WHAT IS HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

INTRODUCTION

·   High cholesterol refers to high levels of cholesterol in the blood is increased . Cholesterol is a waxy, fat- like substance required by the body to build healthy cells , vitamin D and hormones.

·   The fatty acid deposits in the blood vessels that block the arteries. The heart will not able to pump the blood in the adequate amount hence causing heart attack.

·  Cholesterol is a type of fat that our bodies need to function properly.

TYPES

·   Low- density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol

·  High – density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol

·   HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream , excessive LDL can accumulate in the blood vessel leading to blockages and heart – related problems.

CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL

•   Genetic features
•   Dietary factors like high fat rich diet intake , saturated fat like meats , deep fried food , dairy products , packaged  snacks  etc.
•   Stress
•   Medications (corticosteroids , certain immunosuppressives , hormones )
•   Health conditions ( high blood pressures, diabetes , obesity , kidney disease , pregnancy etc)

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Some common symptoms are :

•   Depression
•   Chest pain
•   Heart attacks
•   Xanthelasmas
•   Fatigue
•   Poor appetite

RISK FACTORS

•   Age
•  Lack of exercise
•  Poor diet
•  Smoking
•   Excessive intake of alcohol

COMPLICATIONS

1. Heart attack

2. Chest pain ( angina)

3. Stroke

AYURVEDA FOR CHOLESTEROL

·   According to ayurveda , Mead dhatu (tissue) can be correlated to cholesterol or adipose tissue and may support various circulatory channels (shrotas) inside the body.

·   Accumulated ama cause Mead dhatu vitiation  which cause blockage of srotas . This obstruction leads to stoppage  of other dhatudushti and only meda dhatu increase which further leads to meda vaha srotodushti vikara.

HERBS

–  Arjun

–  Garlic

–  Ginger

–  Guggul

–  Haridra

–  Amla

–  Coriander seeds

–  Fenugreek

Yoga Asana

–  Sarvang  asana

–  Ardha- matsyendr asana

–  Chakrasana

–  Shalabh asana

 Healthy diet for controlling high cholesterol

1. Avocados : It helps in reducing the bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body.

2. Berries : Blueberries and strawberries helps in lowering the bad cholesterol.

3. Green leafy vegetables : spinach , broccoli , cauliflower etc  lower the risk of heart – related disorders.

4. Fruits : consumption of fresh fruits contain pectin which reduces the cholesterol in the body.

5.  Drink plenty of water .

THING TO AVOID

1. Do not consume processed food , spicy , fried food .

2.  Do not consume caffeinated and carbonated drinks.

3.  Avoid intake of alcohol

4.  Quit smoking

5.  Limit your sugar intake