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Lower cholesterol naturally: Vital mushrooms support effectively
April 02, 2022
Dr. Dorothee Bös et al.
When it comes to health, the keyword on everyone’s lips is often cholesterol. But what exactly is cholesterol? And why do we distinguish between “good” and “bad” cholesterol? And how can vital mushrooms lower elevated cholesterol levels naturally and gently?
What is cholesterol?
The term “cholesterol” derives from the Greek and its discovery in gallstones. Translated into German, it is composed of the words “bile” and “solid”. Gallstones can form when there is too much cholesterol in the bile in relation to the bile acids. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that belongs to the group of sterols, and is found predominantly in human and animal organisms.
What is cholesterol needed for?
Cholesterol is vital for our entire body. It can be partly produced by most cells themselves; however, a large proportion is produced by the liver and distributed to the cells via the bloodstream. The cells have special receptors for the uptake of cholesterol. The brain produces its own cholesterol, which is needed there, for example, for nerve sheathing and for the formation of messenger substances and hormones.
In addition, cholesterol is involved in building the cell membrane. However, too much cholesterol in the cell can be toxic, so cells need fine regulatory mechanisms.
Cholesterol is a polycyclic alcohol and belongs to the lipids (fatty bodies)
It is not water-soluble and therefore initially not transportable in the blood. It becomes transportable only by binding to a protein. HDL and LDL are therefore not pure cholesterol, but transport substances consisting of fat-like substances and protein, i.e. lipoproteins. They have the ability to absorb lipids and make them transportable. For example, cholesterol or triglycerides.
There are different compositions here, so depending on the density, we speak of a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol = HDL and a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol = LDL.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol = HDL
HDL is considered anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant by helping prevent the harmful oxidation of lipids. Due to the transport of cholesterol from the arteries, HDL plays an important role in arterial health. It promotes the efflux of cholesterol from the cell, absorbs the cholesterol taken up by food and the cholesterol rejected by the cells, and transports it to the liver. The liver, in turn, uses the cholesterol mainly for the formation of bile acids, which are important for fat digestion and are partially reabsorbed from the intestine.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol = LDL
The LDL lipoprotein takes the cholesterol made by the liver and delivers it to the quadrillions of our cells. Here, cholesterol has a variety of tasks. For example, it is a component of the cell membrane, is needed for hormone and vitamin D production, and is involved in the regulation of the immune system.
What cholesterol levels are normal?
The so-called norm cholesterol value is an average value based on the total population and also depends on age. As a result, different standard values are given in different countries. Apart from age, genetics can also influence cholesterol levels. However, so-called familial hypercholesterolemia is rare. It occurs in only about one in 500 of those affected and already manifests itself in young people in the form of greatly elevated LDL levels. More often the cause is to be found in the lifestyle and by this one has also influence on the cholesterol level. In Germany, values up to 200mg/dl total cholesterol are considered normal. Most important, however, is the ratio of LDL to HDL, which should be below 3 or even 2.5. Ideally, the LDL level should not exceed 110mg/dl and the HDL level should not exceed 90mg/dl. HDL used to be called the “good cholesterol” because it clears the arteries of cholesterol. However, it is now known that too high values are also associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
Are there also cholesterol levels that are too low?
Total cholesterol values below 130 are rare and not necessarily of concern. However, they can indicate thyroid disease, advanced cancer, liver or intestinal inflammation as well as bile acid absorption disorders.
Values too high - hypercholesterolemia
These symptoms may appear early in the course of the disease. If you react immediately, it can work to lower high blood pressure naturally. The following four symptoms are more indicative of long-standing hypertension:
- Shortness of breath and shortness of breath
- Feeling of pressure in the head
- Visual disturbances
- Water retention, for example in the legs
If you suspect hypertension, you should always consult a specialist. Only this person can reliably assess the severity. He will also look for the causes, knowledge of which is very important for the best possible course of action.
Health risk cholesterol
Cardiovascular diseases - number 1 cause of death
Every year in Germany alone, around 350,000 people die from diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias and high blood pressure. This means that one in three deaths in Germany is now attributable to these causes. 
This also shows the immense importance of healthy blood circulation and oxygen supply. Atherosclerosis often results from oxidative stress, which in turn can be triggered by overeating, malnutrition, smoking or inflammation. In this metabolic state, harmful oxidized LDL is produced, which must be taken up by macrophages and is an important mechanism in vasoconstriction/atherosclerosis.
A significant vital mushroom for heart health and oxygenation is the famous Reishi. At the same time, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and is rich in antioxidants, thus counteracting the development of atherosclerosis. It has a lowering effect on elevated blood pressure and is thus therapeutically important in all cardiovascular diseases.
Another important mushroom against elevated cholesterol, atherosclerosis and hypertension is Auricularia. Its vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties perfectly complement the Reishi. Additionally, it can help prevent blood clots by making it more difficult for platelets to clump together. The third significant vital mushroom against arteriosclerosis is shiitake. Similar to Auricularia and Reishi, it can help reduce plaques in blood vessels and prevent new ones. In addition, like Reishi, it supports healthy liver metabolism.
Do elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of cancer?
Cancer cells require numerous substances for their growth; among them is cholesterol. For example, studies show that elevated cholesterol levels in men are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, low cholesterol levels also correspond to a low risk of prostate cancer. Here, the metabolic situation could be a decisive factor, because cholesterol levels rise both in chronic inflammatory processes – for example, in metabolic syndrome – and in oxidative stress. This, too, could explain the link between high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cancer. Finally, inflammation, obesity, and oxidative stress both promote cancer, while cholesterol-lowering agents and measures and a healthy diet often reduce cancer risk. A great deal can also be achieved here by taking vital mushrooms, as numerous of them develop anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They can also be used prophylactically.
Causes of elevated cholesterol
Incorrect diet
An unfavorable diet is one of the main causes of elevated cholesterol levels. Accordingly, the right diet is one of the levels at which you can and must counteract elevated cholesterol levels. 
Animal or saturated fats should only make up a small part of the diet and polyunsaturated fats such as those found in nuts, flaxseed and mushrooms the larger part. Also avoid sugar, alcohol, and fried and highly processed foods as much as possible. Since our intestinal flora and digestion also play an important role, as does cholesterol absorption from the intestines, foods rich in fiber are of immense importance. However, unfortunately, hardly anyone takes them in sufficient quantities. Dietary fiber is found in vegetables, legumes, lettuce, whole grains, fruits and mushrooms. These foods also exert an anti-inflammatory effect and are rich in antioxidants. They thus have a multiple effect on cholesterol levels.
Change diet: Inclusion of fiber, bitter substances and antioxidants is important
An appropriate change of diet with the inclusion of individually selected vital mushrooms, depending on the risk factors, can often lead to normal blood lipid values with regard to triglycerides and cholesterol within a short time. Ideally, bitters or bitter herbs should also be supplemented in small amounts with each meal. This is significant because it stimulates the flow of bile and supports liver metabolism.
Diseases of the thyroid gland or kidney as cause
Diseases of the thyroid gland or kidney can also promote elevated cholesterol levels. To promote thyroid health, the vital mushrooms ABM, Cordyceps and Reishi have proven effective; for kidney health, Cordyceps is an excellent recommendation. If increased cholesterol levels occur during menopause, the two vital mushrooms Cordyceps and Reishi are also suitable.
Stress can also drive up cholesterol levels
In general, all psychological and physical stress, illnesses, accidental injuries or operations lead to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. As with all other hormones in this group, cholesterol is the basic substance. It is therefore only too understandable that stress also increases cholesterol levels.
Stress – and especially negative stress – also promotes inflammation and increased blood pressure, both of which in turn promote the development of atherosclerosis. However, it is quite possible to counteract this. For example, an effective reduction in stress hormone levels can be achieved through the conscious reduction of individual stress factors, compensatory measures such as relaxation techniques or moderate sport. Sport can also improve the LDL/HDL ratio and therefore has a double positive effect! Valuable support for improving resistance to stress and increasing stress resistance is also provided by various vital mushrooms. Cordyceps, Hericium and Reishi in particular are worth mentioning here.
The most important vital mushrooms for elevated cholesterol levels
In general, mushrooms are an important dietary component both in prophylaxis and as a measure against elevated cholesterol levels. When selecting the therapeutically suitable vital mushrooms should first always look closely at the individual causes, such as arteriosclerosis, obesity or stress. More decisive than the total cholesterol level is often the LDL value, the amount of harmful oxidized LDL, or the ratio of LDL to HDL to each other. This ratio, known as the LDL/HDL quotient, should be less than 3, or rather less than 2.5 in high-risk patients. This again shows that it is not simply a matter of lowering cholesterol levels, but of taking measures that positively influence the healthy function of the liver as well as overall health.
Shiitake
With shiitake, mycotherapy can offer an excellently effective vital mushroom for patients with elevated cholesterol levels. This mushroom supports liver health and counteracts the risk factor of atherosclerosis.
Auricularia
The vital mushroom Auricularia also has cholesterol-lowering properties and is also a very good complement to shiitake with regard to arterial health. It has a relaxing and dilating effect on the blood vessels and can therefore be an effective aid even in cases of high blood pressure. Furthermore, Auricularia hinders the formation of clots and supports microcirculation.
Reishi
The vital mushroom Reishi is of great importance for liver health and is also an important therapeutic support for non-alcoholic fatty liver. Reishi can be used for all cardiovascular diseases and also improves oxygen supply to the heart and tissues. Furthermore, it acts against inflammation as well as oxidative stress and thus against two significant causes of high cholesterol levels. Its use has also proven effective when harmful oxidized cholesterol is present.
Pleurotus
Numerous vital mushrooms can target cholesterol production, promote cholesterol excretion, and impede the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. One of these fungi is the Pleurotus. Additional plus: This vital mushroom also promotes healthy intestinal flora, which can also have a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism.
Maitake
The vital mushroom Maitake can be used very well as a supplement to Reishi in the treatment of fatty liver. It has also worked well in metabolic syndrome, helps lose weight in the abdominal area and exerts a lowering effect on blood lipid levels. If insulin resistance causes the HDL to drop, Maitake and additionally the vital mushroom Coprinus can be used to counteract this.
Where can I buy medicinal or vital mushrooms?
There are countless providers from all over the world on the Internet. However, we strongly recommend paying attention to important quality criteria. Since mushrooms absorb all kinds of toxins, they must not come into contact with any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or the like! Therefore, the most important quality criterion is organic cultivation. Since the strictest guidelines for this are applied in Germany, you should only use vital mushrooms that have been cultivated in Germany. In addition, the powder should be made from the whole mushroom, so that the highly effective ingredients of all components of the mushroom are fully contained. In addition, to ensure effectiveness, the mushroom powder must not have been dried at more than 40° Celsius. Since loose powder can quickly mold without this being visible from the outside, capsules filled with mushroom powder are always the first choice!
Please consult your therapist before use!
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