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 Increasing 'Good' Cholesterol: What to Do and What to Avoid? In addition to reducing 'bad' cholesterol in the body, the level of 'good' cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL. Currently, heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. High cholesterol is considered a primary factor in deaths resulting from heart-related issues. Therefore, it is recommended to keep total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL. To ensure healthy cholesterol levels, it is essential to maintain a proper balance between 'bad' and 'good' cholesterol. Ideally, 'bad' cholesterol should be kept below 130 mg/dL, while 'good' cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as 'good' cholesterol, whereas Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is known as 'bad' cholesterol. Cholesterol is primarily produced in the liver. The body requires cholesterol to form the outer layers of cells, produce ce...

 Cholesterol Is Not a Disease in Itself Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver within the body. It is a vital component of the cells found in human blood. Cholesterol is essential for the formation of healthy cells, Vitamin D, and various hormones—such as estrogen , progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone—as well as for the digestive process. An appropriate level of cholesterol is necessary for the body to perform various physiological functions. The mere presence of cholesterol in the body is not a danger; however, when cholesterol levels rise, the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease , increases. What happens when cholesterol levels are high? How can it be controlled? Why do cholesterol levels rise? Factors such as genetics, an unhealthy lifestyle, excessive consumption of processed (factory-produced) foods, obesity, and pre-existing heart disease can lead to high cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can cause blockages in blood ...

 Some Myths and Facts About Cholesterol Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. Simply put, the fat present in the blood is called cholesterol. It helps keep every cell in the body alive. Therefore, the presence of cholesterol in the blood—which is produced by the liver—is a normal occurrence. The liver of an adult produces 1,500 milligrams of cholesterol every day. While the liver generates 85 percent of the cholesterol in the body, the remaining 20 percent is obtained through diet. However, if excess cholesterol accumulates in the body or its levels in the blood become too high, it can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to serious heart-related problems. This increases the risk of a heart attack. Types of Cholesterol There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)—often referred to as "bad" cholesterol—and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)—known as "good" cholesterol. LDL is commonly called "bad" cholesterol. Its level...

 What tests should be done if a heart problem is suspected, and what is the cost? Echo, ECG, angiogram, TMT—you may have heard of these various types of heart-related tests. If a heart problem is suspected or identified, a doctor may recommend undergoing several such examinations. Even for healthy individuals, getting a heart check-up once a year—even in the absence of apparent issues—can help detect problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and the reduction of health risks. You should seek an immediate heart examination if you experience symptoms such as becoming short of breath during light physical activity, excessive fatigue, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or chest pain that radiates toward the left arm. Which tests should be performed, and under what circumstances? ECG An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that uses electrical equipment to record the heart's various activities and conditions in the form of a graph. The information displayed on this gra...

 Why don't we sleep soundly in a new place? Alcohol consumption helps one fall asleep faster, but it impairs sleep quality and causes early waking. There is an interesting paradox in human life: even when we are away from home for professional engagements, official events, feasts, or celebrations, we do not experience the same sound sleep we get at home. Work pressures while away may fluctuate, but there is freedom regarding food and drink, and plenty of enjoyment. Yet, surprisingly, during those four or five days away, we neither sleep as deeply as we do at home nor manage to sleep in late. When we return home, the workload remains the same, but the moment we reach our own beds, we fall into such a deep sleep that we often don't wake up until late in the morning. Why does this happen? Science and psychology have revealed some interesting reasons. 1. The ‘ First-Night Effect ’ and Brain Vigilance According to psychology, our brain takes time to fully trust a new environment. W...

 How much truth is there to the claim that one must sleep for eight hours to stay healthy? For the elderly, a lack of sleep can increase the risk of falling out of bed and suffering bone fractures. It can also make them susceptible to neurological issues , such as memory-related disorders. How much truth is there to the claim that one must sleep for eight hours to stay healthy? Although it is said that adults need at least seven to eight hours of sleep, doctors note that the same duration is not suitable for everyone. Studies show that sleep requirements vary based on age, the nature of one's work, health conditions, and sleep quality ; therefore, the need cannot be strictly defined by a specific figure like seven or eight hours. Sound, deep sleep is essential for a healthy body. How much sleep is actually needed? The answer we most often hear is, "You must sleep for at least seven to eight hours." Consequently, we have come to associate sleep with a specific number. We c...

 Why is flesh-eating bacteria spreading in Japan? As socializing in Japan returns to normal after the coronavirus pandemic is under control, the Japanese are now battling a rare disease. There is an increasing outbreak of bacteria that attacks human body tissues. This bacteria is mostly affecting children under the age of 15. This bacteria has been named flesh-eating bacteria. This disease caused by Helicobacter pylori is called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). This bacteria is so dangerous that it can kill people within 48 hours. According to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases , this rare disease has been seen in about 1,000 people in Japan so far. Not only in Japan, but also in many other countries. Including European countries. Although called flesh-eating bacteria, it does not directly eat human flesh, but rather kills the tissues inside the body. This disease is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria . It causes more harm to children and the elderly...

 Toothbrushes contain billions of bacteria, how can you stay safe? Kathmandu. The small toothbrush you use to clean your teeth every morning and evening is actually a breeding ground for millions of microorganisms. The microorganisms on your toothbrush can have a variety of harmful effects on your oral and overall health. Our toothbrush is actually a small ecosystem where billions of microorganisms grow and thrive every day. The bristles of the brush are like a dry land, which when wet with water, become filled with nutrients for a while, turning into a suitable environment for bacteria. Millions of organisms live between these tiny plastic fibers. Concern According to studies, the toothbrushes we use can contain about one million to 12 million bacteria and fungi. They come from hundreds of different species and form a biological film on the surface of the toothbrush. When we brush twice a day, water, saliva, skin cells, and small food particles reach the bristles of the brush. Thi...

 Can obesity cause distance in a relationship? Obesity can have a profound impact on a person's mental health, confidence, relationships, and marital life. Obesity is not just a problem of increasing body size, it can also have a profound impact on a person's mental health, confidence, relationships, and marital life. The problem of obesity has been increasing rapidly around the world in recent years. Many people are suffering from obesity due to unhealthy eating habits, low physical activity, stressful lifestyles, and lack of adequate sleep. Obesity not only increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes , high blood pressure , heart disease, thyroid, and cholesterol, it also affects a person's emotional relationships and sexual relationships. Many people are hesitant to talk about it openly, but obesity is becoming a common cause of decreased self-confidence, increased distance from their partner, and increased dissatisfaction with their relationship. According to psycho...

 Thalassemia: The Challenge of a Hereditary Blood Disorder in Nepal Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disease in which the body is unable to produce hemoglobin , resulting in anemia and organ damage. Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disease. In this disease, anemia occurs when the body is unable to produce hemoglobin, the main protein in red blood cells. This is why various organs of the body are affected. This is a lifelong long-term problem that can seriously affect the physical development, health and overall life of children. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Two types of protein chains, alpha and beta, are required for its production. If these chains are not produced enough due to a gene defect, red blood cells are not produced enough, they are destroyed quickly, and the body lacks oxygen. This problem is completely hereditary and is not caused by any other reason. Thalassemia status in Nepal Nepal is located in the thalassemia belt, which in...