Hello! How are you? Today we are going to talk about something that is inside our bodies, but we often don't know much about it. That is called lipids . You may have heard of 'cholesterol'. That is what these lipids are. Don't worry, I will explain this to you in a simple way.
What are lipids? Let's understand it simply.
Think about it, lipids are a group of chemicals in our bodies, like fats and waxes . They perform very important functions in our bodies. The special thing is that these lipids do not dissolve in water. It's like oil floating on water. These lipids are produced by our bodies.
What are the main types of lipids in our body?
When it comes to lipids, there are different types. Let's see what the main ones are.
1. Cholesterol
You've probably heard the word 'cholesterol' a lot, right? This is also a type of lipid. Our bodies need it too. Do you know why? Cholesterol helps the body absorb the fats and vitamins in the foods we eat and make hormones.
But here's the thing. Cholesterol and another type of lipid called triglycerides don't like water, so they can't travel through the blood on their own. It's like someone is afraid of water. So they combine with proteins to form vehicles called lipoproteins . Those are the vehicles that carry them throughout the body.
Now you may have heard about the two main types of lipoproteins:
- HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) - "good cholesterol"
These are made by our liver and small intestine together. HDL takes unwanted cholesterol back to the liver. The liver converts it into bile acid and removes it from the body. Not only that, HDL also fights inflammation, blood clotting, and oxidation . That's why it's called "good."
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) - "bad cholesterol"
Our liver also makes a type called VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoproteins) . These VLDLs carry triglycerides from the liver to other cells. Now, when these VLDLs have finished delivering triglycerides and cholesterol to other places, they get a little heavier and become LDL. That LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. Because, this LDL can stick to the walls of our blood vessels . Then the blood flow can be blocked, and blood flow can be hindered.
2. Triglycerides
This is another major type of lipid in our body. Their main function is to store energy and provide it when needed . The extra calories we get from the food we eat are stored in the body as triglycerides.
What service do lipids provide to our bodies?
There are many types of lipids, and each type has a different function in our body. Let's see what they are.
- Triglycerides: These store energy and release it when needed.
- Steroid hormones: These help our cells communicate messages. Think of them as little postmen in our bodies.
- Bile salts, which are formed from cholesterol: These help dissolve the fat in the food we eat, that is, help digest it.
- Fatty acids: These are metabolized and produce energy.
- Phospholipids and cholesterol: These two together form the outer covering of our cells, or biological membranes . These phospholipids are like gatekeepers. They allow some things to enter the cell, but other things are allowed in with the help of proteins.
Simply put, lipids are essential for every cell in our body, helping with almost every process.
Where are lipids located in our body?
Lipids are found in our blood, and everywhere throughout our bodies. Every cell in your body contains lipids.
What are lipids made of?
Lipids are made up of the elements oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen . Lipids, like cholesterol, are part of our cell membranes. They give cells their shape and control the movement of substances in and out of cells.
What are the common diseases related to lipids?
Normally, our body can produce the amount of lipids it needs. However, sometimes, the amount of these lipids can be too low or too high. If that happens, various health problems may arise.
- Hyperlipidemia: This means an increase in lipid levels in the blood.
- Hypolipidemia: This means a decrease in the level of lipids in the blood.
- Hypercholesterolemia: In this, only cholesterol levels increase.
- Atherosclerosis: As mentioned earlier, what happens in this is that things like bad cholesterol get deposited inside the arteries, causing the walls of those arteries to thicken and narrow.
- Coronary artery disease: This is what happens when deposits like this form in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- Hypertriglyceridemia: This is when triglyceride levels increase.
What are the symptoms of lipid problems?
Most of the time, people with high blood lipid levels do not show any symptoms . That's the most dangerous thing. However, if cholesterol levels are very high, some symptoms may appear:
- Xanthelasma: Yellowish bumps appear on the skin around the eyes.
- Xanthoma: Cholesterol deposits under the skin, forming lumps.
- Corneal arcus: It looks like a white ring around the eye.
That is why it is important to check lipid levels at regular intervals, as advised by your doctor, even if there are no symptoms.
What tests are done to check your lipid levels?
Your doctor may ask you to have a lipid panel , or lipid profile , which measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
You need to fast for about 12 hours before taking this test. Only then can you get accurate results. It is easier to do this first thing in the morning, because we don't eat at night while we sleep.
Also, taking this test when you are sick or under stress will not give accurate results. If you are taking any medications that affect lipid levels, you should also tell your doctor about it.
A lipid panel can give your doctor an idea of your risk of developing cardiovascular disease .
- If total cholesterol levels are above 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) , and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels are above 130 mg/dL , the risk of heart disease is increased.
- Doctors advise people who have previously had coronary artery disease or who have had a stroke to keep LDL targets even lower.
- It is very good to have an HDL (good cholesterol) level of 60 mg/dL or more, because HDL helps remove LDL.
What are the treatments for lipids?
If your lipid levels are elevated and you are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication. Some examples include:
- Statins
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Fibrates
- PCSK9 inhibitors
These medications should be used only as directed by a doctor.
Simple things we can do to maintain healthy lipid levels
Fortunately, by making a few simple changes to our lifestyle, we can reduce bad lipid levels and maintain them at a good level.
- Reduce your calorie intake: When you consume more calories than you need, those extra calories are stored in the body as triglycerides.
- Reduce saturated fat: These are found in high amounts in foods like full-fat dairy foods.
- Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Exercise regularly: It is very good to exercise at least 5 days a week, for 30 minutes a day.
- Sleep well: Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
- Stop using tobacco products: Smoking can lower your HDL (good cholesterol) levels and increase your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Remember, you can't do all of this overnight. Try to develop these habits gradually.
Finally, things to remember
Lipids are essential for our body's cells and various processes. However, if some types of lipids, especially LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, become too high, it can lead to serious conditions like heart disease.
So, talk to your doctor and learn about your risk for heart disease and blood vessel disease. Also, ask how often you should have a lipid panel. Your doctor can help you keep your lipid levels within normal limits. Your health is in your hands!
` Lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, heart disease, healthy lifestyle
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