High cholesterol is a silent condition that often goes unnoticed until it is diagnosed through a blood test or leads to serious health issues such as heart problems and stroke. Sounds frightening, right?

Don’t worry… With the help of Ayurvedic products from Iccha Herbals, like Garlic Plus herbal decoction, along with some lifestyle changes, you can naturally improve your cholesterol levels.

Stay tuned, as today’s read will cover the warning signs of rising cholesterol levels and some effective natural remedies for managing it.

What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, occurs when you have an excess of fatty deposits, called cholesterol, in your blood. Cholesterol is essential for creating bile (a digestive fluid), hormones, vitamin D, and building healthy cells. Your liver and intestines produce about 80% of the cholesterol your body needs, with the remaining 20% coming from the foods you eat.
Sometimes, excessive consumption of fatty foods and unhealthy lifestyle choices lead to an accumulation of cholesterol deposits in your blood vessels that your body cannot use. These deposits build up and combine with other substances in your blood to form plaque.
This plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries, increasing your risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
High cholesterol can begin at any age, but it is more common in people over 40. As you age, liver functions deteriorate, making high cholesterol more prevalent in this age group. Krishna’s Liver Re-Live Juice supports normal liver enzyme levels and enhances liver performance. Regular consumption of this Ayurvedic blend can help prevent liver problems and related issues without any side effects.
Additionally, Krishna’s Fat Reducer Juice aids in weight management, a major factor in high cholesterol. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the correct dosage based on your condition.
How Do You Know If You Have High Cholesterol?
For most people, high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms and can only be detected through a blood test. However, your body often sends subtle signals when something is wrong, and high cholesterol is no exception. Here are five warning signs to watch for:
1. Skin Changes
When cholesterol levels are extremely high (>240 mg/dL), your skin may show changes due to fat buildup beneath the surface. Common changes include:
Xanthomas: These are flat bumps or fatty growths under the skin, often yellow or orange. They can vary in size from a pinhead to a grape, usually painless but sometimes itchy. Xanthomas can appear anywhere on the body, commonly on joints, elbows, knees, buttocks, feet, or hands.
Arcus Senilis: These greyish-white circles appear around the cornea of the eye. While typically seen with aging, arcus senilis in younger individuals can indicate high cholesterol levels. This condition does not affect vision.
2. Chest Pain
Excess cholesterol buildup can block blood flow in your arteries, causing chest pain and tightness as your heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This pain may feel like squeezing or pressure in the chest, similar to indigestion, and can also affect the shoulders, arms, abdomen, back, neck, and jaw. If chest pain persists for more than 30 minutes or occurs with shortness of breath or sweating, seek emergency care immediately.
3. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can be an early indicator of high cholesterol. It signals that your heart is struggling to pump blood due to narrowed arteries from plaque buildup. Consequently, your heart works harder to push blood through these narrowed passages, leading to breathlessness.
4. Fatigue
Plaque constriction of arteries limits oxygen-rich blood flow to tissues and organs, negatively affecting cellular function and energy production, leading to persistent fatigue even at rest. Additionally, your heart’s increased effort to overcome narrowed arteries can cause it to become less efficient, further contributing to fatigue.
5. Leg Pain
Cholesterol buildup can also limit blood supply to your lower body, including legs and feet, causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). Common symptoms include leg pain or heaviness, especially during physical activity, and discomfort from the calf to the thigh or buttock. In severe cases, discomfort may persist even at rest. PAD can cause the skin on your legs to appear smooth and shiny, with decreased hair growth and changes in skin color, such as darkening or a bluish tint. Your feet may feel cool, and toenails may grow slowly or become thickened, deformed, or discolored.

Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally
Reduce Fatty Foods: Limit intake of saturated fats (mostly from animal products) and replace them with healthier unsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, and nut butter.
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Include sources of soluble fiber such as oats, flaxseed, beans, and lentils in your diet to lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training per week to reduce bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. To lower cholesterol naturally, quit smoking and avoid alcoholic drinks.
By paying attention to these warning signs and making lifestyle changes, you can manage and reduce high cholesterol, promoting better overall health.