant sterols
• How the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes regulate sterol absorption
• Why some people absorb significantly more cholesterol than others
• The connection between plant sterol hyper-absorption and cardiovascular disease risk
• Why standard cholesterol testing may miss important clues
• The role of sitosterol and campesterol testing
• How phytosterols can impact cell membranes, kidneys, joints, blood cells, and other tissues
• The difference between heterozygous and homozygous loss-of-function gene variants
• Why many patients are told their cholesterol is "fine" when deeper issues may exist
• The importance of ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and advanced lipid testing
• Why some cholesterol-lowering therapies work better than others depending on genetics
• How lifestyle, nutrition, and personalized interventions can support lipid health
• When to consider working with a lipid specialist

If you have a family history of heart disease, unexplained cholesterol elevations, or have been told your numbers are "normal" despite ongoing concerns, or if use of statins hasn’t helped yu, this episode offers valuable insight into a genetic factor that is rarely discussed but can have a significant impact on long-term health.

Learn more about Dr. Tom Dayspring on the website shownotes!

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/08/episode127/

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https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/08/episode127/

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