Exploring the Connection Between Cholesterol and Immune Health
Most people know that eating too much saturated fat or not exercising enough can lead to high cholesterol, but many don’t realize what an important role cholesterol plays in the body’s immune system. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced mainly by the liver and is needed to produce hormones and other important components of the immune system.
The connection between cholesterol levels and the body’s ability to fend off viruses and bacteria is significant. If there is too little cholesterol, the body can become more susceptible to a variety of infections since the immune system works 24/7 to fight off foreign invaders. Too much cholesterol, on the other hand, can lead to increased inflammation and an impaired immune response.
What to do About High Cholesterol Levels
People with too much cholesterol in their blood run the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It’s important, then, that high cholesterol levels are managed. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can help to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. There are also certain medications that can be taken to manage cholesterol levels, though this is best done under the guidance of a doctor.
Keeping Cholesterol in Check For Overall Health
Making lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol, when needed, is important for overall health and wellness. Reducing cholesterol levels can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses, not to mention the debilitating effects caused by the body’s immune system struggling to fight off infection due to the retention of higher than necessary levels of cholesterol in the body.
