NATURAL TREATMENT FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL IN NIGERIA

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is an oil-based substance and does not mix with the blood, which is water-based. It is carried around the body by lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)– cholesterol carried by this type is known as “bad” cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL)– cholesterol carried by this type is known as “good” cholesterol.

Cholesterol has four primary functions, without which we could not survive, these are:

• contributing to the structure of cell walls
• making up digestive bile acids in the intestine
• allowing the body to produce vitamin D
• enabling the body to make certain hormones

CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and a cause of heart attacks. A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis, in which plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow.

Reducing intake of fat in the diet helps manage cholesterol levels. In particular, it is helpful to limit foods that contain:

• Cholesterol– from animal foods, meat, and cheese.
• Saturated fat– found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried, and processed foods.
• Trans fats– found in some fried and processed foods.

Being overweight or obese can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Genetics can contribute to high cholesterol – very high LDL levels are found in the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia. Abnormal cholesterol levels can also arise due to other conditions, including:

• diabetes
• liver or kidney disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones
• underactive thyroid gland

HIGH CHOLESTEROL SYMPTOMS

Having high cholesterol levels, while a risk factor for other conditions, does not itself present any signs or symptoms. Unless routinely screened through regular blood testing, high cholesterol levels will go unnoticed and could present a silent threat of heart attack or stroke.

LEVELS AND RANGES

In adults, total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy.

• A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
• A reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.

• 100–129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems but may be a concern for anyone with heart disease or heart disease risk factors.
• 130—159 mg/dL is borderline high.
• 160–189 mg/dL is high.
• 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.

HDL levels should be kept higher. The optimal reading for HDL levels is of 60 mg/dL or higher.

• A reading of less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.
• A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is borderline low.

PREVENTING HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Four changes to lifestyle are recommended for all people with high cholesterol or who wish to ensure their levels remain normal. These changes will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack:

• eat a heart-healthy diet
• regularly exercise
• avoid smoking
• achieve and maintain a healthy weight

 

The following are some of the treatments we offer Alphabetically (A-Z):