Understanding cholesterol
Cholesterol is one of the essential components for a healthy life. It is the structural component required to make cell membranes, vitamin D, hormones, and substances that aid in digestion. This waxy material is found in all cells. The problem begins when the cholesterol level rises above the normal range of 200 mg/dl. Consistently high cholesterol readings spell trouble for the heart when excess cholesterol builds up on artery walls and limits blood flow. Over a period of time, it leads to a condition medically called atherosclerosis, a precursor to heart attack.
Before we dig any deeper, let’s understand cholesterol a bit more. Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a lipoprotein. There are three types of cholesterol in the body: LDL, HDL, and VLDL. LDL (low-density lipoproteins), which is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoproteins), which is also known as good cholesterol, and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), which contains the highest amount of triglycerides . Having a low LDL and a high HDL with a total cholesterol count below 200 mg/dL is healthy. If the levels exceed 240 mg/dl, it is high cholesterol and requires immediate medical attention.
causal factors
Some of the reasons that lead to high cholesterol are sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diet rich in saturated fat, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and heredity. Animal products contain more saturated fat such as butter, cheese, cream, beef, pork, poultry with skin, large deep-sea fish with a lot of fat. Vegetable-based cooking oils like palm oil and coconut oil also contain more saturated fat. Saturated fats are often used in fried foods and desserts like cakes and cookies. Trans fats, an integral part of packaged foods and fast foods, are also major culprits. With increasing age, both men and women are at greater risk of developing elevated cholesterol levels. With women, menopause often triggers it. Medicines taken for blood pressure and sugar can also increase cholesterol levels.
Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Overall, elevated cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of the total) and 29.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), or 2.0% of the total DALYS .
Conventional Medications
Modern medicine offers medications for long periods, often for life, to treat cholesterol. Some of these, such as statins, have reported side effects*. These include muscle tension, liver damage, neurological problems, digestive disorders, and a few others. Side effects are not reported in all patients.
Alternative medicine streams like Ayurveda have more attractive forms of treatment for high cholesterol. Being a holistic form of medicine, Ayurveda focuses on treating the entire body of the doshas (vata, pitta, or kapha, the three humors of the body) that lead to high cholesterol. Each body has a different combination of the doshas. A diet regimen may need to be followed during treatment.
Ayurvedic solutions for cholesterol
Ayurvedic treatises focus on the digestion process for many diseases of the body, including cholesterol. Improper digestion arising from internal and external factors can increase the level of LDL and decrease HDL. Improper digestion can be caused by impaired bile juices and digestive enzymes, or by toxic chemicals entering the body through contaminated food or water. According to Ayurveda, there are 13 different types of agnis (digestive fire) that control digestion. An imbalance in any of them causes a deviation in the quantity and quality of lipids and, therefore, cholesterol.
Therefore, efforts in treatment are aimed at keeping these ‘agnis’ in perfect balance to keep the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients and the excretion of waste in perfect order.
detox
Before the treatment begins in earnest, the body is detoxified. Various methods are followed to detoxify the body. Svedanam or steam bath is one such treatment where medicinal herbs are applied to the body before the steam bath. Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic medicine that is taken internally every night before bed for one week. It cleanses the intestines and prepares the body for further treatment.
Treatment
Treatment methods use various herbs and medicines. Some of these are commonly used herbs and spices. Holy basil or tulsi, as it is known in India, dissolves additional cholesterol plaque deposits in the arteries, while curcumin longa (turmeric) has been shown to reduce LDL levels. In animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and prevented “bad” LDL cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.
Herbs such as alfalfa are part of the medicines to clean the arteries. Yograj guggulu (Commiphora wightii) supports a healthy metabolism and helps clear arteries. It considerably reduces cholesterol levels. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is another herb that has proven its effect for all heart related ailments. Hridayanrva rasa, Prabhakara vati and mrigamdavasa are some of the common medicines for high cholesterol.
diet regimen
But the most important step that needs to be taken for the treatment of high cholesterol is the adoption of a strict diet regimen and at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise. Reduce the intake of saturated fats and trans fats. A diet with more fiber and water is desirable, as it aids in better digestion, absorption, and excretion. Stop drinking and smoking, if possible. Yoga, if practiced on a daily basis, helps to reduce high cholesterol to some extent. Home remedies include:
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Increase the intake of garlic and turmeric in food.
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Include sprouts in your diet.
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A diet that includes fresh fish such as sardines, salmon, tuna lowers LDL levels.
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Boil 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds in 500 ml of water. Cook over low heat for a while. Strain it. Drink it after cooling it three times a day.
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Have antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like carrots, citrus fruits, apples, spinach, and broccoli.
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Curry leaves can be used to flavor your dishes. The high antioxidant content is also responsible for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Clears the arteries. It is also good for digestion.
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Roast and grind 1 teaspoon of watermelon seeds and mix the powder in a glass of water. Drink it once a day.
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A paste of dried ginger and honey is a good remedy.
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A paste of drumstick leaves can be rolled into a ball and taken with a few drops of honey.
With no side effects, Ayurvedic medicines are gaining more popularity. Ancient science is being rediscovered by millions.