- The liver is an amazingly dynamic organ which plays a role in several of our body functions including the regulation of cholesterol
- High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease and strokes. It will also worsen liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease
- Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to the risk of coronary heart disease
- When diet and exercise doesn’t seem to be enough, various prescription medications and cholesterol lowering supplements may lower cholesterol numbers. Most supplements may have fewer side effects than the available prescription medications, however
- A healthy diet, exercise, and cholesterol lowering supplements are just what may be needed to lead a healthy lifestyle
The liver is an amazingly dynamic organ which plays a role in several of our body functions including the regulation of cholesterol. HDL, or high density lipoproteins, will assist in removing the surplus of cholesterol by moving it to the liver for natural processing of breakdown and release. If liver cirrhosis or other disease is present, removal of excess cholesterol from blood supply will decrease. If HDL is plentiful, excess cholesterol will dissipate for better liver processing.
High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease and strokes. It will also worsen liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. LDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, is also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Common causes of LDL are from diets of high saturated fats. Dietary cholesterol is a derivative of animal products such as meat, poultry, and dairy products. Cholesterol is not found in vegetables. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to the risk of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol plaque sticks to the artery walls while narrowing the passageways of the arteries causing atherosclerosis. With lower LDL cholesterol, heart disease related to cholesterol would be less likely to occur.
Without a doubt, following a healthy diet which includes a reduction of saturated fats and sugary sweets will benefit HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. Exercise is another factor, which when added to a diet, will help in these levels as well. With the right diet and exercise along with limited alcohol consumption, your cholesterol numbers will have a better chance at staying at a healthy level. All of these factors play a role in the way your liver will metabolize the HDL and LDL in your body. When diet and exercise doesn’t seem to be enough, various prescription medications and cholesterol lowering supplements may lower cholesterol numbers. Most supplements may have fewer side effects than the available prescription medications, however.
There is recent evidence suggesting that liver support supplements like milk thistle, which contain a compound called silymarin, can metabolize lipids. This would have a positive effect on lower LDL cholesterol levels. This supplement will enhance bile production in the liver. In turn, the cholesterol will flush its way out. Besides milk thistle, there are other supplements which have been known to support liver health. Artichoke and barley extract may reduce total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Beta-sitosterol, which is found in supplements and some margarines will also reduce the LDL. Blond psyllium as found in fiber replacement powders may lower total cholesterol and LDL. Ground flaxseed will possibly lower triglycerides. Oat bran found in oats will lower total cholesterol. Sitostanol, which is found in supplements and certain margarines, may do so as well.
A healthy diet, exercise, and cholesterol lowering supplements are just what may be needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. In turn, you will have a well functioning liver, a healthier heart, and overall, a feeling of being physically fit.
Tags: liver cirrhosis, liver support supplements, lower ldl cholesterol
