What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods.

It plays a vital role in how every cell works and is also needed to make some hormones. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases. 

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerotic vascular disease) is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to an excessive build up of plaque around the artery wall. The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body, posing serious cardiovascular complications. 

Dangers of High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels are one of the risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. The mechanism involving cholesterol in all three diseases is the same; plaque buildup within arteries decreases blood flow affecting the function of the cells and organs that these blood vessels supply.

Nutrition Management of Cholesterol

Lifestyle modification remains the best strategy for both preventing and treating hyperlipidemia. This involves adhering to a "heart healthy" diet, exercise, no smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight. Additionally, medications known as statins are indicated for some individuals.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and yeasts that help keep your digestive system healthy by controlling growth of harmful bacteria. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Prebiotics are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the human body. They are food for probiotics.

How Do They Work?

Here are some of the ways they may keep you healthy:

• When you lose "good" bacteria in your body (like after you take antibiotics, for example), probiotics can help replace them.
• They help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep the normal functioning of the human body.