High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body and is essential for the natural function of the body. It has a waxy fat-like appearance and is oil-based which means it doesn’t mix with water-based blood. The blood acts as a vehicle to carry the cholesterol around in the body. Cholesterol naturally made in the liver is called blood cholesterol. Cholesterol from saturated foods, like beef, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, is called dietary cholesterol.

Cholesterol has worn a badge of shame for many decades. New studies indicate that what we believe about fat and cholesterol isn’t accurate. Below are facts to help reshape your understanding of cholesterol.

MYTH #1: CHOLESTEROL HAS NO FUNCTION AND SHOULD BE AS NEAR TO ZERO AS POSSIBLE

Cholesterol has four primary functions which the body cannot live without:

• To make cell membranes

• To produce vitamin D

• To produce hormones like testosterone and estrogen

• To make digestive bile acids in the intestine which are critical for fat metabolism

MYTH #2: ALL CHOLESTEROLS ARE CREATED EQUAL

There are two different kinds of cholesterol. One is good for the body, and the other is bad. Here is the difference:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): This type is called the “bad cholesterol” as it causes plaque build-up in the arteries, which increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): This type is called the “good cholesterol.” HDL protects the arteries by lowering the amount of plaque in the bloodstream, having the opposite impact as LDL.

MYTH #3: CHOLESTEROL LEVELS ARE ONLY AFFECTED BY WHAT WE EAT

It is true that food has an impact on our cholesterol levels, but you can follow a low-cholesterol diet and still have high cholesterol. Here is a list of other factors that can cause high cholesterol:

• Consuming alcohol, red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, fish, refined sugar, and processed GMO grains (e.g., wheat, corn, soy, rice)

• Thyroid gland dysfunction

• Long-term kidney or liver problems

• Diabetes

• Polycystic ovary syndrome or insulin resistance

• Pregnancy or other conditions which increase the levels of female hormones

• Certain medicinal drugs (i.e., birth control pills and hormone replacement)

• Smoking, vaping, e-cigarette use

• Family history of high cholesterol

MYTH #4:  ALL FATS ARE BAD

There are good fats and bad fats. Our bodies need to consume fat as it is a primary source of energy. Fat also helps absorb vitamins and minerals, prohibits blood clotting and inflammation, and strengthens muscle movement.

Many low-fat and fat-free foods contain high amounts of salt and sugar to make up for the flavor and texture. High sugar will spike your insulin and triglyceride levels, and increase the risk of many diseases. Hence, low-fat and fat-free foods are not realistically good for you. It is important to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats and how they affect our body.

HEALTHY FATS

Unsaturated fats are good for your body and lower the risk of diseases. There are two broad categories: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats reduce harmful LDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. They decrease blood pressure, help prevent heart disease and stroke, and may even decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature. Foods that contain unsaturated fats include plant oils (e.g. olive, canola, sunflower, flax, avocado, and peanut), avocados, omega-3 fatty acid foods like nuts and seeds (e.g. walnuts, and flax and chia seeds), and plant-based oils. Avoid all animal sources is considered best.

UNHEALTHY FATS

Trans fats is a byproduct from hydrogenation, a process which turns healthy oils into solids and gives it a longer shelf life. These fats are harmful and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. They contribute to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

Foods containing trans fats include fast foods, processed foods, commercially baked goods, and margarine. These foods are detrimental to your health even in small quantities and should be avoided altogether.

Saturated fats from red meat, dairy products (i.e.,  milk, butter, cheese, cream, ice cream, and cottage cheese), poultry, and eggs are all harmful, especially when consumed more than once a week.

Heart Disease (also referred to as CVD = cardiovascular disease)

Our cardiovascular system is an intricate network of blood vessels that continuously delivers nutrient-rich blood to and from the heart. This system is one of the core structures of human physiology. Its health and well-being is the cornerstone of the proper working and balance of our body. When optimally functioning, we are much more likely to experience vigorous physical health and energy levels, living an active and fulfilling lifestyle, even at advanced ages.

A century ago illnesses like CVD, diabetes, and obesity were extremely rare. They primarily struck only the rich compared to today striking all socioeconomic classes and ethnicities. Our genes cannot transform rapidly within just a century. Now every 3rd person in the U.S. is suffering from CVD with over 600,000 Americans dead each year from preventable cardiovascular diseases. Stroke is the leading cause of death from CVD in the U.S. and many other first-world countries. Men and women being affected equally.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statistics, 60% of CVD patients are South Asians. Compared to other ethnic groups South Asians often have a lower body mass index (BMI) but more visceral fat around the abdominal organs that increases their risk of CVD. The biggest accelerator for CVD is adapting a Western lifestyle associated with consuming a nutrient-poor, calorie-dense diet, sedentary lifestyles, poor sleeping habits, high levels of chronic stress, and other environmental factors.

What Is a Stroke?

A potentially fatal type of cardiovascular disease, strokes occurs when a sudden blockage develops within the brain, halting the flow of oxygen-rich blood and causing irreversible brain cell death. Stroke symptoms may vary depending on the area of the brain the blockage effects. Symptoms can vary from weakness or paralysis of the face or limbs, often on one side of the body.  It may be paired with an inability to walk, speak, or blurry vision.

Stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent long-term problems such as physical disability or death. Complete recovery from a stroke is difficult and quite unlikely. Understanding what may put you at a higher risk of developing a stroke is crucial.

What Factors Put You at Risk for Having a Stroke and cvd?

A stroke usually occurs as the result of a combination of multiple health risks. It is imperative to eliminate these risks as much as possible, since the culmination of these factors increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

The most common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High blood cholesterol

• High blood sugar

• Overweight and Obesity

• Diabetes

• Nicotine, Alcohol and other Drug Use

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Nutrient-poor, calorie-dense diet

• Family history of CVD

Make the Change

There’s no magic one-size-fix-all solution to cure high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Integrative medicine utilizes a preventive approach to diagnose patients with cardiovascular diseases and to help reverse these diseases. To learn exactly what you need to do to prevent and reverse your risk of developing major complications associated with CVD, work with the nation’s leading expert in integrative functional medicine. Dr. Payal Bhandari M.D. combines the best in Eastern and Western Medicine to understand the root causes of diseases and provides personalized treatment plans that drive quick and effective results.