Cholesterol is a substance found naturally in the human body. While good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein is beneficial for various metabolic processes, over-deposition of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein leads to plaque, causing blood vessel blockage and cardiac arrests.
Although high cholesterol is a serious problem, it cannot be identified like other health issues, which increases the risks of this condition. Studies reveal that various factors can cause high cholesterol. This article will shed light on some common causes of high cholesterol and how it can be tackled without medications. It will also detail the necessity of medical help in tackling high cholesterol.
Overview Of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance in the human body. It has a crucial role in various metabolic activities including the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and bile. Cholesterol is also a part of healthy body cell building. This substance builds the structure of the cell membrane and contributes to healthy cell formation.
Apart from naturally occurring in the body, cholesterol can also be found in foods collected from animals including eggs, meat, and cheese. Although essential, excess amounts of cholesterol will cause serious health hazards to the body. When large amounts of cholesterol accumulate in the body, it will form plaques by combining with other particles in the blood. This buildup will lead to health conditions such as heart disease and coronary artery disease. So, it is important to maintain optimal cholesterol levels.
What causes cholesterol?
Although high cholesterol can be caused by genetics, an unhealthy lifestyle is one of the major and most common causes. This includes the following:
- Unhealthy food habits
Including more saturated fats in the diet will cause high cholesterol. Frequent consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, baked goods, and processed foods will lead to high cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise and physical activities
As a person indulges in activities with more idle time, without necessary physical activities, it will lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterol. Moreover, studies found that this will reduce the amount of good cholesterol in the body, leading to reduced metabolic functions.
- Smoking
Smoking affects various bodily functions. This habit will lower the good cholesterol and raise the bad cholesterol in the human body.
- Alcohol consumption
Similar to smoking, alcohol consumption is also harmful to the human body. This will dehydrate the body and increase the overall levels of cholesterol.
- Stress
Stress is one of the major reasons for hormonal changes. As it considerably affects the hormonal production in the body, stress will also cause disparities in cholesterol levels.
Certain medical conditions and medications can also lead to an increase in cholesterol levels. They include:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/Aids
- Hypothyroidism
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Lupus
- Irregular heartbeats
- Organ transplants
Ways to lower cholesterol without statins
As mentioned, high cholesterol is a serious life threat as it increases the chances of heart disease and cardiac arrests. People mostly use various medications like statins to avoid such situations. However, lifestyle and dietary changes will help reduce this issue. Some of them are:
- Healthy eating habits
Food habits have a major impact on the health of an individual. Reducing saturated fat and eliminating trans fat is crucial as they increase the bad cholesterol in the human body significantly. Similarly including more omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and whey protein will help improve cholesterol levels. While omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure, the other two substances lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
- Regular exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise and optimal physical activity will support healthy cholesterol levels. So, brisk walks, riding a bicycle, and engaging in sports are beneficial.
- Quit smoking
Quitting smoking not only improves cholesterol levels but also enhances the overall health of an individual. It is beneficial to improve blood pressure, heart health, blood circulation, and kidney functions.
- Maintain healthy weight
Overweight and cholesterol levels are interconnected. As body weight increases it leads to bad cholesterol buildup. So, maintaining a healthy weight will also help reduce cholesterol naturally.
When to seek professional help?
As high cholesterol does not show specific or noticeable symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with your cholesterol levels through regular checkups. However, consulting a doctor and seeking professional help becomes essential if a person has a family history of high cholesterol. Furthermore, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity should also consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance in the human body. This substance is important in various metabolic activities including cell building, hormonal production, and bile and vitamin D formation. However, apart from naturally occurring, cholesterol can also be found in animal foods including meats, eggs, and dairy products. So, if the amount of cholesterol increases, it will lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterol causing heart and other diseases. So, maintaining optimal cholesterol levels is crucial for overall health.
However, high cholesterol is a common yet dangerous situation. Several medications like statins and ezetimibe are commonly used to reduce cholesterol levels. Apart from medications, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can lead to huge differences in it. A healthy diet with reduced trans and saturated, improved onega-3 fatty acids, whey protein, and soluble fiber, regular exercise, and reduced smoking and alcohol have proven to positively impact cholesterol levels. So, maintaining healthy cholesterol with a healthy lifestyle and medical consultation is important for overall well-being.
FAQs
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain home remedies can lower cholesterol to a particular extent without statins.
Healthy foods including nuts, avocado, oatmeal, green tea, flaxseed, soy, and berries help reduce cholesterol naturally.
Yes. Other than medication, cholesterol can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs.
One of the best alternatives to statins to reduce cholesterol is Ezetimibe. This is often prescribed if a person cannot take statins or along with statins for improved cholesterol lowering.
Apart from medications, the best way to remove cholesterol is a healthy diet and regular workouts.
