The most common lipid in the steroid family is cholesterol. It is a waxy, fat-like material primarily found in human and animal cells, serving as the principal sterol. Cholesterol is present in all bodily fluids and cells, either in free or stored form. Milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per decilitre (DL) of blood is the unit of measurement for cholesterol levels. The ideal range for cholesterol levels is 200–300 mg/DL. Since cholesterol is an oil-based fluid and blood is water-based, cholesterol cannot dissolve in blood—consequently, the cholesterol forms into lumps known as plaques as it enters the bloodstream.
The liver and our diet are the two main suppliers of cholesterol, a waxy molecule that resembles fat. Plant- and animal-based foods, including milk, milk products, eggs, whole grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and so on, contain cholesterol.
What Makes Cholesterol Vital?
An amphipathic lipid is a cholesterol. It is present in our body’s cells, lipids, and blood. Cell membranes and the human skin barrier are formed with its help. Additionally, it produces hormones and is vital for digestion. Cholesterol helps create vitamin D and is necessary for digestion, the construction of cells and cell membranes, and hormone synthesis—additionally, cholesterol aids in synthesising bile acids, which are essential for the human digestive system.
Blood or water cannot dissolve fat or cholesterol. Rather, fat and cholesterol are packaged by the body into small, protein-coated particles known as lipoproteins. A large amount of fat may be transported by lipoproteins because they readily mix and flow with blood. While some particles are microscopic and dense, others are large and airy. Triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the most significant.
Reasons for elevated cholesterol levels
Both heredity and lifestyle choices influence high cholesterol. Age, weight, gender, genetics, illnesses, and lifestyle are all factors that affect cholesterol levels. Among the lifestyle aspects are:
- Tobacco usage and smoking: Smoking increases your “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and decreases your “good cholesterol” (HDL).
- Having a lot of stress: Your body produces cholesterol as a result of hormonal changes brought on by stress.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption might increase total cholesterol.
- Not getting enough exercise: Your cholesterol levels are improved by physical activity, such as aerobic exercise. Your body won’t make enough “good cholesterol” if you work at a desk or spend a lot of time sitting down.
- Diet: Certain meals might cause your cholesterol to rise or fall. Healthcare professionals may occasionally suggest dietary adjustments or consult a nutritionist to discuss your diet.
Good Versus Bad Cholesterol
An Overview of Bad Cholesterol
When good cholesterol rises above what is necessary, it might become harmful. Because it transports cholesterol to your arteries, which can pile up in the vessel walls and cause plaque accumulation, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the bad cholesterol. It further hardens and narrows your arteries and clogs blood vessel walls, preventing oxygen and blood from reaching your heart and other organs. Long-term failure to control high LDL cholesterol can result in serious health problems such as renal disease, peripheral disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
An Overview of Good Cholesterol
The good cholesterol is called HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. It absorbs cholesterol and transports it to the liver for breakdown and excretion. As a result, HDL improves cardiac health by preventing cholesterol from building up in the arteries.
Myth 1: Only LDL levels can be controlled by allopathic medications. Heart attacks are caused by poor cholesterol.
Reality: Statin-based medications are one of the most popular methods of decreasing LDL cholesterol in allopathy. However, controlling cholesterol levels also requires leading a healthy lifestyle. This can be accomplished by fusing contemporary technology with traditional Ayurvedic expertise. Instead of only treating symptoms, Ayurveda aims to prevent disease and address its underlying causes. Ayurvedic treatments for lifestyle diseases effectively supplement allopathic treatments because they encourage people to voluntarily commit to their health through food changes, exercise routines, and lifestyle alterations.
Myth 2: Refusing to eat particular foods may reduce LDL
Reality: The truth is that your body determines which fats are good for it. As a result, you must choose your diet according to your body type. The three doshas—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata—are said to be in charge of an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being in Ayurvedic writings. For example, you should choose cow ghee if you are primarily Pitta-dominant. On the other hand, buffalo ghee is more suited if you are a Vata type. With contemporary PSA techniques, a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner may determine your doshas and suggest the optimal kinds of fats for you. Additionally, he can recommend a diet that fits your physical makeup.
Myth 3: Medication by itself reduces cholesterol
Reality: Taking medication and following a customised exercise program will help you reach your goals. Optimal health can be achieved through physical activity that balances doshas according to each person’s constitution and needs. Swimming, cycling, running, and walking are among the suggested exercises. These workouts frequently have the added benefit of increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, techniques like yoga can help reduce stress, which improves heart health.
Cholesterol Treatment and Prevention
The main goal of cholesterol therapy is to alter one’s diet and lifestyle. A lifestyle that emphasises fresh, healthy meals, incorporates exercise and breaks bad habits can significantly lower cholesterol. If you also need to reduce weight, a doctor could prescribe more stringent guidelines, such as a diet and exercise schedule. In certain instances, physicians also recommend a family of statins to prevent cholesterol synthesis.
Conclusion
By itself, cholesterol is not harmful. Cholesterol is necessary to produce hormones, vitamin D, digestive juices, and organ function. However, an excess of LDL cholesterol can eventually damage your arteries, cause heart disease, and raise your risk of stroke. Reducing the risk of heart problems and enhancing our quality of life by examining our cholesterol at routine checkups helps reduce our risk of heart disease via diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and medication.
