LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, is a scary lab result for many people. Once this value is revealed, we often feel that something is wrong with our health. Many people struggle to lower their LDL levels but find it hard to find a solution. But why is it so difficult to control LDL levels? Why do all our attempts seem to fail?
What is cholesterol?
First, it is important to understand that cholesterol is not the enemy. In fact, cholesterol indispensable for the organisation. It plays a role in the structure of cell membranes, a the production of hormones, and the in the production of bile acidswhich are necessary for digestion.
Most of the cholesterol in our body is not in our diet, but is produced by our body.
Cholesterol is therefore essential but, as a fat-soluble molecule, it can only circulate in the blood with the help of special 'transporters'. These transport molecules are lipoproteins, which are divided into several groups according to their size and composition: VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL.
LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol because high levels are associated with plaque build-up in blood vessel walls, heart disease and stroke.
Why does the body produce more LDL?
The body's cholesterol production is tightly controlled. So if LDL levels are elevated, there are two possible causes:
- The body needs more cholesterol: This means that, for some reason, your body is producing more cholesterol because it needs more fatty acids and energy to keep it in balance.
- The regulation is flawed: Somewhere in the process of cholesterol metabolism, a defect occurs that causes the body to fail to regulate LDL levels properly. This is often due to genetic factors or lifestyle mistakes.
The vascular wall and LDL: is LDL really the "bad guy"?
Plaque build-up in the blood vessel walls is often associated with elevated levels of LDL. The endothelial cells lining the inner part of the vessel wall play an important protective role. When these cells are damaged, the body's self-healing mechanisms are activated. A macrophages, which are cells of the immune system, rush to the damaged area to repair the vessel wall. However, when there is too much LDL in the blood, macrophages bind this cholesterol and cause plaque formation, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
Why are endothelial cells damaged?
Many factors of modern lifestyle - unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, stress - causes continuous inflammation in the body. The endothelial cells can be easily damaged by these. The immune system and the lack of antioxidants further increase the inflammatory processes, and the vessel wall cannot regenerate properly. This chronic inflammation and cholesterol accumulation is the main cause of atherosclerosis.
Could cholesterol be the body's defence mechanism?
The question arises: why is cholesterol present in such high levels around the damaged vessel wall? It is possible that cholesterol is actually acting as a kind of 'failsafe'. When the body cannot otherwise cope with inflammation and injury, it produces cholesterol to temporarily help the repair. This suggests that LDL cholesterol is not necessarily the 'bad guy', but rather a cry for help from the body, indicating that something is wrong.
What is the solution?
From healthy lifestyle essential for cholesterol control and reducing inflammation. Here are some tips for an inflammation-free lifestyle:
- Anti-inflammatory dietEat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish).
- Regular exercise: Daily exercise increases the "good" HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL.
- Adequate water consumption: Sufficient fluid intake helps metabolism and cell regeneration.
- Stress management: Stress can cause chronic inflammation, which can contribute to endothelial cell damage.
Conclusion
High LDL cholesterol levels are not just a problem in themselves, but a sign that our bodies are struggling to cope with the consequences of modern lifestyles. Inflammation, sedentary lifestyles and poor diet all contribute to the "cry for help" from cells, which results in increased LDL levels. So cholesterol is not just a "bad guy", it is a warning sign that we need to make lifestyle changes to maintain our health.
