A type of lipid is cholesterol. It has fat-like waxy substance that is produced naturally by the liver. This produces vitamin D, hormones and cell membranes.
The particles of lipoproteins are made from protein and fat. It carries triglycerides and cholesterol, the another type of lipid present in our bloodstream. Lipoproteins are of two types called as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL).
Too much of low-density lipoprotein in your blood can be known as high cholesterol. The high cholesterol if left untreated would lead to health issues like stroke and heart attack.
Symptoms
No particular symptoms of cholestrol exist, so it is important to regularly check yourself. A blood test alone is the only way to detect if you have cholesterol or not.
The types of cholesterol
The different types of cholesterol are High density lipid and Low density lipid.
- High density lipoprotein or HDL can be known as good cholesterol that takes up excess cholesterol and gives to the liver.
- Low density lipoprotein or LDL can be known as bad cholesterol, it transports the cholesterol all through the body. LDL cholesterol builds the arterial walls and makes it narrow with hardness.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Consuming too many fats which are high in cholesterol and saturated fats increases the risk of developing high cholesterol. Other lifestyle changes also contribute to high levels of cholesterol. The factors are smoking and inactivity.
An individual’s genetics affect their chances of developing high cholesterol. There are some genes involved to instruct the body on the ways to process fats and cholesterol. Parents having high cholesterol, leads to the higher risk in their generations too. Health conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes would increase the risk of developing high cholesterol and its complications in an individual.
Lifestyle changes to treat Cholesterol
Certain lifestyle changes can be adapted to lower your risk of developing high cholesterol.
- The excessive alcohol consumption must be avoided
- A healthy weight must be maintained
- Regular exercises
- Quit smoking
- Consume a nutritious diet which is low in fats and cholesterol and that is high in fibre
High cholesterol can be treated by proper diet, lifestyle habits, herbal formulations and specialized meditation of spiritual healing.
Herbal medications like Cichorium Intybus and Vitex Nigundo can be taken for high cholesterol.
Besides ayurvedic treatment that cures cholesterol, there are certain Ayurveda hospital that aims to treat cholesterol. In few people the nutritional and herbal supplements lowers their cholesterol levels. This may include following a proper diet such as:
- Consuming garlic
- Intake of hawthorn
- Having astragalus
- Incorporating red yeast rice
- Having stanol supplements and plant sterol
- Whole oats and oat bran obtained from oatmeal
- The intake of blond psyllium that is found in psyllium seed husk
- Consuming ground flax seed
