This holiday season is unique in the unprecedented way that our health, life and family are affected while the COVID-19 pandemic has spiked out of control across the US. That’s why I’m bringing the role of cholesterol into the picture.
Here are what we know about cholesterol:
- Almost everybody has the knowledge that cholesterol is bad for your heart (especially those low-density lipoproteins or LDL), because when “bad cholesterol” is excessively high in the blood and produces buildup or plaque in your arteries, it can slow or stop blood flow to vital organs, leading to heart attack or stroke.
- The accumulation of cholesterol is a common feature of cancer or malignant tissues. Moreover, cholesterol synthesis is tightly regulated in normal cells for physiological functions but dysregulated in various cancer cell types. Then, cholesterol dynamics in adherence and migration of cancer cells plays a critical role in cancer progression.
- Recent studies have shown that hypercholesterolemia (i.e., a high blood cholesterol level) is one of risk factors for hospitalization and severity of COVID-19 in diverse populations of patients infected with coronavirus.
Let me elaborate a little more on how bad cholesterol impacts severity and fatality of COVID-19.
This is possible given several high-risk patient populations associated with coronavirus infection including those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and cancer. After all, a high cholesterol level is a risk factor in all of these chronic conditions.
Following key points further support the possibility –
a) Alterations in cholesterol level actually occur during other viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
b) Membrane cholesterol is an important component to facilitate viral entry into host cells. Because a virus cannot replicate or reproduce itself until it enters your cells, higher membrane cholesterol levels can enhance the virus entering your cells, and enable serious infection.
c) Recent studies have also found that patients with severe COVID-19 have significantly lower HDL cholesterol (i.e., high density lipoproteins or “good cholesterol).
Surely, this virus or the disease is new, so is scientific research at this stage. Nevertheless, careful consideration of these findings can only help you.
So, how do these new findings translate to your benefits?
1) If you’re on medication such as Statin for your cardiovascular disease, medication adherence is important.
2) For holiday meals, pay attention to food intake, avoid fatty foods, use other alternative ways to eat less fat, sugar, and refined wheat to lower cholesterol and prevent chronic inflammation.
3) Focus on lifestyle modification and immune strengthening. (e.g., add more exercise, refrain from tobacco and alcohol, ensure stress relief and enough sleep, in addition to healthy diet.)
As I’ve always emphasized, it’s very important to know your numbers when it comes to cholesterol.
If your awareness and effort are insufficient in this regard, you can start with modifying holiday foods to avoid or minimize cholesterol bump after holiday. Never too late to stay healthy. For instance:
- Make cranberry sauce yourself to reduce sugar amount in processed can products.
- Make mashed potatoes with less milk and less/none butter. Then mix with gravy from roast chicken oil or other flavorful item/ingredient to adjust the taste.
- Replace dinner rolls with whole grain version, because refined wheat would be converted to blood sugar.
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At this point, you may also be wondering if you should take cholesterol-lowering drugs or supplements? This is a valid thought. However, remember that diet and exercise are proven ways to reduce cholesterol. Unless absolutely necessary, you may get a prescription after consulting with your physician, which needless to say it’s a complex issue. As for cholesterol-lowering supplements, data are not conclusive and formulations are not regulated. So, the best resort advisable is nutrient- and antioxidant-rich foods instead.
Cancer remains a major public health concern too. Controlling dietary fatty components as well as intake can prevent cancer and fight coronavirus infection.
Collectively, it is worth reflecting on your lifestyle and strategizing your plan to optimize your wellness while enjoying Thanksgiving and the coming holiday season.
May abundant love to you and your loved ones, along with cholesterol- and COVID-awareness, bring you safe and joyful holidays!
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