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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
It is not about me alone, but about us, as many struggle with high levels of cholesterol. Getting rid of it once doesn’t mean, you are done with it.
High cholesterol levels have become a significant health topic in recent years.
For many, such health topics become alarming when accompanied by rare and chronic diseases.
This blog post will explore personal insights and the relationship between chronic health and cholesterol levels. It can be helpful if you want to learn some practical holistic tips to overcome and prevent high cholesterol.
Understanding Cholesterol and Its Importance
Before delving into my story let’s understand what cholesterol is and why it matters.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in our blood. It is crucial for building cells, producing hormones, and performing several vital bodily functions.
There are two types of cholesterol—LDL (bad) and HDL (good).
Typically, the fat we eat is transported to our liver which converts it into cholesterol. This is then released in our blood to help build new tissues, repair the damaged tissues, create bile in the liver, and produce steroid hormones.
We need a small amount of fat in our diet to make the Cholesterol we need to stay healthy.
A simple Lipid Profile was done from my Blood sample for total Cholesterol Levels, LDL, and HDL.
Initially, I perceived ‘having cholesterol’ as something wrong in the body. However, after research, I discovered that ‘we don’t inherit Cholesterol as ‘Bad’.
That’s interesting, isn’t it? Let’s find a little more that can help…
The Good Cholesterol is called HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
- Healthy HDL levels will vary from person to person. It depends on factors including underlying health conditions, age, and genetic disorders.
- A sufficient amount of HDL can protect us from strokes and heart attacks.
- It helps one get rid of the extra cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- It can be increased by exercising, sweating, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Weight management, enough exercise, and quitting smoking may help improve one’s HDL levels.
- Most adults should aim to have 60 mg/dl or more HDL levels.
The Bad Cholesterol is called LDL (low-density lipoprotein).
- High LDL levels are silent, and the symptoms cannot be felt.
- High LDL levels can slowly form plaque, which blocks the blood flow to form clots. These clots in blood vessels can even cause a heart attack.
- The Intestines and the Liver are two main organs that help lower the LDL levels.
- An increase in LDL levels can increase the risk of coronary diseases, chest pain, and stroke.
- A healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help lower LDL levels.
- Studies suggest that supplements help lower LDL levels.
- The following factors played in my high Cholesterol levels.
- Genetics: family history.
- Diet: unconsciously consuming saturated and trans fats.
- Lifestyle: lack of physical activity.
- Other Medical Conditions
A Little About My Rare Neurological Disease
In 2016 I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, and Blood Pressure.
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.
The Impact of my chronic kidney disease, Membranous Glomerulonephritis on Cholesterol Levels
With time, I discovered that Membrane Glomerulonephritis possibly disturbed my cholesterol levels. MGM caused high levels of lipids in my blood.
Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) damages the glomeruli (the tiny filters in the kidneys), which can also lead to Nephrotic Syndrome.
The damage to the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli) results in the loss of proteins through urine. This loss triggers the liver to produce more proteins which increases cholesterol levels.
This mechanism highlights the complex interplay of cholesterol metabolism. Understanding solutions can help in developing targeted therapies and medicines.
My Lifestyle Changes and Their Effects
Living with rare and chronic diseases often necessitates significant lifestyle changes. High cholesterol levels further influenced my situation which included dietary adjustments, exercise regimens, and medication management.
I was prescribed the following changes to help lower the LDL Levels
1) Eat a healthy diet
This is a mandatory requirement.
My menu was customized based on my rare and chronic health conditions. I was asked to include fiber-rich fruits, seeds, and nuts that are soaked overnight. I started consuming easily digestible foods and eliminated fried and fast food.
2) Take supplements rich in omega 3.
3) Include physical activities like walking, mild yoga, and a non-exerting sport
4) I loved sports from my grade-school years through college and represented my club in sports. So, I started playing to my best capacity, generally kept moving, and shed little weight.
I was never too thin, or too overweight. Though experts claim weight is a potential risk factor for high cholesterol but there are other contributing factors as well.
5) I thank a Vaidya who came up with some Natural Ways that were of immense help:
- Consuming a clove of raw garlic on an empty stomach. It contains allicin which improved my cholesterol levels.
- Arjuna Bark
a medicinal herb mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures contains anti-inflammatory properties. I checked with my Ayurvedic doctor and was advised to consume it with warm water after food.
Many factors including my Neurological and Kidney ailments added to the cholesterol metabolism.
Conclusion
Navigating cholesterol levels post rare and chronic diagnosis is complex and multifaceted. It is important to understand this relationship.
Chronic health conditions like being overweight, diabetes, kidney issues, etc. impact cholesterol levels.
Practical changes, including a healthy diet and physical activities, can help manage cholesterol.
It is important to seek professional advice to initiate a customized plan.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
