Cholesterol: Double-O HDL. A true Hollywood story
Here’s a little secret about me that only my wife knows. When I was in medical school, I had a strange urge to sign up for acting lessons. Every day, I walked past an acting school near my apartment on my way to class, and I was intrigued by the idea of portraying a character so unlike myself. I have great admiration for actors who can seamlessly weave between fiction and reality.
I had no intention of quitting medical school; the acting classes were just supposed to be for fun. But as it turned out, medical school kept me pretty busy, and my budget was tight, so I never ended up taking those acting lessons.
However, my creative dream didn’t have to perish. Now, I channel that creativity into dreaming up fascinating medical storylines with scripts worthy of an Oscar nomination. Don’t believe me? Try this on for size: “Cholesterol: Villain or Hero?” Coming soon to a theater near you!
The plot:
Cholesterol is the perfect Hollywood villain.
It’s complex, with both good and bad sides that leave the audience torn. We need cholesterol to live, but too much of the bad stuff is the true enemy.
The bad cholesterol lurks beneath the surface, making no noise and causing no symptoms. You don’t even know it’s there. It’s the James Bond of biological mischief-makers, slipping past our defenses and setting up shop in our arteries like a secret agent with a long-term lease.
Just when you think life is all sunshine and kale smoothies, BAM! Cholesterol strikes. Maybe it’s during your morning jog or while you’re chasing your dog because it stole your last piece of bacon.
Suddenly, this silent saboteur reveals its true colors. “Surprise! Remember all those cheese fries? Yeah, it was me, cholesterol, all along!”
Of course, as a physician, I have to mention the real heroes of this story: diet, exercise, and HDL. They’re out there every day, fighting the good fight, disarming those cholesterol bombs before they go off.
So, next time you’re at a party, eyeing that cheese platter, just remember: cholesterol might be lurking in the shadows, wearing a tiny tuxedo, plotting its next move.
But with a bit of vigilance and a healthy lifestyle, you can outsmart this slick operator. After all, every good spy thriller needs a clever protagonist to foil the villain’s plans.
Stay sharp, stay healthy, and keep an eye on that cholesterol—it’s out there, and it’s one smooth criminal.
Understanding the letters, the good, the bad and the ugly…
- HDL (high density lipoprotein) is your friend. It has the ability to travel into the blood stream, find and retrieve bad cholesterol and then return it to the liver where it can be eliminated from the body. It’s the shield that protects the realm of your blood vessels.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) is the bad guy. It may be a bit strong to use the word enemy, because LDL is necessary for transporting cholesterol around the body where it can be used to make membranes and hormones. So it’s not all bad. But LDL also has a tendency to infiltrate vessel walls and form plaque. Too much is definitely a problem.
Triglycerides– While not technically cholesterol, it is a type of fat. Triglycerides are absorbed out of what we eat and can be used by our cells as an energy source. Although like most things, too much is a bad thing.
Why do we care?
High cholesterol, particularly LDL can significantly increase an individual’s risks of cardiovascular disease.
Having an LDL over 190 can accelerate coronary artery disease by 10-20 years in men and 20-30 years in women. (According to the NIH) This is certainly a big deal and it’s important for you to know what your levels are and then take appropriate steps to lower them if needed.
Pharmacologic intervention is generally recommended if LDL goes over 190. Or if an individual’s ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk score is elevated.
Curious what your score is? There are free online calculators that you can use to figure that out.
10 Natural ways to reduce Cholesterol
Fiber Supplements
Fiber is one of my favorite supplements in all of medicine. It’s uses are quite extensive. That includes helping to reduce cholesterol absorption. Usually taken as a powder, mixed in with water or added to other foods. It can also be taken in a pill form.
Psyllium Husk
This could have been listed as 1a. Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that helps reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. It can be found as a powder, but also a common ingredient in fiber rich cereals.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. Niacin isa vailable as an over-the-counter supplement and in prescription form. High doses should only be taken under medical supervision though due to potential side effects, such as liver damage and gastrointestinal issues.
Garlic Extract
Some studies suggest that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, though the evidence is mixed. It can be taken in the form of capsules, tablets, or aged garlic extract.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides and may help raise HDL cholesterol. It is very commonly available as fish oil supplements and in foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice deserves a mention, although it is the most similar to a prescription medication. It contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the active ingredient in the prescription statin drug lovastatin. Use with caution and consult with a healthcare provider due to potential side effects and variability in product quality.
Artichoke Leaf Extract
May help reduce cholesterol by limiting its synthesis in the liver. It is available in supplement form, typically taken as capsules or tablets.
Green Tea Extract
Contains catechins and other antioxidant compounds that can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. It is available as capsules or tablets, and can also be consumed as a beverage.
Berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants, berberine can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It is available in supplement form, typically taken as capsules or tablets.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains soluble fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol absorption. It is available as seeds, powders, and supplements.
A Special Note from the Doctor:
“High cholesterol doesn’t stand a chance when you’re in the driver’s seat. Take control now—because your heart’s future is one decision away from a smoother ride! Small, consistent choices can pave the way to a healthier you, and the journey starts today. After all, the best time to protect your heart was yesterday—the second best is right now.”
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
- If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk. The author(s) of this blog do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.
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