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There’s something incredibly grounding about gratitude. When we pause to acknowledge even the smallest blessings and health recovery, it transforms the way we experience life. So, dear Universe, thank you once again for giving me strength and whispering hope into days that once felt heavy.
This story isn’t just mine. It’s ours.
Because cholesterol, one word with so much weight. Today, it has quietly crept into many of our lives. You might think once it’s lowered, you’re done with it. But the truth is, cholesterol requires a lifelong conversation, especially when coupled with rare or chronic conditions.
So, if you’ve felt anxious, confused, or exhausted by the health jargon, this blog is for you.
Let me share what I’ve learned and experienced about cholesterol and holistic healing.
What is Cholesterol Anyway?
Cholesterol isn’t some villain lurking in our bloodstream. It’s a waxy substance that plays a vital role in your body. It helps build cells, produce hormones, and generate bile for digestion.
There are two types of cholesterol—
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): The Not-So-Good Guy
- They have silent features, and the symptoms aren’t easy to detect
- Can accumulate in your blood vessels as plaque
- Increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and more
- Lowered through healthy eating, movement, and certain medications or supplements
- Healthy Intestines and Liver can help lower the LDL levels
- Certain factors like genetics or family history, diet, lifestyle and some medical conditions can also aggravate high Cholesterol levels
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): The Good Guy
- It helps transport excess cholesterol out of your bloodstream
- Protects your heart by reducing risk of strokes and heart attacks
- Raised through exercise, balanced diet, and not smoking
- It varies from person to person depending on factors including underlying health conditions, age, and genetic disorders
- Most adults should aim to have 60 mg/dl or more HDL levels.
We only need a small amount of fat in our diet to make the Cholesterol we need to stay healthy.
How I Discovered My Cholesterol Story
A simple blood test, Lipid Profile told the full story. It wasn’t just cholesterol. It was LDL and HDL, and their ratio. That little piece of paper revealed much more than I expected.
But the truth? Cholesterol itself isn’t inherited as bad. It’s our lifestyle, environment, and medical conditions that mold the narrative.
Living With Rare Diseases: My Health Landscape
In 2016, I received a diagnosis that would reshape my life, Isaacs’ Syndrome. It’s a rare neurological condition tied to continuous muscle activity. Soon after, I learned I also had Lyme disease, caused by tick-transmitted bacteria. That’s when the cascade began.
- Glaucoma damaged my optic nerves.
- Membranous Glomerulonephritis (MGN) challenged my kidneys.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema, and Blood Pressure issues troubles joined in.
The symptoms? They came uninvited and lingered.
Walking grew painful. Sitting, standing, lying down, each became a struggle. Weakness and discomfort became constant companions.
Yet amidst all this, cholesterol quietly rose. No loud warnings. No big signs. Just elevated levels during routine tests.
I was prescribed medicine, for cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies. But what mattered more was noticing this silent red flag.
How Isaacs’ Syndrome Affects Cholesterol
The symptoms of my rare and chronic ailments were visible way before the actual diagnosis was done.
The situation made me vulnerable to creating further complications. My notorious symptoms led to a heightened sense of uncertainty. Soon, I developed walking difficulties with an increase in body pain and weakness. Any position while lying down, sitting, or standing became uncomfortable.
I had no specific symptoms of high cholesterol because there weren’t any side effects. The clinical tests showed elevated cholesterol levels along with other parameters.
The doctors decided to put me on medicines for vitamin deficiencies and bad cholesterol. The good part was spotting a red flag. The process helped prevent more severe damage.
How Membrane Glomerulonephritis (MGN) Affects Cholesterol
Membranous Glomerulonephritis affects the glomeruli, the tiny filters in our kidneys. When they’re damaged, the body loses proteins through urine. It can also lead to Nephrotic Syndromes.
To compensate, the liver starts producing more proteins, including lipoproteins. This leads to elevated cholesterol.
It’s a reminder that everything in the body is interconnected. By understanding these links, researchers can develop better-targeted therapies.
Over time, I realized that Membrane Glomerulonephritis (MGN) possibly disturbed my cholesterol levels. MGM caused high levels of lipids in my blood.
My Lifestyle Reset
When your body whispers for help, lifestyle changes aren’t optional, they’re necessary. These shifts, though simple in principle, demanded much patience and consistency.
Rare and chronic diseases often cause significant lifestyle changes but when accompanied by high cholesterol further influences the situation. It includes dietary adjustments, exercise and medication management.
Here’s what helped me
1) Rethinking My Diet
My diet had to be customized
- Fiber-rich fruits and soaked nuts became staples
- Easily digestible meals replaced heavy, oily foods
- Fast food and fried indulgences? Completely out of the kitchen
2) Omega-3 Supplements
These played a quiet but powerful role in improving my lipid profile. These supplements added another layer of support. It is always recommended to take them under guidance
3) Getting Active, but gently
Movement has always been a passion. No doubt that the Ayurvedic doctors find my Vata dosha as pre-dominant.
I love playing. So, I reconnected with walking, light yoga, and gentle sports that helped me feel alive again.
Note: I was never underweighting or overweight—but cholesterol doesn’t discriminate. Genes and lifestyle matter just as much as body type.
4) Embracing Ayurveda
I was fortunate to meet a Vaidya who introduced me to natural remedies:
- Raw garlic (rich in allicin) on an empty stomach made a visible difference.
- Arjuna bark, a traditional herb praised for its anti-inflammatory properties. It became part of my routine, consumed with warm water, post-meal.
These additions weren’t magical cures—but they complemented my medical care beautifully.
Reflections & Takeaways
Navigating cholesterol with chronic and rare illnesses is not a straight path. It’s winding, confusing, and at times, frustrating. But it’s also a journey filled with learning and trust—in our body’s resilience and in holistic healing.
Here are some truths that I’ve embraced:
- Cholesterol is part of life and not an enemy
- Chronic diseases do influence it, often in many complex ways
- Lifestyle changes matter and they must be personal, guided, and sustainable.
- Early detection saves complications, even when symptoms don’t show
- Gratitude helps healing. Every small win deserves celebration.
If you’re going through something similar, please don’t wait. Seek help. Talk to a professional. Build a plan that’s tailored to your body and your story.
Disclaimer
This article reflects my personal journey and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult health professionals before making any lifestyle changes.