Cholesterol: Understanding the Importance and Dangers
In today's media, you may have heard warnings about the dangers of high cholesterol levels. However, not many people understand what cholesterol actually is, why it is important, and what the warnings about high levels are all about. In this article, we will shed some light on these aspects of cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat, that is produced by the body itself. It is an essential nutrient that helps to build cell walls, produce hormones and bile acids in the liver, and provide energy to cells through the mitochondria. Only about one-third of the necessary cholesterol is absorbed through food, while the rest is produced by the body.
Good and Bad Cholesterol Cholesterol levels are often measured based on the balance between good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins) and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins). HDL cholesterol helps to dissolve fat particles on the artery walls, while LDL cholesterol deposits fat particles there. A higher concentration of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the arteries. However, it is important to note that not all cases of heart attack or stroke are caused by elevated cholesterol levels. In fact, stress, genetics, processed foods, sugar and sugary drinks, soy oil and other factors also play a significant role.
Gut Microbiome and Cholesterol Cholesterol is closely connected to the digestive, hormonal, and nervous systems, and the balance of the gut microbiome (the collection of bacteria in the gut) can also impact cholesterol levels. Research has shown that certain bacteria, such as Eubacterium, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Peptostreptococcus, can help to lower cholesterol levels. These bacteria thrive on fiber, specifically acacia fiber, and other nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, L-glutamine, collagen, and vitamin C.
Drugs for Cholesterol: Are They the Best Option?
While drugs can play a role in controlling cholesterol levels, the pharmaceutical industry is a profit-driven business. Some drugs, such as statins, can interfere with the production of ATP in the mitochondria and prevent the cells from producing energy effectively. Before reaching for the pillbox, consider making permanent changes to your lifestyle and diet, such as eating a balanced diet low in cholesterol, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress levels.
In conclusion, cholesterol is an essential nutrient that is vital for the body's functions, but elevated levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy gut microbiome can help to keep cholesterol levels in check, reducing the need for drugs.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17100-cholesterol-what-you-need-to-know-about-high-blood-cholesterol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21122628/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358303/