Hyperlipidemia (NHS definition) is a condition that occurs when a patient’s blood is highly saturated in lipids (fats). High levels of cholesterol and triglyceride can be dangerous to cardiac health and may cause long-term issues for patients. Although cholesterol is commonly associated with the heart, the presence of excessive lipids in the blood can also contribute to a host of other ailments.
Also known as hypercholesterolemia, this condition often occurs due to a mixture of dietary, lifestyle, and genetic influences. According to some reports, the UK has one of the average highest serum cholesterol levels in the world.
Approximately 6 in 10 adults throughout England have cholesterol levels that extend above 5 mmol/litre. Furthermore, primary (non-genetic) hypercholesterolemia affects around 4% of the UK adult population, equaling around 1.5 million people.
Solving the Hyperlipidemia Problem
Though a significant portion of the population suffer from cholesterol issues, only around 460,000 people are currently receiving NHS hyperlipidemia treatment, and only around 600,000 are diagnosed. While high cholesterol and lipid levels on their own may not cause symptoms initially, they do significantly increase a person’s risk of serious health conditions.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for hyperlipidemia. Most healthcare practitioners start by asking patients to make changes to their lifestyle, eating habits, and weight management strategies. The condition hyperlipidemia is easier to manage when patients:
- Commit to regular exercise and weight management strategies
- Choose foods low in saturated and trans fats
- Eat more fiber-rich foods for better processing
- Have fish regularly
- Avoid added sugars and sugar-rich foods
- Avoid processed and fried meets
- Limit alcohol intake
Aside from increasing any exercise and dieting efforts, it may also be suitable for some patients to begin a course of medication. Statins, which prevent the liver from making excess cholesterol are a treatment option for some patients. However, researchers are currently looking into more effective alternatives. Products like nicotinic acids may be useful for affecting how the liver makes fats, while resins assist the body in using excess cholesterol. Further research is still ongoing to find natural and effective ways of addressing high cholesterol levels safely in patients who don’t respond well to traditional medical treatment.
Natural Mushrooms to Tackle hyperlipidemia
Medicinal mushrooms could be the key to handling hyperlipidemia in a more natural way. Combined with approved hyperlipidemia NHS treatments, medicinal mushrooms can protect the body from all kinds of cholesterol. Mushrooms are excellent for treating hyperlipidemia because they contain lovastatin – a natural statin well-tolerated for the treatment of cholesterol issues.
The mushrooms with the best properties for hyperlipidemia include:
- Shitake: Shitake mushrooms support both blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This mushroom can help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body, while improving the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), because of its content in lovastatin. And Shitake can also offer other benefits with its alkalizing effect too.
- Maitake: These mushrooms have various compounds designed to regulate fat and lipid levels in the blood. Regular supplementation with Maitake can reduce high cholesterol and manage triglyceride levels in patients with hyperlipidemia.
- Pleorotus: Oyster mushrooms, when dried and offered in supplemental form contain a natural lovastatin-like compound that delivers significant reductions in cholesterol. The dried version or supplemental option for this mushroom allows users to access a higher concentration of the beneficial compounds.
- Reishi mushrooms: Alongside a variety of other benefits, studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms can improve levels of good cholesterol and manage blood sugar levels. Reishi can also assist with reducing the levels of bad cholesterol and fatty substances in the blood.
Though adding medicinal mushrooms to the diet may be helpful for some patients, the best administration method appears to be supplementation with natural extracts. Supplementation allows users to obtain the best possible impact from mushrooms, without exposing themselves to any issues regarding taste, caloric content, or fats.
We Can Naturally Fight Hyperlipidemia
The fight against hyperlipidemia is still ongoing in the UK and around the world. However, medication may not be the only option. Fighting this condition naturally, with dietary changes, routine updates, and the right medicinal mushrooms could be the safest way to get many patients back on track towards healthy cholesterol balance.
Medicinal mushrooms are scientifically proven as safe, and effective anti-hyperlipidemia solutions, perfect for patients in search of a natural solution to address high triglyceride and lipid levels. Often, these solutions will work best when combined with additional support as recommended by hyperlipidemia NHS treatment, such as significant changes to diet, exercise routines, and similar solutions.