What is Hypercholesterolemia?
Hypercholesterolemia is the medical term used to indicate a high blood cholesterol level in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the liver cells. Cholesterol is required for various bodily functions including the synthesis of cell membranes and certain hormones and the production of substances required for fat digestion. However, if the cholesterol level is too high that can increase the risk of heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL, or low-density lipoprotein: LDL carries cholesterol to the cells from the liver. But sometimes because of number of causes, there is too much LDL which causes cholesterol to build up and deposit in the artery walls. LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
- HDL, or high-density lipoprotein: HDL absorbs bad cholesterol and then carries it to the liver and removes it from circulation. HDL is often referred to as “good cholesterol.”
What causes Hypercholesterolemia?
- Eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans-fat, often found in animal meat and processed foods.
- Eating foods high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy.
- Certain genetic changes can cause familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Other risk factors include – Chronic stress, Obesity, smoking and tobacco consumption in other forms, Type 2 diabetes, old age etc.
What are the complications of Hypercholesterolemia?
- Excess cholesterol that builds up in the bloodstream gets collected in the arteries, causing them to get clogged and block the blood flow.
- This makes it harder for blood to flow normally through blood vessels and can lead to heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.
- Familial high cholesterol can lead to heart disease at a young age.
- Affect the quality of life by causing fatigue, poor performance and decreasing overall productivity.
How to treat or manage Hypercholesterolemia condition?
There are several approaches for managing hypercholesterolemia up to certain extent according to modern science. Most of them aims to reduce cholesterol biosynthesis in liver by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the process thereby lower blood cholesterol levels. Statin is the most used drug in this category. Also, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrant etc. are also used to reduce cholesterol in specific conditions. However, number of side effects are reported with respect to these drugs. Therefore, it is high time to go for more natural remedies such as herbal medicine, exercise and diet to control and manage blood cholesterol levels.
How is hypercholesterolemia treated as per Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that offers various treatments and lifestyle recommendations for managing cholesterol levels by making use of several herbs or combinations of herbs. Although there is no direct terminology for hypercholesterolemia in Ayurveda, dyslipidaemia is the condition close to hypercholesterolemia that can be considered as Rasagata Sneha Vriddhi, Rasa Raktagata Sneha Vriddhi, Medovriddhi, Medoroga or Medodosha, Ama Medo Dhatu as per Ayurvedic classics.
Medoroga or Medodosha is a condition caused by an irregular accumulation of medodhatu that is lipid in common terms. It is caused by vitiated Kapha dosha at first, and then Pitta and Vata dosha play a part in its pathogenesis, causing symptoms of their own.
Ayurveda of medicine believes that the disease can be treated by balancing the doshas and basically correcting the metabolism by analysing the root cause. Traditional Ayurvedic beliefs state that there are three causes for hypercholesterolemia: diet, stress, and genes. So, Ayurvedic approach to hypercholesterolemia include –
- Increasing Agni levels
- Normalizing metabolism
- Removing toxins
- Balancing the doshas
- Removing causative agents
Preventing high cholesterol involves a holistic approach encompassing a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and Ayurvedic practices. Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma, Abhyanga (oil massage), and certain cleansing procedures and the use of natural remedies such as herbs like Guggulu, arjuna, and shilajit, which have traditionally been used to lower cholesterol levels, are also recommended by Ayurveda which can effectively manage cholesterol by purifying the body and balancing the doshas. These therapies aim for holistic well-being.
How do we treat/manage hypercholesterolemia at Prasadini?
The treatment for hypercholesterolemia at Prasadini Ayurnikethana begins with an initial consultation with Ayurveda expert doctor either through online or offline mode. The appointments may be booked either through this site or through WhatsApp.
The doctor will evaluate your medical condition, lifestyle and overall health. Based on the evaluation report, a personalized treatment for hypercholesterolemia will be designed that may include various classical ayurveda therapies, nutrition therapy, yoga and meditation.
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification program that involves five steps: Vamana (emesis therapy), Virechana (purgation therapy), Basti (enema therapy) are followed to correct the balance of the tri dosha and saptha dhatus of the body. Daily practice of stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to lower stress levels and nutrition care are part of treatment plan.
Based on the condition and as per doctors’ suggestion, suitable steps of panchakarma and other ayurvedic procedures and a perfect nutrition regimen, herbal formulations and the total number of days required for the complete program will be planned by our experts, thus tailoring a personalized treatment plan for you to give a desired and successful results.
After completing the planned ayurveda treatment programs, the Rasayana (herbal medicines that has the quality of rejuvenation) drugs and herbal remedies are suggested according to the condition of the individual. An individualised diet chart will be provided and also, our doctor will provide follow-up care to ensure that you continue to maintain optimal health and wellness. This may include guidance on lifestyle, nutrition care and continued use of herbal formulations to maintain optimum health.
Approximate package charges – Rs.4500/- per day
Package includes
- Doctors’ consultation
- Ayurveda therapy charges.
- Medicines and oils used for the treatment procedures
- Three meals (Sathvik, pure vegetarian diet) and herbal drinks and juices as per the detox plan.
- Accommodation (Non-A/C double/ single occupancy room with 24 hours hot water supply.)
- Sessions on healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and healing.
- Yoga, Pranayama and meditation sessions.
- Room services and nursing services.
- Access to Wi-Fi.
Reservation Criteria
We are deeply concerned with quality of classical Ayurveda therapies and services we provide. We take limited number of individuals each month to meet this purpose. Therefore, its necessary to confirm your participation by reserving therapeutic packages at least two weeks in advance.
The 50% of the total package charges must be paid in advance while booking your packages. The remaining 50% charges can be paid on the first day of the treatments before starting therapies.