The Story of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a molecule found in every single cell in the body. It takes part in many functions / systems and every cell can produce it. The liver is the organ where cholesterol is made in massive quantities for use in the whole body. One of the organs where big amounts of cholesterol are naturally found is the brain. It is a very important component of the myelin sheath, which is a cover found in many neural fibers, assisting in the transmission of electrical stimuli within the NS. Therefore adequate cholesterol levels have been associated with proper cognitive and psychological function. Every single cell’s membrane has embedded molecules of cholesterol within it, regulating the liquidity, structural integrity and permeability of the membrane as well as signal transduction pathways. It is an important component of bile acids (regulates the absorption of fats and vitamins in the intestine), hormones and fat soluble vitamins (A,E,D,K). To make a long story short, cholesterol is a multi functional molecule with crucial role from a cellular to a whole – body level. We would not survive without it. 

Unfortunately cholesterol presence has been associated with atherosclerosis, a hypothesis which is in complete disagreement with the fact that this very molecule is so undeniably necessary for numerous body and cell functions. The truth is that cholesterol indeed forms a lining on the inner surface of the blood vessels, keeping them elastic and strong so that they can withstand alterations in the blood pressure which would otherwise result in the vessels tearing apart. The true causing agent of arteriosclerosis is a molecule called homocysteine; it is a modified amino acid. The body cannot process excessive amounts of homocysteine, which is accumulated in the liver. There it reacts with cholesterol forming a toxic and highly reactive product which causes damage in arterial cells when released in the blood. Dr Kilmer McCully, researcher in Harvard University, elucidated the whole mechanism atherosclerosis occurs, proved that it is homocysteine that causes it and also defined the necessary prevention / healing regime back in 1969. There are many scientific papers proving that homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular disease. Dr McCully discovered the most efficient and safe way to treat Arteriosclerosis. A simple vitamins regime: Vitamins B6, B12 and B9 (folic acid or folate). They can be found literally anywhere and can trigger an impressive change while eliminating arteriosclerosis. TMG is another substance that helps fight off arteriosclerotic plaques. These findings have been very well documented but not applied by the medical community at all, for decades now. It will take many years before mainstream medicine accepts and eventually integrates these new findings. 

In fact, artificially lowering cholesterol using the drugs prescribed by doctors at the moment has been proven that is detrimental for the overall health. The standard medication for lowering cholesterol blood levels are the statins. They interact with cholesterol metabolism in the liver severely affecting liver functions in many levels. One of the most common side effects is that statins compromise the liver, which by the way, is one of the most very important organs we cannot possibly afford to lose. The list of side effects for statins is amazingly long. The most common of them are memory loss, reduced cognitive functions, severe muscle pains (rhabdomyolysis) and insomnia. Maybe one of the most enlightening books out there about statins is the "Lipitor, Thief of Memory" by Duane Graveline, a NASA astronaut and doctor, who completely lost his memory after being only six weeks on Lipitor. At last but not least, we must say that low cholesterol means weak and fragile vessels. Given that cholesterol is necessary for the arteries to remain elastic, a low blood cholesterol can have a detrimental effect in the way arteries handle fluctuations of the blood flow. Specifically, blood vessels can easily burst if suddenly a big amount of blood is directed towards them, leading to a massive stroke incidence. The lack of cholesterol causes the arteries to become fragile. 

How dangerous can it be to substitute statins with vitamins? Taking into account the severe side effects of statins, it is not even considered a risk to be taken. In any case they cannot possibly be worst than stains, right? We need to cooperate with our bodies, support them and supply the necessary raw materials to ensure health and vitality.


Source: www.articlecity.com
Author:Helen Davies