Cholesterol is a lipid that is synthesized primarily in the liver (endogenous lipids) in the body and only a small amount of cholesterol is ingested with food (exogenous lipids). The liver is the main regulating organ for cholesterol.
All fats in the body are called lipids, Lipos - translated from the Greek language - fat. Without cholesterol, the body cannot function, lipids are present in every cell in the body. Lipids participate in certain processes in the body - forming bile acid, in the synthesis of vitamin D and hormones, are present in a component of the cell membrane, in the formation of energy, brain function, synapse transmission, etc. Fat is the main source of energy. All lipid fractions play a certain role in ensuring the body's functions, but they should be in a certain balance. Increased blood lipid levels pose serious health and life risks.
Often elevated blood cholesterol is not only a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, but it is also inherited from parents. In this case, it is the genes that affect the metabolism of cholesterol in the blood. The disease is called family hypercholesterolemia (GH). In this case, several family members have inherited high blood lipid levels from their parents. A person has elevated blood lipid levels all the time, so the risk of cardiovascular disease is higher. In this case, a healthy lifestyle matters even more.
Millions of people die every year in the world whose cause of death is due to atherosclerosis, which causes blood vessels to become thick and the risk of clots. Up to 80 % of premature stroke and infarction deaths could be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.
Initially, there are no signs of elevated blood cholesterol. Blood vessels narrow gradually and often only become aware of the true blood vessel condition after a stroke or infarction. The risk factors for increased cholesterol are genetics and lifestyle. If genetics cannot be changed, then lifestyle is simply our own choice. It is harmful to health if low-density cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the blood rise. Cholesterol levels can only be determined by laboratory blood tests.
Elevated levels of lipids in the blood are called – dyslipidemia. Dyslipidaemia is the main cause of atherosclerosis risk.
According to doctors, all lipids together are called - lipid fractions:
Low-density cholesterol (LDL) - called “bad cholesterol” - is - very low-density lipoprotein, medium-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein - all of these lipoproteins are harmful beyond the norm. Of all cholesterol in the bloodstream, up to 80% have low-density cholesterol. Low-density cholesterol is transported from the liver to organs, but high-density cholesterol is transported from tissue and organs to the liver. The higher the level of HDL in the blood, the less low-density cholesterol settles in the bloodstream.
Today, worldwide, low-density cholesterol ranks number one in terms of increases in cardiovascular disease (CVDs) and the number of deaths associated with it. Elevated low-density cholesterol is a consequence of modern lifestyles - fast food, low mobility, diets, artificial sweeteners, dyes, and other external factors. If blood levels of low-density cholesterol and triglycerides are increased, this means that cholesterol metabolism is impaired.
Low-density cholesterol is mainly synthesized in the liver, and only a small proportion of low-density cholesterol (LDL) is ingested by the food - it is found in animal products, fatty dairy products, egg yolks, sweets, and products containing trans fatty acids. If animal products are excluded from the menu, cholesterol in the liver is synthesized anyway and a person may have elevated cholesterol levels.
When low-density cholesterol is elevated in the blood, it begins to deposit in the blood vessels, causing a serious health risk - atherosclerosis - when atherosclerotic plaques form on blood vessel walls - narrowing the blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Atherosclerosis, when blood vessels narrow, reduces the supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to organs and tissues. Blood vessels can narrow or be completely blocked. The danger occurs when atherosclerotic plaques, or panga, detach from the blood vessel wall, posing a risk of thrombus, stroke, and heart attack. If an organ is not supplied with blood, oxygen deprivation occurs and tissue death or necrosis can occur. Prolonged elevated low-density cholesterol leads to a higher risk of Alzheimer's and dementia - causing serious brain dysfunction that affects cognitive functions - memory, concentration, language, logical thinking, etc.
Being overweight, or obese, is a significant risk for increased blood low-density cholesterol levels, the higher the weight, the more lipid livers synthesize. The higher the weight, the more calories the body needs to provide energy. Different diets can change fat metabolism and have the opposite effect - obesity and atherosclerosis. Low-calorie diets can lead to nutrient deficiency, which will damage the immune system and the liver will start producing even more low-density cholesterol, resulting in the opposite effect from the diet.
To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), blood levels of low-density cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides should be lowered as much as possible. The most effective way to do this is through lifestyle changes. The daily diet should include balanced fiber, limit animal foods, reduce sugar and white flour products, and avoid foods containing artificial sweeteners, artificial coloring, flavor enhancers, and preservatives.
High-density cholesterol (HDL) - also known as “good cholesterol” - transports low-density cholesterol (LDL) back to the liver, clearing blood vessels and reducing the risks of atherosclerosis and related health risks - stroke, infarction, fatty hepatosis, high blood pressure, obesity, Alzheimer's and dementia. High-density cholesterol plays an important role in the body, taking part in the structure of cells, the synthesis of vitamins D and hormones, the myelin sheath, boosting immunity, and the production of bile acid - the bile acid separates fat in the small intestine and contributes to fat metabolism.
There are no medicines that can raise high-density cholesterol. Only with a balanced diet and a healthy gut microbiome can increase blood high-density cholesterol levels. Balanced fiber keeps the gut microbiome balanced and raises blood high-density cholesterol levels, contributing to a reduction in low-density cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Triglycerides are the most important lipids in the blood. They are synthesized in the liver and are also taken in through the diet. Triglycerides are the main source of energy. Triglycerides are relatively low in the blood because they accumulate in fat cells as an energy depot. Triglycerides are involved in lipid metabolism. Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood are called - hypertriglyceridemia. High triglyceride levels and elevated low-density cholesterol levels in the blood lead to a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVDs).
The gut microbiome plays a major role in the metabolism of cholesterol. For a gut microbiome to be healthy, a daily diet should include balanced fiber. Balanced fiber contributes to the growth of good bacteria in the gut. The bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids - butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and others - during fermentation by breaking fiber in the colon. Short-chain fatty acids help maintain healthy gut walls, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammatory processes in the body, provide communication between the brain and intestinal tract, improve insulin sensitivity, are a key energy source for cells, and stimulate hormone synthesis responsible for appetite. And short-chain fatty acids significantly reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
To ensure these health benefits, we recommend the balanced fiber complex RTS FIBER. RTS FIBER contains soluble and insoluble fiber in balanced proportions.
Always consult your doctor to clarify your diagnosis and possible treatment.