Cholesterol Metabolism

In order to define cholesterol metabolism we ougth to explain several notions for a better understanding. The causes, effects, and possible ways to solve the problems should also be discussed. First of all, what is cholesterol? Medical dictionaries explain that this fat normally found in blood, results from eating animal-based foods. This substance is processed by the liver and it is an essential building block for healthy cells and nerves while it also serves to producing some hormones. However, the growth of the cholesterol level above the normal level presents high health risks for the heart and the circulatory system. Otherwise, in moderate amounts, this blood fat is necessary to the body.

Metabolism is the other concept that requires clarification for a full understanding of cholesterol metabolism. Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes that take place in the body. To go a little bit further with the explanation, you should be aware of the two types of metabolism that exist: building up anabolism, and breaking down catabolism. In the case of anabolism smaller molecules such as amino acids are turned into larger molecules like proteins. Obviously catabolism involves the reversed process, large molecules break into smaller ones, thus glycogen becomes glucose.

Cholesterol metabolism consists of the sum of the catabolic and anabolic processes involved in synthesizing and degrading the cholesterol in the body. Serum cholesterol level increases when it is ingested and very quickly absorbed. Although the liver is the cholesterol factory, almost all the other body tissues can synthesize cholesterol. The more cholesterol is taken in, the less it gets synthesized by the body. The removal of cholesterol from the body is done by bile excretion after it is broken down in the liver.

High cholesterol is also caused by a sum of factors that increase the risks for one’s health. Thus, genetic factors, improper diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and, as a result, weight gain, all together turn into an extreme drawback for cholesterol metabolism. In the condition of a faulty cholesterol metabolism, hypothyroidism, diabetes and hypertension can develop or aggravate. In some cases the health problems result simply from the incapacity of the liver to process too much cholesterol. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, watch your health more carefully. Unfortunately for those who are predisposed genetically to elevated cholesterol levels, even the toughest low-fat or no-fat diets are of no much use. However there are medicines that can help. Dieting and developing a physical training routine are also good but they are often insufficient.

Filed Under: Metabolism