Cholesterol is essential for building healthy cells, but having high levels can be a significant threat to heart health. Often dubbed the ‘silent killer’, high cholesterol typically doesn’t trigger any bodily warnings – it’s usually detected through a blood test, and many people only become aware of it after suffering a serious event like a heart attack or stroke.
However, recent research suggests that certain physical symptoms might actually indicate high cholesterol levels. A 2020 study published in the Laryngoscope journal identified a link between increased cholesterol levels and the experience of “phantom odour perception”.
Phantom odour perception is when individuals sense unpleasant, foul, or burning smells without an apparent source. The study drew on cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey carried out from 2011 to 2014, which included a representative sample of 7,417 adults aged 40 and above.
The researchers gathered information on vascular conditions such as previous strokes and compared them with total cholesterol measurements. A key finding was that adults with controlled high cholesterol were more likely to report phantom odours than those with normal cholesterol levels.
This association remained consistent even when considering precursors and conditions linked to heart disease. Notably, individuals with a history of stroke were found to have a 76 percent increased likelihood of experiencing phantom odour perception, reports Surrey Live.
Adults who have been diagnosed with but maintain controlled high blood pressure are more likely to report the occurrence of phantom odours than those who don’t suffer from hypertension.
Intriguingly, adults over 60 with diabetes and treating it with both insulin and oral medication were three times more likely to sense phantom odours.
Their final verdict was: “Stroke, angina, congestive heart failure, well-managed high blood pressure, and well-managed high cholesterol are associated with phantom odour perception.”
For those looking to bring down their cholesterol levels:
Embracing a diet beneficial for your heart, engaging in regular exercise, and possibly investing in some medicinal help are all key. This entails cutting back on saturated and trans fats, upping your intake of soluble fibre, and pondering over plant stanols/sterols.
NHS guidance suggests: “To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat.”
1. Diet Recommendations:
Slash Saturated and Trans Fats:
Minimising consumption of red meats, full-fat dairy products, fried goodies, and processed snacks which usually contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats is advised.
Boost Unsaturated Fats:
Make sure to include plenty of healthy fats found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish in your meals.
Augment Soluble Fibre Intake:
Start eating more foods rich in soluble fibre such as oats, pulses, and certain fruits to combat high LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Incorporate Plant Stanols/Sterols
Consuming specially fortified products boasting plant stanols/sterols can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels.
2 Exercise:
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week .
- Choose activities you enjoy: and can incorporate into your daily routine.
- Combine aerobic exercise with strength training: for overall health benefits.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
- Quit Smoking: Smoking negatively impacts cholesterol levels and increases heart disease risk.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high cholesterol.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a few pounds can help lower cholesterol.
4. Specific Foods to Consider:
- Oats: Provide soluble fibre, which helps lower LDL cholesterol.
- Legumes (Beans, Lentils): Excellent sources of soluble fibre and plant protein.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- Oily Fish: Contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower triglycerides.
- Nuts and Seeds: Provide healthy fats and fibre.
