AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Why cholesterol is necessary in body?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 47M : 26S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #12429
182 days ago
209

Why cholesterol is necessary in body? - #12429

Janvi

I am really confused about cholesterol lately. Been reading articles and listening to friends talk about it but no one seems to agree on why cholesterol is necessary in body. A few weeks ago, I went for my routine check-up and I was told my cholesterol levels are higher than they should be, which scared me a bit. They started mentioning things like “bad” and “good” cholesterol, but honestly, I don’t get it. During the visit, the doctor said something about how cholesterol is essential for various body functions, which made me think — wait, you mean it’s not all bad? When I tried to understand why cholesterol is necessary in body, the more I read, the more confused I got. Like, how can something that’s supposedly bad also be necessary? I also tried to ask my family about it, and they seemed just as lost. Can someone explain why cholesterol is necessary in body and how bad cholesterol can still be needed? I guess I’m just worried because I want to be healthy but I don’t want to be misinformed either, y’know? Any insights that can clarify why cholesterol is necessary in body would be super appreciated!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Cholesterol can indeed be a confusing topic, especially with all the mixed messages out there. Despite its reputation, cholesterol is actually essential for several vital functions in the body. It’s a type of fat, or lipid, that plays a crucial role. For starters, cholesterol is a fundamental component of cell membranes, helping them maintain their integrity and fluidity. Without cholesterol, cells couldn’t function properly. It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of important substances like steroid hormones, which include sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, as well as cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response. Furthermore, cholesterol is necessary for the production of bile acids, which help us digest fats in the diet, and vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune function.

Now, when it comes to the “good” and “bad” cholesterol, it’s really about how cholesterol gets transported in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often labeled as “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered “good” because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, carrying it back to the liver where it can be processed and eliminated. So, while you do need cholesterol, maintaining a balance between HDL and LDL is key.

If your cholesterol levels are higher than recommended, it’s a nudge towards reevaluating lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and maybe even your stress levels. Try incorporating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and good fats (like those from fish and nuts) as they can help improve cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can also boost HDL levels, while avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can keep things in check. While it’s important to be informed and concerned about maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, the goal is to manage them effectively without undue stress. Meeting with a healthcare professional who can personalize advice based on your complete health picture can also be incredibly helpful.

19202 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


how to increase stamina naturally
kidney stone laser treatment price
how to reduce body heat in female
ors drink uses
chikungunya caused by which mosquito
Which juice is good for liver?
how to detox mold from body
how to remove acne marks from face
how to stop leg cramps immediately home remedies
Boa tarde eu gostaria de saber quais cuidados para melhorar uma gripe forte
is gond harmful during pregnancy
does masturbation increase height
jn 1 variant
how to control bilirubin
lifestyle changes examples
how many dolo 650 can be taken in a day
how to reduce the body heat
mouth ulcer doctor specialist
Burning skin on chest not going away
acid base balance in body
home remedies for gastritis during pregnancy
how to treat otitis externa
how to lose weight fast without exercise
red banana side effects
how to overcome weakness of body
how to get rid of numbness in hands and feet
how to remove under eye darkness
Do electrolytes cause fatigue? Thanks for your answer
Update on the hand thing (if anyone who sees this saw the last post)
What to do if my ferritin is low at 8 µg/L and I feel tired and pale?
how to stop loose motion in pregnancy
liver detoxification process
face physiotherapy
hypertension leads to
shoulder sleep
ultrasound cghs rate
How I can help my sick daughter
season change fever
fatty liver syndrome
how to reduce body heat home remedies
Nasha chodne ke liye koii medicine btao plz
can baking soda remove stains
price of liver transplant
coronavirus vaccine covishield side effects
why sudden hair fall
which brahma rasayana is best
acne home remedy
Face black marks
How to reduce the problem of vomiting 🤢 loose motion
I have fever 15 days little bitalways 100 and 101 i seetook all test cbc count no seems 100 if
what is hot yoga
what causes spider veins
instant relief from ear pain
what is the best blood group
Seeking Guidance on Multiple Health Issues
liver transplant surgery scar
what does gua sha do
Viral fever and cough, headache.
how to convert hepatitis b positive to negative
baking soda also known as
how much copper water to drink per day
multispecialty
how many blood types are there
white fungus in ear
What a 16 year old should use to their hat and body ?!
What causes excess saliva in my mouth and how can I treat it?
how to make blood pure
can i take 2 dolo 650 in a day
Tetanus and Rabiesshot duration
black patches on sides of nose
Why do i have Pimple/acne on my pubic area
what does tonsillitis feel like
“Why do I pass hard, stone-like stools with gas, and why does meat improve my bowel movement compared to vegetables?”
how long covishield vaccine side effects last
how to reduce gastric pain in chest
Dast rokane ke gharelu upay
loose.motion
sign of bad liver
how to improve pulse rate at home
how to detox your body at home
Stomach pain and vomiting home remedies
acne fast home remedies for pimples
dolo 650 action time
What should I do about intense and fluctuating symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and digestive issues lasting for over three months?
i sleep 12 hours a day, what is wrong with me
how to reduce body heat naturally
pimple in ear treatment
different types of doctors
multi speciality
is mastrubation causes energy loss
ashwagandha churna how to use
cleanse liver
what to use for hyperpigmentation
base hospital lucknow opd days
achanak weight kam hone ke karan
How to improve Focus, concentration, energy, memory power, productivity
What to do for low ferritin levels and mild fatigue in a 25-year-old woman?
physical examination of burn patient
What causes excess saliva and difficulty speaking for almost 2 years?
liver cancer red spots on skin