Have you ever thought about how your blood test markers could affect your muscles and joints? You may be wondering what one has to do with the other, right?
You may be surprised to find just how connected they can be.
This is a three article series, and in each of them I'll be discussing one of the blood test marker connections to the development of body pain.
In today's article, I'll talk about cholesterol, so continue reading!
Article #2: How Thyroid markers can contribute to body pain
Article #3 Glucose, A1c markers and body pain
Cholesterol:
Can high cholesterol really cause physical pain?
Before we get to that, let's briefly discuss cholesterol and its importance.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and found in every cell of the body. It performs many essential functions in the body. Cholesterol is vital for the production of hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. It is also necessary for vitamin D and bile acids production, which are essential for the digestion of food. Additionally, cholesterol helps to protect the cells in the body from damage.
Foods that are high in cholesterol are mainly animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It is also found in certain plant products as well, such as nuts, seeds, oils, and avocados.
Although cholesterol is a necessary nutrient for the body to function accurately, high levels of it in the blood can cause health problems.
One of these problems can be body pain.
Can high cholesterol cause joint pain?
This article got my attention: Researchers have discovered that elevated cholesterol levels can damage cartilage cells linked to the development of osteoarthritis. The research indicates that cholesterol abnormalities, commonly seen in metabolic abnormalities and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, not only have an impact on cardiovascular health but may also impact joint health.
It's a well known fact that when blood cholesterol levels get too high, it could result in blood vessel blockage and pain in the hands and feet. When high blood cholesterol reaches an extreme point, it is known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). People with PAD may experience pain in their hands and lower extremities.
At first, I thought my client's lower leg pain was caused by him taking ballet lessons in his sixties. A few sessions later, however, the pain persisted, so he went to his physician; to his surprise, the doctors found out that he had Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). After he had the surgery, where doctors placed stents on his lower leg arteries, it resolved his pain.
On the other hand, it is an accepted fact that statins may contribute to muscle pain. Recent research indicates that people taking statins have a 19% higher risk of musculoskeletal problems than those who have not taken any and are 13% more likely to suffer from strains, sprains, and dislocations.
I have seen this happen to several of my male clients: Statins lower testosterone levels in men, which could lead to complications, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction and infertility. Men who take statins need to be aware of the potential for testosterone deficiency and should be tested regularly for low testosterone levels. Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood and difficulty concentrating. And if you are taking a statin and experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor
In one of my blog posts I talk about is 3 unusual heart health risks that may interest you.
How to lower cholesterol naturally:
There are several ways to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body and thus reduce pain.
Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and processed foods
Eat more fiber, especially soluble fiber such as oats, citrus fruits, psyllium
Cook with healthy oils such as avocado and ghee, or better yet, lightly steam your vegetables
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Hare are few supplement suggestions to help you lower your cholesterol
In Conclusion
Several things you can do to keep your health in check, but knowing your numbers is essential. Knowing your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and genetic makeup can help you make better choices for your health. And by keeping track of your health data over time, you can see if there are any changes you might want to make.
Keep an eye for article #2, where I'll discuss how thyroid can contribute to your body pain.
