The liver and statin medications are key in removing excess cholesterol.
How the Liver Removes Cholesterol
The liver plays a crucial role in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. It primarily removes cholesterol through two main mechanisms:
- Direct Removal: The liver can directly process and excrete cholesterol into bile, which then passes into the digestive system and is eliminated from the body.
- Increased Cholesterol Removal: As stated in the provided reference "Statins decrease the body's production of cholesterol and increase removal of cholesterol by the liver...".
How Statins Assist in Cholesterol Removal
Statins are a type of medication commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. They work in a few ways, including:
- Decreased Cholesterol Production: Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol the body produces, particularly in the liver.
- Enhanced Liver Removal: According to the provided reference, statins actively "increase removal of cholesterol by the liver", aiding the liver in getting rid of excess cholesterol. This effectively helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels, by as much as 25 to 55 percent.
- Additional Benefits: Statins may also reduce inflammation and may prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Summary
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Liver (Direct) | Processes and excretes cholesterol directly into bile. |
| Liver (Statins) | Increased removal of cholesterol with the use of statin medications. |
| Statin Medications | Decreases cholesterol production and enhances cholesterol removal by the liver. |
