subject: The Story Of Cholesterol [print this page] Cholesterol Is a multi functional moleculeCholesterol Is a multi functional molecule. you can find in every cell of the body. It is a basic structural element of the cellular membrane and regulates the permeability of the cell itself. This means that it can alter massively the way the cell responds to inner and outer signals. Also massive amount of cholesterol are found in the brain and the whole Neural System indeed. It is a basic component of a protective layer around the neural cells, called myelin sheath. Cholesterol serves as a base for the body to make sex hormones and it makes the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) possible. As you can see it is absolutely vital for health.
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. Cholesterol is necessary for the arteries to remain elastic and capable to withstand fluctuations in the blood flow. It forms a lining in the inner artery wall and helps the cells remain flexible and fully functional. 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 also found out the best way to actually treat Atherosclerosis. 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.
