Cholesterol

Investigating High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. The body needs cholesterol to perform various functions. However, if the amount of cholesterol increases in the blood, it can be deposited in the arteries. Over time, these deposits build up, narrowing the arteries and endangering a person’s health. Unfortunately, high cholesterol often has no symptoms and can only be detected through a blood test. This lack of symptoms can lead to many questions, which is why we’ve decided to investigate high cholesterol disease.

Table of Contents

• What factors cause high cholesterol?
• life style
• Age, gender and ethnicity
• Family and hereditary records
• health condition
• Treatment of high cholesterol
• Diet for people with high cholesterol
• Useful food
• Harmful food
• Herbal medicines to reduce high cholesterol
• Herbal teas for high cholesterol
• How to prevent high cholesterol?
• Timing of cholesterol check at different ages
• Final words
• What Causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can develop for several reasons:

1. Lifestyle: The liver removes excess cholesterol from the blood. However, when you consume too much saturated fat, cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream faster than the liver can eliminate it. Additionally, lack of physical activity and smoking can contribute to high cholesterol.
2. Age, Gender, and Ethnicity:
   1. The risk of developing high cholesterol increases with age.
   2. Men are generally more prone to high cholesterol than women.
   3. People of South Asian descent have a higher risk of developing the condition.
3. Family History: High cholesterol can be passed down through families.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain health problems can increase your risk of high cholesterol, including:
   1. Type 2 diabetes
   2. Hypothyroidism
   3. Growth hormone deficiency
   4. Obesity

Treatment of High Cholesterol

Depending on your specific situation, a doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications to lower your cholesterol:

• Statins: These are the most common cholesterol-lowering medications. Examples include atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin.
• Niacin: This medication can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Bile Acid Sequestrants: These medications bind to cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Examples include colestipol, cholestyramine, and ezetimibe.
• PCSK9 Inhibitors: These newer medications target a specific protein that regulates cholesterol levels in the body. Examples include alirocumab and evolocumab.

Diet

In addition to medication, following a healthy diet is crucial for managing high cholesterol. Here’s a breakdown of beneficial and unhealthy foods:

Beneficial Foods:

• Lean Protein: Chicken, fish, and legumes are excellent sources of lean protein.
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet as they can help lower LDL cholesterol.
• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon can improve your cholesterol profile.
• Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts and almonds are good sources of healthy fats and fiber.

Unhealthy Foods:

• Fast Food: These foods are typically high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase LDL cholesterol.
• Sugary Treats: Limit sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to weight gain and worsen cholesterol levels.
• Red Meat: Consume red meat in moderation as it’s high in saturated fat.
• Egg Yolks: While yolks contain some healthy nutrients, they are also high in cholesterol. Consume them in moderation.
• High-Fat Dairy Products: Limit full-fat dairy products and opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives.
• Fried Foods: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and should be avoided or minimized in your diet.

Herbal Remedies (Note: consult a doctor before using any herbal remedies)

Several herbs are believed to be helpful in managing high cholesterol. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications you’re taking or have other side effects. Here are some examples:

• Artichoke
• Bergamot
• Black seed
• Turmeric
• Leek
• Savory
• Indian gooseberries
• Sage
• Red rice
• Purslane
• Coriander seeds
• Coconut oil (use in moderation)
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Chamomile
• Mint
• Lavender
• Chicory
• Fennel
• Dill
• Ginseng
• Apple cider vinegar

Herbal Teas for High Cholesterol

1. Ginger: Ginger contains gingerol, which may help eliminate harmful fats.
2. Fenugreek: You can prepare tea using the leaves of this plant. Fenugreek’s high content of flavonoids, quinones, triterpenoid saponins, and mitenfulone is believed to help fight cholesterol.
3. Black Tea: Many people drink black tea regularly, unaware of its cholesterol-lowering properties. The polyphenols and flavonoids in black tea may reduce blood lipids.
4. Green Tea: Green tea is another tea option that may be beneficial for cholesterol management.

How to Prevent High Cholesterol

• Maintain a Low-Sodium Diet: Limit your salt intake.
• Increase Consumption of Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains: Include plenty of these foods in your diet.
• Manage Weight: If you are obese, aim to lose weight under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is crucial for heart health and cholesterol management.
• Exercise Regularly: Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Manage Stress: Explore stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, music, or massage.

Cholesterol Examination Timing at Different Ages

Important Note: This information is intended for healthy individuals. A doctor may recommend a different testing schedule based on a patient’s specific health condition.

• Children and Teenagers: Starting at age 9, children and teenagers should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If a family history of high cholesterol and heart problems exists, earlier screening may be recommended.
• Men:
  • Up to age 45: Cholesterol tests every 5 years
  • Age 45 to 65: Tests every 1 to 2 years
  • Over 65: Annual testing is recommended
• Women:
  • Up to age 55: Tests every 5 years
  • Age 55 to 65: Tests every 1 to 2 years
  • Over 65: Annual testing is recommended

Final Word

Since high cholesterol often has no symptoms, regular screening is essential. If diagnosed with high cholesterol, follow your doctor’s recommendations for medication and regular checkups. High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack, gallstones, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and other health problems. Consider consulting a doctor or traditional medicine specialist before using herbal remedies for cholesterol management.

Do you have experience with high cholesterol? What methods have you used to treat it? We’d be happy to share your experiences in the comments section.