“Lowering Cholesterol with Statins: What You Need to Know for a Healthier Life”

2023-05-29 05:30:00

29.05.2023

updated: 29.05.202307:30

• VonAnna Catherine Kuesters

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High cholesterol can be life threatening. Statins are one way to lower cholesterol.

The dietary fat cholesterol is vital for the body. For example, it is crucial for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. Elevated cholesterol levels pose a long-term health risk. Statins have long been considered a reliable drug in the fight once morest high cholesterol levels.

Lowering cholesterol with drugs: prejudice once morest statins unjustified

If you suspect you have high cholesterol, you should see a doctor.

© Roger Richter/Imago

Elevated cholesterol levels can have various causes. According to the Health Knowledge Foundation Not enough exercise, poor nutrition, obesity, as well as hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause or pregnancy, can be the reason.

Cholesterol is a fat that the body has to break down into small particles for transport. These particles are called lipoproteins. There are different groups of lipoproteins, the so-called low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) being particularly well known. Researchers assume that a high LDL value can be associated with vascular diseases. According to the heart foundation Calcification of the vessels and can lead to more plaque deposits in the vessels.

Healing Fatty Liver: Ten Foods You Should Avoid

Sugar – in whatever form – is an enemy for the liver. So that a fatty liver cannot develop at all, it is better to avoid sugar and sweets. © Gennady Kravetsky/IMAGO

White flour products such as conventional pasta, pizza, white bread or toast should be avoided if fatty liver already exists. Avoiding these foods can also prevent the disease. © Sevablsv/IMAGO

Soft drinks are bad for the liver due to their high sugar content and should therefore be avoided. By not doing so, you prevent fatty degeneration of the liver cells and thus prevent serious secondary diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver. © Peter Widmann/IMAGO

Even pure juices can damage your liver. It is therefore best to dilute it with water (ratio 1:4) and enjoy apple juice as a spritzer, for example. © Andreas Berheide/IMAGO

grapes

In order to massively reduce the risk of fatty liver, a healthy diet is of great importance. If you want to prevent the disease or even cure it as a sufferer, then it is best to avoid sweet fruits such as grapes and pineapple. © View Stock/IMAGO

meat and sausage

The consumption of sausage and meat can also contribute to fatty liver cells. You should therefore ban bacon and bratwurst from your diet, as they are not good for the liver. Instead, opt for chicken, turkey, beef or lean pork. © Zoonar.com/monticello/IMAGO

Burger

Because of their hidden sugar traps, ready meals and fast food can also damage the liver and lead to obesity. Therefore, it is better to keep your hands off it to prevent or cure fatty liver. © Westend61/IMAGO

Two wine glasses

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated not only with Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), but also with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which can result from an unhealthy lifestyle. If you want to do something good for your liver, you should only drink alcohol in moderation or not drink it at all. © Anna Bogush/IMAGO

Cheese

In order to prevent fatty liver, it is better to avoid very greasy cheeses. If you like dairy products, then cream cheese, buttermilk or low-fat quark are recommended instead. © jirkaejc/IMAGO

Canned sardines

Fish is healthy in itself, but it depends on the variety. For example, sardines, eel or mackerel can damage the liver. Instead, reach for wild coalfish, cod or redfish. © Eduardo Lopez/IMAGO

Very few side effects from statins

If this occurs, drug treatment is necessary. It is not uncommon for statins to be used. Statins help the body reduce cholesterol production. This is achieved by the statins inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol production. Active ingredients that are used for this are, for example:

• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Rosuvastatin

In addition, statins have an anti-inflammatory effect and can stabilize deposits in the blood vessels. They are particularly useful for patients who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These include, for example, people with diabetes, severe obesity, high blood pressure or people who smoke. Statins are less effective in people who have no underlying medical conditions.

According to that health information service The risk of serious side effects from statins is very low. Possible side effects are, for example, muscle pain or, in severe but very rare cases, a so-called rhabdomyolysis. Here, muscle fibers in certain muscles slowly dissolve, which can lead to paralysis. In studies, however, this side effect might only be detected in one in 10,000 people. Incidentally, long-term use of statins is not problematic. The body has mechanisms to break down and eliminate the drug over time.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions regarding clinical pictures.

List of rubrics: © Roger Richter/Imago

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