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Introduction

It may surprise you to know that cholesterol itself isn't bad. In fact, cholesterol is just one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. Some of the cholesterol we need is produced naturally (and can be affected by your family health history); while some of it comes from the food we eat. There are two types of cholesterol: "good" and "bad." It's important to understand the difference, and to know the levels of "good" and "bad" cholesterol in your blood. Too much of one type - or not enough of another - can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance made naturally in the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly, and it can make all it needs.

Cholesterol may cause problems if you get too much in your food. The extra cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries. Our liver also produces cholesterol, about 1000 milligrams per day, as the same is needed to make vitamin D and some hormones, build cell walls, and create bile salts that help us digest fat. Cholesterol cannot travel alone in the blood. It combines with certain proteins and forms lipoprotein. The two important types of lipoprotein are High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). The later category is injurious and causes blood vessels to clog and inhibits blood from flowing freely through the vessels. On the contrary, HDL cholesterol is also known as 'good' as it carries the cholesterol back to liver for re-processing. But unfortunately the percentage of HDL cholesterol is less than the LDL ones, in a ratio of 1:3.

Comprehensive studies done on large populations in the past 15 years have proved that reducing cholesterol and keeping the blood pressure under check can significantly reduce coronary artery diseases. There was a time when a total cholesterol level of 240 mg was considered normal. But by 1986 itself, the threshold was fixed at 200 mg. In recent times, though the threshold for total cholesterol has remained at 200 mg, the cut-off point for LDL or bad cholesterol has been lowered to 75 mg.

Yoga and Cholesterol

Yoga is an ancient form of relaxation and exercise that has many healthy benefits, including lowering cholesterol. The Buffalo Centre for Integrated Medicine reported in January 2005 that relaxation techniques and specifically yoga can help in lowering LDL cholesterol which is the "bad" cholesterol in the blood that is produced by the liver. Scientists in general have made the connection between higher stress levels and an increase in LDL cholesterol levels. Yoga takes care of lowering stress, which results in lower cholesterol. The practice of yoga improves the blood and oxygen flow around the body which aids in the removal of toxins and waste. For yoga to be truly beneficial to the lowering of your unwanted bad cholesterol it must be practiced on a regular basis. Preliminary yogasanas can help to bring down the level of bad cholesterol in an affected individual. Cholesterol rises with greatly with stress.

Yoga gives you the best way to relive your stress and reduces stress hormones, which in turn lowers cholesterol. A study showed that those who received instruction on yoga techniques, lifestyle recommendations and a healthy diet had a 23% drop in cholesterol-from 247 to 185-compared with 4% among those who did not. The yoga- practicing group also had a 26% drop in low-density lipoprotein, known as bad cholesterol, compared with 3% in the control group. The weight loss and conditioning that come with regular yoga practice also tend to lower triglyceride levels and boost HDL, high levels of which protect against heart attacks.

YOGA POSES FOR CHOLESTEROL

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

This yoga pose is for thyroid & parathyroid glands, located in the neck region, since due to the firm chin-lock in sarvangasana their is increased fresh blood supply to this glands. This ample supply of blood increases their working efficiency. These glands regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, affecting how human cells use energetic compounds.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)

This yoga therapy is for abdomen and internal organs receive a deep internal message, helping to squeeze out toxins, stimulate digestion and supply organs with fresh circulation upon release.

Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)

This yoga position will strengthen lower back muscles and increasing the flexibility of the back. It improves liver function, it keeps cholesterol under control, cures constipation and dyspepsia, alleviates gastric ailments. It reduction of excess fats around the hips, waist, thighs, and abdominal area, making the waist more resilient, stimulation of the solar plexus, massaging the heart and other internal organs.

Vajrasana

This yoga pose makes the body exceptionally strong and healthy. Vajra means thunderbolt in Sanskrit.Apart from reducing cholesterol this asana has several other benefits. It corrects the disorders of the stomach, Intestine, Liver Kidney, and the organs of the abdomen area by activity and energizing them.

YOGA ASANAS FOR CHOLESTEROL

ARDHAHALASANA

In Sanskrit the terms 'Ardha' means half, 'Hala' the traditional Indian plough and 'Asana' points to the specific yogic posture. Therefore, when a yogic practitioner assumes the final Ardha Halasana posture the figure will resembles a halfplough.

Steps

CHAKRASANA

This asana is so named because the body takes the shape of a circle - or a semi-circle. The asana is very similar to the gymnastic back-bend. It is very useful in treating diabetes, asthma, constipation and obesity.

Steps

PARVATTRIKONASANA

In this asana the position of the body becomes like a triangle (trikon). And hence, it is called Trikonasana.Fat deposited on the sides of the body is reduced. The calf and thigh muscles get toned up.

Steps

ARDHAMATSYENDRASANA

An important Yoga posture, Ardha Matsyendrasana strengthens the arms, wrists and shoulders. The balancing pose also enhances power of concentration. It is highly recommended for treatment of obesity, dyspepsia, diabetes and urinary disorders. One should not do this asana forcibly.

Steps

PASCHIMOTTANASANA

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) is a mainstay of an asana practice. The pose stretches the spine, hamstrings and shoulders, encourages the free flow of the breath and stimulates the liver and kidneys.

Steps

If you follow these simple rules and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will find that your cholesterol level is under control. Lowering your cholesterol level will greatly diminish your threat of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and other severe cardiovascular diseases. So live healthy and enjoy a good life.

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