There are various types of fats that we can consume daily, some are good, and some are bad. When our diet intake consists of too much saturated or animal fat, triglycerides and cholesterol collect in the body. Cholesterol can be good, however, when our fat intake exceeds the bodies limit then the cells become saturated with fat and dispose it in the arteries, rather than disposing it properly through the liver. This can lead to hardening, clogged artery walls and cardiovascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis. The good fats are called unsaturated fats and they come from plants, plants store their energy in unsaturated forms, or oils. These unsaturated fats are considered the good cholesterol and are rich in vitamins and minerals. This good cholesterol prevents the progression of cardiovascular diseases by extracting the built-up bad cholesterol from the artery walls and discarding it through the liver.
Traditionally when someone has elevated levels of this bad cholesterol, they are given medication. According to the text in Anatomy & Physiology I, “The most effective and widely used medications to lower LDL cholesterol are called statins” (Peterson, 2020, p.22). Statins block the production of cholesterol from the liver. Furthermore, in an article written by Golomb, B. & Evans, M. (2008), research shows that statins have negative side effects such as intestinal problems, liver damage, cognitive impairment, moderate to severe muscle weakness, and more.
Fortunately, there are multiple holistic approaches to this issue. In Anatomy & Physiology I, it states that “research has shown that the most effective method is therapeutic lifestyle changes, which have widespread effects beyond simply lowering LDL.” (Peterson, 2020, p.22) I would recommend a total lifestyle change, explaining the importance of overall health and how each system affects another. Following a Mediterranean style diet, which includes avocados, leafy greens, foods high in Omegas, olive oil in place of all oils, seeds, nuts, and organically sourced fruits and vegetables. Organic free-range eggs are high in lecithin which is a fat like compound that helps to dissolve cholesterol. Niacin, is a B complex vitamin that reduces the progression of arteriosclerosis, lowers the bad cholesterol, and raises the good one. Depending on the individual, exercise is important as well, yoga or physical activity a few times a week for at least 30 minutes will also help jumpstart the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Overall, there are numerous avenues to approach this issue holistically and positive lifestyle changes can dramatically increase our well-being and health.
References
Petersen, D. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology I (19th ed.). American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Golomb, B. A., & Evans, M. A. (2008). Statin adverse effects: a review of the literature and evidence for a mitochondrial mechanism. American journal of cardiovascular drugs: drugs, devices, and other interventions, 8(6), 373–418. https://doi.org/10.2165/0129784-200808060-00004
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