Low HDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat synthesized by your body and is present in your blood. It is used by your body to build healthy cells, produce hormones, vitamins and bile (to digest fat). Cholesterol is obtained from the food we eat. There are two main types of cholesterol – high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for our bodies, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is considered "bad" cholesterol. Low levels of HDL (below 140 mg/dL) is termed low cholesterol, which may be caused due to hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone), malnutrition, cancer, liver disease, chronic infections or inflammations, stress, smoking, high sugar diet or consuming processed food.

Low cholesterol can cause impaired memory, increased risk of depression, mental impairment, and increased risk of cancer, deficiency of vitamin D, stoke, and heart disease. The condition can be diagnosed with blood tests. Liver function tests and thyroid tests will also be performed to diagnose the cause of low cholesterol. Low cholesterol anc be treated by addressing the underlying cause of the condition and making lifestyle changes, such as increasing activity and exercise levels.

It is important to understand that a certain amount of cholesterol is required for your body as cholesterol is utilized by all the cells and tissues in the body.