- helps to digest fats,
- provides synthesis of vitamin D,
- serves as a building material for cell membranes in cell division,
- involved in the development of sex hormones. But more often they remember the harm that is associated with the word "cholesterol":
- this is a blockage of the arteries (as a result - heart attacks and strokes). Half the population of developed countries lives under the threat of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Fortunately, there are many simple means to lower cholesterol and clear blood vessels without taking special medications:
- change the power mode,
- increased physical activity,
- intake of food additives.
Some things can not be controlled. As the body ages, the liver begins to produce more cholesterol. That's why in women the cholesterol level can jump up dramatically after menopause. But it makes sense to change those risk factors that you can manage. What can contribute to lowering cholesterol and cleaning the blood vessels?
For some (for example, diabetics or young people with high cholesterol), natural medicines may not be enough, and they must be supplemented by traditional methods of treatment.
The most successful and widely used medication is statins that affect the liver and reduce the production of cholesterol, and also help the body absorb (absorb) a portion of the cholesterol that has accumulated in the blood vessels. Two other drugs affect the digestive system (digestive tract, gastrointestinal tract):
- inhibitors of cholesterol absorption block the absorption of food-grade cholesterol,
- substances that enhance the excretion of bile acid, bind cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestines and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream.
There are no medications without side effects . Mostly complain of gastrointestinal ailments, diarrhea and constipation. Statins have come under fire because of two rare but potentially serious side effects:
- liver damage,
- decay of skeletal muscles (meaning rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to kidney failure.
If the doctor prescribed statins, you need to periodically take tests and be tested to make sure there are no symptoms of these diseases.
The stress factor
Long-term neuropsychiatric tension increases the overall level of cholesterol. The probability of a high content of "bad" cholesterol in those who are emotionally responding to stress, is 3 times higher than in people coping with stress without emotions. To achieve emotional balance and maintain balance in conditions of stress helps respiratory gymnastics, qigong, yoga - indirectly reducing and cholesterol.
The factor of food additives
Vegetable styrene - derived from the substance prevents the absorption of cholesterol and can lower its level by 13%. Are sold as separate additives or are included in special food products. It is useful to take from 2 to 3 grams of plant styrenes daily.
Red rice is a medicine from plant raw materials, its effect is similar to the drugs of the statin group, which are prescribed by therapists to reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver. Red rice reduces cholesterol and cleanses the blood vessels.
Niacin blocks the processes of destruction and removal of "good" cholesterol from the body. But nutritional supplements with niacin should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor: do not exceed the prescribed dose, should not be taken to people with liver disease, gout or stomach ulcers.
Omega-3 fatty acids will help lower cholesterol and clean blood vessels, 30% are made from fish oil or flaxseed.