14/05/2024
HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: ARE YOU SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN?
A holistic read
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells in our body. Our body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help us digest foods. Our body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Of course, cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese.
So, cholesterol is a very useful agent in our body. It's a hard worker, someone who lives in our body to make sure that everything that must happen will happen. Cholesterol in excess may cause severe damage in our cells, causing a myriad of disorders, from atherosclerosis to gallstones and a wide spectrum of metabolic conditions.
Why does such a protective substance, a catalyst to the hormonal system that allows homeostasis in the body, transform into an enemy? Well, we can blame genetics (why not?) to justify that high cholesterol levels may be inherited. However, I have seen many patients in my practice. I am sure you have seen them too; I've noticed a linking thread among them: I must be Superman or Wonder Woman, the one who can cope with everything and must make everything to be the best possible side: a warrior and a worrier. (Not because they said so, but all their language pointed in that direction). Warrior and worrier be careful with the pronunciation; it can sound the same. However, it doesn't matter because these two go together in the case of a person with high cholesterol levels in their blood.
I must do everything I can to reach perfection, regardless of how much I enjoy doing what I must do to complete my duty. People look at me and expect I will do my best. And I will do my best because I don't want to be disappointed in myself. And I don't want others to be disappointed in me, either. Life teaches me that being perfect is as utopic as pretending that others appreciate my perfection. Not a win-win situation, but the contrary: a lose-lose one.
Think about these two examples:
If high cholesterol levels attach to the artery walls and form plaque, there will be less space for the plasma, and blood flow will be sluggish. As a reaction of the body to help blood flow, the artery's tension may rise, leading to hypertension. Consequently, I must double my efforts to complete the task. The vicious cycle is present. The flow of life is interrupted. Things don't flow as I want. I am happy by nature, but I don't feel satisfied. What's going on with me?
Another consequence is the buildup of gallstones. This is cholesterol accumulated in the gallbladder, which didn't flow. Flow, flow, flow once again. The gallbladder is that pouch that the liver feeds with bile to make an emulsion with unbreakable fats. Yes, bile is the only substance that can break down fats to be absorbed by the body. So, can you imagine how strong bile is? And how destructive, too? If I let gallstones build in my gallbladder, why am I putting so much of my energy into things that don't deserve it? Or get upset so quickly for things I can't control?
Well, Superman, you can't be perfect. Because if you try to be perfect, Kryptonite will show you how strong you are.
Indulge yourself, hug yourself; you are as perfect as nature wanted you to be when you were born.
If you have high cholesterol levels, or if it is starting to rise, remember what the great Bob Marley sang in Three Little Birds:
Don't worry about a thing, coz' every little thing's gonna be alright.
And I add: Don't worry, be happy.
I'd love to read your insights and comments.
Thanks for reading me.
