The liver is directly related to the production of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol plays an important role in healthy body functions, but an excess of cholesterol due to diet or genetics can create a number of health complications. It is important to know your cholesterol levels and make necessary lifestyle changes in order to reduce the risk of health problems.
Function of the Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the body and plays an important role in a number of different bodily functions, which include regulating hormones and chemicals for digestion, breaking down harmful toxins and chemicals and producing substances that are necessary for blood clotting. Sugar is stored in the liver as glycogen and is released into the bloodstream during times of fasting to regulate blood sugar levels. The liver also produces cholesterol, which aids in digestion and the development of hormones. Additionally, the liver plays a role in the metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Explanation of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a white, waxy substance that plays a necessary part in the make-up and function of the human body. Cholesterol comes from two sources: the body and food. The liver produces 80 percent of the necessary cholesterol in the body; diet should compensate for the other 20 percent. Genetics can also play a role in the amount of cholesterol that your liver produces. Cholesterol is necessary for cellular composition and the development of some hormones and bile acids. Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream throughout the body as part of a lipid-protein compound called a lipoprotein.
The Liver and Cholesterol Production
The liver produces 800 to 1500 mg of cholesterol daily. The majority of the cholesterol manufactured by the liver is converted into bile salts that assist in digesting fats, leaving roughly 25 percent of liver-manufactured cholesterol for other uses in the body. Cholesterol that is produced by the liver is utilized before cholesterol from the diet; therefore, if the liver produces adequate amounts of cholesterol that get used in the body, additional cholesterol from the diet is not needed, creating an unnecessary surplus in the body.
Potential Health Problems
Having high cholesterol levels in the blood can be a serious health concern. In some people, the liver naturally produces excessive amounts of cholesterol. If this is the case with someone who also consumes a diet high in cholesterol, that person can experience dangerously high cholesterol. Excessive cholesterol that circulates throughout the body tends to aggregate along the walls of the arteries and is known as plaque. As plaque develops, the diameter of the arteries becomes increasingly smaller, increasing blood pressure. Plaque can eventually break off in large chunks and obstruct the passageway of the blood to vital organs like the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Testing Your Cholesterol Levels
There are general guidelines for cholesterol levels. A desirable level is less than 200 mg/dL; slightly raised is 200 to 250 mg/dL. A high cholesterol level is 251 to 300 mg/dL and a very high level is above 300 mg/dL. Over-the-counter cholesterol test kits can be purchased, though interpreting the results can sometimes be difficult. Your doctor can also take a blood sample to analyze your cholesterol levels.
Improving Your Cholesterol Levels
While you may not be able to control how much cholesterol your liver creates, your diet can play a huge part in changing your cholesterol levels. Avoid consuming foods that are high in cholesterol, mainly animal food sources. Eggs, red meats and animal organs like chicken liver or brain, milk and cheese are high in cholesterol and should be eaten in smaller portions or sparingly for those with high cholesterol levels. A low-fat diet rich in fiber that includes oatmeal, whole-grains, fruits and vegetables can help reduce cholesterol. Regular exercise promotes a healthy heart and arteries. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce your cholesterol levels.
