Debunking Common Cholesterol Misconceptions

Today, we are going to talk about some misconceptions that have become quite common regarding cholesterol. Cholesterol is something that is being discussed in relation to various misconceptions. When something becomes very common, misconceptions and misunderstandings about it are also commonly observed. The same has happened with cholesterol.So, today, we will discuss this where I will try to clarify seven common misconceptions so that you don't fall into their traps, and it can help you understand cholesterol correctly. You can manage your cholesterol properly.

1. All Types of Cholesterol Are Not Bad

First, the common misconception is about cholesterol, which is generally seen. That is, we think that all types of cholesterol are bad. That is entirely wrong. As I mentioned earlier, cholesterol is essential for our body. It is important because many things in our body, such as the membranes of cells, require cholesterol to be made. Vitamin D needs cholesterol to be synthesized inside our body. Many hormones and bile acids require cholesterol. So, for making all these things, you need cholesterol. If there is no cholesterol in our body, where will they come from? Therefore, cholesterol is not entirely bad. There are two types of cholesterol in our body. One is LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein), and the other is HDL cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein). HDL cholesterol is called good cholesterol because if it increases in our body, it leads to a reduction in blockages. The risk of heart diseases and heart attacks increases due to an increase in LDL cholesterol.

2. Thin Individuals Can Have High Cholesterol

The second common misconception is about thin people. Often, people think that thin individuals cannot have high cholesterol, which is a wrong assumption. Visceral fat, obesity, is considered a factor that precipitates cholesterol. However, this is not the only factor. Many thin people have high cholesterol, and similarly, many obese people have normal cholesterol levels. The increase in cholesterol in thin people is often due to genetics. If cholesterol increase is encoded in your genes, you cannot escape it. Many times, you see people who are eating well, exercising, taking all precautions, and still, their cholesterol increases. The major reason for this is their genetics. Every 200th person has some genetic problem, and such people need to take extra precautions to stay safe. If you are obese, you have more chances of cholesterol increase. But even if you are thin, you should not think that your cholesterol will never increase. This is a wrong assumption. You should pay attention to your cholesterol, whether you are thin or obese.

3. Lack of Symptoms for High Cholesterol

The third misconception is about symptoms. People often think that if their cholesterol increases, they will notice some symptoms. This is entirely wrong. Cholesterol is a problem for which there is no actual symptom. Until you get your cholesterol checked, your blood cannot tell you whether your cholesterol has increased or not. Cholesterol is only known when it increases so much in your body that it starts to form a plaque. When plaque starts to form inside your blood vessels, the blood supply to your heart decreases. Angina begins, pain starts, and the symptoms of a heart attack begin. Only then can you know that your cholesterol has increased, and by that time, a lot of time has already passed. There is no symptom that tells you that your cholesterol has increased. You have to remember yourself to periodically get your cholesterol checked. You have to decide how often you should get a checkup and when to start this process. If we listen to the American Heart Association, then after the age of 20, you should get your cholesterol checked every year.

4. Diet's Limited Direct Impact on Cholesterol

The fourth misconception is about the direct impact of our diet on our cholesterol. The direct effect of what we are eating on our cholesterol. In simple words, if I tell you that we think that if we eat more cholesterol, our cholesterol will be high, and if we eat less cholesterol, our cholesterol will be low. This is true to some extent because the diet has some effect. But it is not possible for 100% of cholesterol in our body to come from our diet. The cholesterol in our body is made by our body itself. "Inside our liver, 80 percent of cholesterol is produced. Only 20 percent of the cholesterol depends on our diet, and there is a small catch here. The catch is that if we consume more cholesterol in our diet, there is a natural phenomenon in our body. According to that, our liver reduces the production of cholesterol so that our cholesterol remains in balance. Similarly, if we reduce cholesterol in our diet, the liver increases the production of cholesterol to maintain the balance needed for our body. Despite consuming a variety of foods, many people maintain a balanced cholesterol level. You may have often seen people who eat a lot, sometimes even unhealthy foods, and yet their cholesterol levels are not as high as expected. Conversely, some people take cholesterol-lowering medications, but their cholesterol levels remain high. Why? This happens because genetically, it is predetermined whether your cholesterol will increase or not. The liver in your body is genetically inclined to produce more cholesterol. It's not just about your diet; it also depends on your genetics. Exercise also plays a role, and overall, your body's internal system needs to balance it.

5. Overcoming Challenges in Lowering Cholesterol

Fifth, the misconception often exists in the minds of those who cannot lower their cholesterol, even with medications or various home remedies. They maintain a good diet, exercise, and still, their cholesterol levels do not decrease. In such individuals, there is often a belief that they cannot do anything about it, and their cholesterol will remain high. This is a misconception. Friends, cholesterol is not something that cannot be reduced. With a little patience and lifestyle modification, along with consistency, you can lower your cholesterol.

6. Lifestyle Modifications for Cholesterol Management

If you want to lower your cholesterol, the first thing to pay attention to is maintaining a healthy weight. The healthier your weight, the more control you will have over your cholesterol. Try to lose weight if you are overweight. Regular exercise is essential. You should exercise for at least 45 minutes every day, ideally 5 to 6 days a week. Along with this, pay attention to your diet. Consume a healthy diet with more vegetables, limit non-vegetarian items, and avoid saturated fats. Use good oils such as olive oil and avoid refined sugars, refined flour, and similar items in your diet. These are some crucial things. Friends, which are very important. If you follow these things regularly, your cholesterol will decrease sooner or later. It is often funny but common to find people who believe that taking cholesterol medicine allows them to eat whatever they want without consequences. This is a wrong concept. Even if you are taking cholesterol medication, you still need to be cautious. You still need to modify your lifestyle. You still need to exercise because if you don't follow these things, your cholesterol will not decrease. Cholesterol medicine is not magic that will work regardless of what you eat. Even with cholesterol medication, you need to be mindful of your diet and lifestyle modifications, and this is essential for you.

7. Age is Not a Guarantee Against High Cholesterol

In the end, a common belief is often seen in people that if they are below 40 years old, there is no need to check their cholesterol. They think that if they are not old, there is no risk of having high cholesterol. This is a wrong concept; cholesterol can increase at any age. Nowadays, even youngsters have high cholesterol levels due to poor eating habits. Elders may not have as high cholesterol as young adults because the younger generation tends to pay less attention to their diet. Therefore, the recommendation is that if you are over 20 years old, you should check your cholesterol once a year. Do not think that only when I am old, or after 40, I will have an effect. Cholesterol can increase at any age. Friends, I hope that today many of your misconceptions about cholesterol have been clarified. Share as much as possible among your family and friends so that everyone can be aware of these things and stay away from such misconceptions. If you have any questions or want to know more about this, you can ask in the comment section. So, let's part with this promise.

Until I meet you next time, take care of yourself. Keep smiling, keep learning something new every day, so that you can always be healthy.

*The information contained in this content posted represents the personal views and opinion and does not necessarily represent a professional opinion. Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, always seek the advice of your physician.