High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
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Clogged arteries are one of the infamous consequences of untreated high cholesterol. This generally paves the way to grave complications, most of which are life-threatening. Fortunately, there are many ways one can go about reversing this ailment. According to pharmacist Hussain Abdeh, from MedicineDirect, showering at different times of the day may in some cases bring benefits to cardiovascular health.
When cholesterol molecules cling onto the arterial walls, they contribute to the formation of plaque which causes the passageways to narrow over time.
This is highly detrimental because it prevents nutrient-rich blood from reaching organs in need.
At this stage, rigorous measures in the form of diet and exercise are needed to reverse the damage.
Evidence is mounting that taking colder showers in the morning stimulates a higher sense of alertness, and encourages people to take deeper breaths, thereby lowering CO2 levels in the body.
But according to Mr Adbeh, taking cooler showers may also help protect the heart.
READ MORE: High cholesterol: The seemingly healthy fruit that elevates levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol
The pharmacist explained: “Taking a cold shower works to improve circulation by optimising blood flow.
“As a result, you may experience lower blood pressure and also be able to clear blocked arteries.
“This works by the cold water encourage blood to surround the organs, which helps fight heart issues.
“Coldwater hitting the skin also gets the blood pumping efficiently, which means it pumps around the body faster, helping to unclog arteries as it goes.”
What’s more, cooler showers could help reduce levels of harmful fat in the body, by forcing the body to use it up for warmth.
The two forms of fat found in the body are white and brown, and both confers different benefits and risks.
Monika Wassermann, MD, from Olio Lusso, explained: “Brown fat is usually considered the food fat that exists naturally in the body and is used in heat provision when exposed to cold temperatures.”
“White fat, conversely is a byproduct of eating too many calories and fats, which are common factors for high cholesterol.”
Taking cooler showers forces the body to use up the brown fat in a bid to keep the body warm, which in turn lowers its levels.
The eventual outcome of this could be a reduction in cholesterol levels.
Miss Wassermann continued: “The body tends to use the excess white fats later as an energy source.
“Burning down brown and white fat can significantly lower your cholesterol levels as cholesterol is mainly made up of fat.
“Cold showers increase heart metabolism in the body that speeds up the burning of fats.
“Reduction in overall body fats aids in clearing fat deposits accumulated in the arteries, promoting cardiovascular health.”
While the health benefits of cold showers are well-established, certain benefits can be reaped from showering in the evening too.
Mr Abdeh added: “Taking a shower at night is generally considered to be the best time of the day.
“Showering at night may […] help you to enjoy a better night’s sleep due to warming up your skin’s temperature, which makes for a faster cooling downtime. “
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