Overview 

Cholesterol is a fatty substance generated by the liver and is found in virtually every cell and membrane throughout the body. Cholesterol has several purposes. In fact, the body utilizes cholesterol to make vitamin D, certain hormones and bile acid to aid in the digestion of food. However, the body only needs a small amount of cholesterol to maintain these functions and the amount produced is sufficient without additional sources from foods. When too much cholesterol is present, serious health complications can develop. 

If one thinks of cholesterol as being like a soft wax in consistency, it’s easy to understand how high levels can interfere with certain bodily functions. For instance, blood needs to be able to move through arteries in order to transport oxygen to vital organs, such as the heart. However, if artery passageways become blocked with cholesterol deposits, then blood circulation is impaired. The collection of cholesterol can harden into plaque, which can impede blood flow even further. This occurs because specialized cells in the artery walls take up excess cholesterol and form a bump, the outer layer of which eventually hardens like a scar. 

If cholesterol levels remain high and unchecked, a life-threatening event may occur, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Types of Cholesterol 

LDL Cholesterol 

Cholesterol travels in the body via vehicles called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) transport cholesterol through the body and account for the majority of accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol plaque. LDL is often referred to as the ‘bad’ kind of cholesterol. 

HDL Cholesterol 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the ‘good’ kind of cholesterol and a high serum level of this type is desirable. That’s because high-density lipoproteins move LDL cholesterol out of the arteries and blood and carries it back to the liver. 

Triglycerides 

Whenever you eat or drink, the body uses the caloric intake to produce energy. Any unused calories are stored in tissue as triglycerides, another type of fat that is also carried by low-density lipoproteins. Elevated levels of triglycerides may indicate metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by the presence of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. All of these factors contribute to the risk of developing heart disease, as well as diabetes. 

A lipoprotein analysis, or fasting cholesterol test, will help the clinician determine levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total combined cholesterol.

What Those Numbers Mean 

A healthy total cholesterol level is considered to be 200 mg/dL (milligrams/deciliter) or less. A range of 200-239 mg/dL is considered to be borderline high, while any number higher than 240 is classified as high. 

Measurement of specific kinds of cholesterol is also important since excess levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease. The ideal level of LDL cholesterol is considered to be 100 mg/dL or less, while a number over 160 mg/dL is considered high. 

Normal levels of HDL cholesterol are slightly different depending on gender. For men, the optimum level of HDL cholesterol is 45 mg/dL. For women, the ideal number is 55 mg/dL. 

When it comes to triglycerides, it is recommended that levels remain under 150 mg/dL. 

Risk Factors 

Certain risk factors are associated with high cholesterol levels and the risk of complications, such as heart disease. 

Smoking, which lowers HDL cholesterol levels.

Excessive alcohol intake, which contributes to high blood pressure and excess triglycerides levels

Obesity

Poorly controlled diabetes

Poor diet and/or overeating

Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, steroids, HRT medications, diuretics and birth control pills.

Lack of exercise

Genetics, which influence the rate at which LDL cholesterol is manufactured and removed from the blood.

Chronic stress

Age is a factor, especially for menopausal women. 

The Natural Approach to Managing High Cholesterol 

High cholesterol can generally be managed quite easily by making some dietary and/or lifestyle changes.

Dietary Considerations 

According to the American Heart Association, daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams for most people. However, for those who already have a history of heart disease, 200 milligrams or less daily is suggested. 

It is also necessary to keep the intake of saturated fat in check, which increases LDL cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are abundant in animal-based products. High cholesterol foods include beef, poultry (including organ meats), seafood (including fish and shrimp), eggs and dairy products. Reducing the consumption of foods of this type is very helpful in lower blood cholesterol. In addition, plant-based foods, which contain no cholesterol, should be increased. This includes whole grains and cereals, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Exercise 

Increasing physical activity provides several benefits. For one thing, it helps to shed extra pounds as well as ensure that excess calories are burned rather than being stored as triglycerides. In addition, regular exercise lowers LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. 

Stress Management 

Studies have shown that long-term or chronic stress can increase cholesterol levels and the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and other complications. One reason for this may be the simple fact that many people respond to stress by reaching for ‘comfort’ food, which is usually going to be a choice that is high in fat, calories and cholesterol. Learning to reduce stress through meditation, yoga or regular exercise can help to minimize the impact of stress on diet, lifestyle and overall health.

Recommended Supplements in the Treatment of High Cholesterol 

Policosanol 

Policosanol is a sugar cane derivative and a complex blend of compounds that contain long-chain fatty alcohols (namely octacosanol) that inhibit lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids within cell membranes. In addition to lowering total serum cholesterol, octacosanol and other policosanol agents stimulate the release of a certain protein involved in the transport of HDL cholesterol into the blood, thereby promoting the removal of LDL cholesterol. Studies have also shown that policosanol reduces arterial lesions from plaque buildup and inhibits blood clot formation. The efficacy of policosanol has been compared to traditional lipid-lowering drugs (statins), but without the unpleasant side effects, such as muscle atrophy and liver damage. 

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol. 

Inositol 

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a member of the B vitamin complex family, is a lipotropic agent. That is, its action is to encourage the elimination of fats from the liver. The result of this action is a reduction in serum levels of triglycerides, coupled with an increase of HDL cholesterol levels. 

Herbs Used in the Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol 

Artichoke 

Numerous studies since the 1930s have demonstrated that the extract of artichoke is an effective cholesterol reducer. German researchers have found that artichoke extract can lower total blood cholesterol by up to 18% and LDL cholesterol levels up to 20%. This affect is due to the presence of cynarin, which increases bile production from the liver and gallbladder, which promotes increased removal of excess cholesterol from the body. 

Guggul 

Guggul, which is obtained from the commiphora mukul tree native to northern India, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and is well known today for its ability to impact the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver. Researchers believe that the cholesterol-reducing effects of this botanical may be due to the compounds guggulsterone and guggulipid and their action on hormone receptors that become stimulated by bile secretion. 

Green Tea 

Like vitamin E, green tea components also inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Green tea has also been shown to reduce serum LDL levels and lower triglyceride levels, while increasing levels of high-density cholesterol. 

Grape Seed 

Grape Seed extract contains owes its cholesterol-reducing action to the presence of proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties that reduce low-density cholesterol levels and offer protection from free radical damage from lipid peroxidation. 

Turmeric 

Studies have shown that the main component of turmeric, curcumin, provides several heart-healthy benefits by a variety of mechanisms. First, curcumin interupts cholesterol uptake in the intestines, promoting the synthesis of cholesterol into bile acids in the liver and its elimination. In addition, curcumin deters lipid peroxidation and platelet aggregation by inhibiting the action of thromboxane A2 and increasing prostacyclin. 

Safety Precautions 

Green Tea 

Green tea may interfere with the intestinal absorption of a number of medications, including adenosine, atropine and codeine.  

Avoid supplementation if you have a history of peptic ulcers since green tea stimulates gastric acid production. 

Guggul 

Be aware that guggal can stimulate the thyroid and should be avoided if you are being treated for hyperthyroidism. 

Curcumin 

Do not take if you are also taking reserpine, indomethacin or chemotherapy drugs. 

References