The word cholesterol has always been associated with something "bad" and harmful. However, not everyone knows that it is necessary for proper human functioning. Only a disturbed balance and proportion between the types of cholesterol can pose a threat to health and have serious consequences.

Cholesterol – what is it and what are its functions?

Cholesterol is an organic chemical compound that occurs naturally in human and animal bodies. It is an essential component of cells and is lipophilic, which means that it does not mix with water, but dissolves well in fats. performs several important functions such as building the cell membrane, production of steroid hormones (cortisol, aldosterone) and sex hormones (estrogens and testosterone), produces vitamin D in the skin under the influence of solar radiation; emulsifies fats in the digestive tract; produces bile acids that help digest fats.

"Good" and "bad" cholesterol

Cholesterol is often referred to as "good" and "bad" because of its impact on heart health:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein): called "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are considered a risk factor for heart disease because they contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein): called "good" cholesterol because it is beneficial for heart health; helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
• Total cholesterol: is the sum of all types of cholesterol present in the blood. In itself, it is an important indicator, but it does not provide complete information about the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are usually also tested to get a more detailed picture of the patient's lipid profile.

Reference values for these two types of cholesterol may vary depending on your risk factors and overall health. The optimal LDL level should be as low as possible, while the optimal HDL level should be as high as possible. A well-balanced ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol can be beneficial to heart health.

Reasons for an increase in "bad" cholesterol:

• a diet high in saturated and trans fats: foods such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, fatty foods and processed foods often contain large amounts of these fats and will help raise LDL cholesterol levels,
• obesity: excess fat tissue may lead to lipid metabolism disorders and increased cholesterol secretion,
• lack of physical activity: regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels
• smoking cigarettes can lead to a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels and at the same time increase the risk of damage to artery walls and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which contributes to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels,
• Heredity: Genetics can also play a role in cholesterol levels. People with a family history of high cholesterol may have a higher risk of high cholesterol.
• metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes can lead to lipid metabolism disorders and an increased risk of high cholesterol levels,
• stress can affect many physiological processes in the body, including cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol and the microbiome

• fatty acid metabolism: some bacteria can convert fatty acids into various metabolites that can affect cholesterol metabolism;
• short-chain fatty acid production: gut bacteria can metabolize dietary fiber and convert it into fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyric acid, acetic acid and propionic acid. Research suggests that SCFAs may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism, including blood cholesterol levels;
• interaction with the intestinal immune system, which may affect inflammation and lipid metabolism. Inflammation can, in turn, affect blood cholesterol levels.
• regulation of bile acid metabolism: intestinal bacteria can influence the metabolism of bile acids, which play a key role in the absorption of fats from the digestive tract. Changes in bile acid metabolism may affect the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and its elimination from the body;
• interactions with bioactive substances that influence lipid and cholesterol metabolism. For example, some probiotics can produce enzymes that help metabolize fats.

Intestinal condition

Gut health can influence cholesterol levels through a variety of mechanisms, including digestive processes, nutrient absorption, and interactions with gut microbiota. Areas in which gut health may impact cholesterol levels include:

• fat absorption: the intestines play a key role in the process of digestion and absorption of fats. Intestinal disorders, such as digestive disorders (e.g. malabsorption syndrome), may lead to reduced absorption of dietary fats, which may affect blood cholesterol levels;
• intestinal permeability can lead to the leakage of substances from the intestines into the bloodstream, which affects the activation of the immune system and causes inflammation;
• diet: your gut health can affect how your body absorbs nutrients from your diet, including fats. A diet rich in fiber and probiotics can promote healthy gut microbiota and support gut health, which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Helpful bacteria

Some intestinal bacteria can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol metabolism, which lowers its level in the blood. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria may help lower cholesterol levels through various mechanisms, including fatty acid metabolism and regulation of lipid metabolism.

How to lower cholesterol?

It is definitely worth changing your eating habits to balance your cholesterol and lower its level. First of all, you should limit products such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, fatty foods and processed foods. Instead, introduce more vegetables and nuts. The best ally of a healthy diet is physical activity, which should be introduced gradually and increased as you get fit. It's not the quantity and intensity that matters, but the regularity. Avoiding stimulants, especially smoking, will also have a positive effect on regulating cholesterol levels. Probiotics from the genus Lactobacillus strain Narine will improve intestinal function and restore the proper balance of bacterial flora. Keeping your intestines in order is the basis for health-promoting activities.

Therefore, a holistic approach is important in lowering cholesterol. It is worth starting by cleansing the body with Offtoxic and Detox products.

Cleansing treatment:

OFFToxic is a combination of tansy and clove extract with a metabiotic.

Taking: for the first week (7 days): 1 capsule, 2 times a day.

For the next 2 weeks (14 days): 2 capsules, 2 times a day.

Detox is a composition of 20 freeze-dried products supporting intestinal microflora. Taking 2 capsules, 2 times a day.

The two preparations should be taken together. For optimal effect, it is recommended to use the products for a minimum of 21 days.

After complete treatment, you should take products with the Narine bacteria, such as Narum Fas t or Povir. The duration of treatment and the amount of probiotic taken depend on individual characteristics and the general condition of the body.

Sources:

What is "LDL cholesterol"? Michael V. Holmes , Mika Ala-Korpel , 2019

Transintestinal cholesterol efflux Astrid E. van der Veldea, Gemma Brufaub and Albert K. Groen, 2010