Ayurvedic solutions for High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is considered as essential substance for life to perform all functions in cells of human body. Cholesterol is both our friend and foe. At normal levels, it is an important substance for the body. However, if its concentration in the blood gets too high, it becomes a silent danger that puts us at risk of a heart attack. At higher levels in blood, it does not cause any type of symptom but a build-up of cholesterol in walls of arteries narrows them and cause restriction of blood flow resulting in atherosclerosis. In Ayurveda, it is called Hridyaroga which literally means heart disease. It eventually results in cardiovascular diseases or coronary heart diseases. Therefore it is very important to get blood cholesterol checked and keep it under control. Cholesterol is the main component of cell membranes, tissues of brain, spinal cord and adipose tissues. It is an important precursor for synthesis of steroid hormones such as, estrogens, testosterone and cortisol, bile acids and vitamin D. Cholesterol has also great role in rejuvenating brain, nerve cells, membranes and walls. It is also found in many oils and fats in minor amounts as sequalene and sterols. Cholesterol which composes about 30% of all animal cell membranes, is required to build and maintain membranes and modulates membrane flexibility and fluidity over the range of physiological changes.
Chemically cholesterol is fat like white crystalline structure that does not mix with the blood which is water-based. It is carried around the body through the blood by lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins which carry the cholesterol.
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Cholesterol carried by this type is known as bad cholesterol.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Cholesterol carried by this type is known as good cholesterol.
Cholesterol is absorbed from food in the intestines. Meat, cheese, egg yolk and fried foods are the main sources of cholesterol. Cholesterol is also produced in human body. A human male weighing 60-70 kg synthesizes about 800-1,000 mg cholesterol per day and human body contains about 35 g, mostly contained within the cell membranes. About 20% of total daily cholesterol in human beings is produced in the liver. Other sites of higher synthesis rate include the intestines, adrenal glands and reproductive organs. Cholesterol is recycled in the body. The liver excretes it in a non-esterified form (via bile) into the digestive tract. Typically, about 50% of the excreted cholesterol is reabsorbed by the small intestine back into the bloodstream.
In a normal human body, the normal mg% of serum cholesterol range is 150-200 mg % . The normal HDL cholesterol mg% range is 30-70 mg% and normal LDL cholesterol range is 90-190 mg %. The normal VLDL cholesterol range is 10-40mg%. The normal triglycerides mg% range is 30-150 mg%. Higher than normal amount of cholesterol in the blood is associated with higher risk of developing coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis. Deposits of excess cholesterol also occur in the form of gallstones in liver. HDL particles remove fat molecules from cells, artery walls, reduce macrophage accumulation thus help to prevent or even regress atherosclerosis. Therefore HDL is referred to as good cholesterol. The fats carried by HDL include cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides, amounts of each are quite variable. Increasing concentrations of HDL particles are strongly associated with decreased accumulation of fat deposits.
Medicines used to increase HDL have not been proven to improve HDL level except some ancient methods of using linseeds, omega 3 rich oils, walnuts, almonds and apricots. Being overweight or obese can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Regular exercise may help manage this risk factor. The primary causes of high cholesterol may also be genetic. Very high LDL levels are found in some inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia.
Abnormal cholesterol levels can also arise due to some conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones, underactive thyroid gland and drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol like progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids.
If the above changes fail to deliver any desired results then Statin treatment is normally prescribed for people with a higher risk of heart attack. Statins are the leading group of cholesterol lowering drugs. Others include selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid resins, fibrates etc. The prescription of statins has caused considerable debate in the medical community in recent years with increased understanding of the side effects associated with these drugs. While many patients benefit greatly from Statins to lower cholesterol and reduce their risk of heart attack, a significant number of patients also experience adverse effects from Statins.
Side effects can include statin-induced myopathy (a muscle tissue disease), fatigue and a greater risk of diabetes. Bile acid resins cause constipation and myalgia.
To avoid such side effects, one must switch over to safer alternative medication i.e. simple ancient amazing ayurvedic herbs
6 Ayurvedic Herbs in High Cholesterol Level
Garlic has a high concentration of sulphur containing compound Allicin which helps in lowering the bad cholesterol in the blood. Use it raw as cooked garlic loses its medicinal values.
Methi contains saponins that help reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods.
Triphla is the herbal formulation of three fruits Amla, Haritki and Bahera. It has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in the human body. It has been shown to decrease lipid peroxidation which is a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis.
Extract of curry leaves can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol level in blood due to its antioxidant properties.
Pippali & Marich
Piperine, the major constituent in these herbs, helps in improving the lipid profile by its lipid lowering effects and anti obesity activity.
Guggulsterone, the bioactive constituent of guggul has been identified as hypolipidemic and is responsible for treating and preventing hypercholesterolemia and related cardiovascular diseases.
Finally to stay healthy, control your cholesterol by improving life style from sedentary to active , do regular exercises and yoga followed by healthy diet habits.
Rules For the Prevention of High Blood Cholesterol
1. Change in lifestyle from sedentary to active with regular brisk walking for 30-40 minutes, jogging , exercise and yoga for all people with high cholesterol levels in order to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.
2. Avoiding fatty foods & eating heart-healthy balanced diet prepared with less oils and fats. Eat more fiber-rich whole grains, barley, beans, oats, soya based foods and vegetables particularly guards, pumpkins, okra, spinach, broccoli, garlic, ginger, turmeric. Foods rich in soluble fiber like oats, physyllium have shown good results to lower bad cholesterol naturally.
3. Eat a lot of antioxidants rich fruits such as strawberries, apples, guava, amla etc.
4. Avoid fast foods, cookies and chips. Avoid hydrogenated oil as it may contain a lot of trans-fats.
5. Incorporate dry fruits mainly nuts, walnuts, almonds, raisins and apricots in daily diet particularly in winter season.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
7. Avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol.