High Cholesterol is a common health condition that is characterised by the presence of too much fat in your blood. The condition is also called hyperlipidemia. Although your body requires some cholesterol for proper functioning, an excessive amount in blood can result in severe health issues.
There are two kinds of Cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is regarded as "bad" cholesterol as it can accumulate in arteries and build plaque. This plaque prevents blood from flowing through your arteries and can increase the risk of heart disease or even a stroke. In contrast, HDL is "good" cholesterol. It helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.
High Cholesterol can not be felt. As there are no symptoms, many people do not realise they have it until they're tested at a routine check-up or when they experience severe heart problems. That is why it’s important to have your cholesterol checked regularly.
Factors that can raise your cholesterol levels include high intake foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats (fried and processed foods), inadequate physical activity, smoking, and alcohol abuse. Genetics can also play a role.
Managing High Cholesterol usually means eating right, exercising more, and quitting smoking. Consulting an expert Ayurvedic physician can provide you with the help you need to manage this life-threatening condition.
High Cholesterol can show up without any warning, making it essential to understand what might be pushing your levels up. With this, you can manage your health effectively.
The most common causes of High Cholesterol are:
Unhealthy Diet: Consuming high cholesterol foods loaded with saturated fats (like red meat and full-fat dairy products) and trans fats (like in cakes, cookies, and fried foods) can directly raise bad cholesterol in your body.
Absence of Physical Activity: Not exercising regularly can lower your good cholesterol or HDL. Physical activity boosts HDL, which removes bad cholesterol from your bloodstream.
Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessel walls and increases their susceptibility to fatty deposits. It also reduces HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
Excessive Alcohol Intake: A high amount of alcohol intake can also raise your total cholesterol.
Obesity: Extra weight around the waist is linked with lower good cholesterol and higher bad cholesterol.
Age: With age, your body becomes less efficient in clearing cholesterol, which can increase cholesterol buildup.
Genetics: High Cholesterol runs in families also. You could be at a greater risk in case your family has a history of High Cholesterol.
Even though High Cholesterol itself isn’t associated with any symptoms, it can cause several serious health issues if left untreated. It's like a silent threat that gets worse without obvious signs, which is why regular health checkups with an expert Ayurvedic practitioner is important. Recognising these signs might be essential for early intervention and avoiding more serious health problems.
The most noticeable High Cholesterol symptoms are:
If cholesterol builds up in the arteries which supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries), it can decrease blood circulation, triggering angina or chest pain. This pain could feel like pressure or tightness in your chest and could indicate a heart attack.
If cholesterol buildup completely blocks an artery supplying blood to your heart, it can cause a heart attack. Symptoms include severe chest pain, upper body discomfort, breathlessness and occasionally nausea and cold sweats.
High Cholesterol can block blood vessels to your brain, causing stroke. Signs of a stroke include abrupt numbness or weakness in the face, ar, or leg, particularly on one side of the body. It may also cause confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness and loss of balance or coordination.
This condition occurs when cholesterol and other fatty materials block the blood vessels to your limbs, especially your legs. The symptoms include leg pain when walking or exercising that generally disappears after a couple of minutes of rest.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of High Cholesterol using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically created mixtures that help to balance the body and improve emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These are calming practices that improve mental health and overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various forms of massages detox the body and promote emotional equilibrium.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on how to modify your eating habits and lifestyle for better health results.
Managing High Cholesterol is essential for good heart health and Ayurveda offers a selection of natural remedies to help manage lipid levels in the blood. These herbal treatments lower bad cholesterol levels and improve complete body functions.
Some of the most effective Ayurvedic medicines for High Cholesterol are:
Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna): The bark of the Arjuna tree is considered beneficial in Ayurveda for its heart-protecting qualities. It might help lower total cholesterol and LDL levels while raising HDL levels.
Guggul (Commiphora Wightii): Guggulsterone in guggulu is known to reduce High Cholesterol and prevent plaque formation in the arteries.
Garlic (Allium Sativum): Consuming garlic regularly lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, making it a beneficial herb for cardiovascular health.
Triphala: Triphala is a classic Ayurvedic blend of three fruits (amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki) that cleanses the body and supports digestive health that is directly linked to cholesterol management.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): This herb is believed to decrease inflammation and stress in the body, two factors which can result in High Cholesterol.
Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum): Coriander seeds lower cholesterol levels due to their hypolipidemic action on the metabolism.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that helps improve cardiovascular function and reduces cholesterol levels.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice may help increase bile production in the body, which helps eliminate excess cholesterol.
Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum): The seeds of fenugreek can help reduce LDL levels and raise HDL levels due to their high fibre content.
Adults should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. However, you should get it checked more often in case you have a history of heart problems or other risk factors.
Yes, chronic stress can raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol levels in the body.
Yes, familial hypercholesterolemia is a hereditary condition where High Cholesterol is inherited in individuals, raising cardiovascular risk.
Yes, even children can have High Cholesterol, generally due to genetic factors. It is important to consult an Ayurvedic expert in case there is a family history of High Cholesterol or heart problems.
An Ayurvedic diet for High Cholesterol consists of whole food grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables. Ayurveda also advises staying away from processed, oily, and heavy foods.
Together with contemporary assessments like lipid profiles, Ayurvedic practitioners assess the body type, eating habits and lifestyle to identify and treat High Cholesterol.
As per Ayurveda, the suggested cholesterol management techniques include regular exercise, yoga and a balanced diet at prescribed times.
Ayurveda can help lower cholesterol levels by holistic treatment methods and herbal remedies, but cure often depends on individual lifestyle choices and genetics.
Ignoring High Cholesterol may cause severe cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis.
In case you're overweight, losing weight can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and enhance your cholesterol profile.
