The regulation of lipids in the body has a great influence on the vital activity and functioning of the body. Therefore, in case of impaired fat metabolism, timely diagnosis and treatment is required. For the timely detection of failures in the body, you need to take into account the main indicators.
If you do not conduct competent, comprehensive treatment, then various kinds of complications may arise. It is very important to know the causes of lipid metabolism disorders, as well as fairly characteristic symptoms.
What is lipid metabolism?
Before determining how exactly a violation of fat metabolism occurs and proceeds, you need to know what exactly it is. When fats enter the body, they are processed in the stomach. However, complete cleavage does not occur here due to the high acidity and lack of bile acids.
When lipids enter the duodenum, they undergo an emulsification process. This implies partial mixing with water. The pancreas synthesizes the enzyme lipase. It acts on fat molecules, breaking down them into glycerin and fatty acids.
As a result, these substances penetrate the intestinal wall, where the biosynthesis of lipids required for the human body takes place. Then they combine with proteins and, together with the blood stream, spread throughout the body. More active biosynthesis is observed in the liver and adipose tissue.
There are several diseases associated with a worsening of the metabolic process. These include a violation of protein-fat metabolism. This manifests itself in the form of intestinal diseases, deterioration of the kidneys and liver, overexcitation, neurosis, gout, and urolithiasis. There may also be obesity or, conversely, sudden weight loss, increased cholesterol. With a violation of the carbohydrate-fat metabolism, diabetes appears.
Main classification
Each person can independently calculate the degree of obesity by body mass index, so that even before going to the doctor at least approximately know his diagnosis. Violation of fat metabolism of the 1st degree is characterized by the fact that the weight slightly exceeds normal values, and the waist loses its shape. Increasingly, pressure rises, sweating intensifies. If you change your lifestyle in time and start treatment, then the extra pounds will quickly leave.
With 2 degrees of impaired fat metabolism, changes are already visible to the naked eye. It becomes very difficult to walk and exercise. Severe shortness of breath appears. There are chances for recovery, however, it takes a lot of time.
With the occurrence of a degree 3 disorder, pathology is difficult to treat. The pressure is very high, diabetes develops, joints hurt, many other diseases appear. Severe irritability, depression, and complexes are noted. It is important to determine the presence of a problem in a timely manner and visit a doctor for treatment.
Main reasons
A number of diseases are caused by a violation of fat metabolism. The most important of them should be called obesity and atherosclerosis. The accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Over time, they increase in size and can overlap the lumen of the vessel and interfere with normal blood circulation. If as a result of this the blood flow in the arteries worsens, then angina pectoris or myocardial infarction develops.
Among the causes of impaired fat metabolism, one can distinguish a hereditary factor, an incorrect lifestyle, as well as a number of other pathological processes. Among the provoking factors, it should be noted:
- single or multiple mutations of certain genes;
- atherosclerosis;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- smoking;
- fatty food abuse;
- diabetes;
- alcoholism;
- cirrhosis.
Very often there are hereditary disorders of fat metabolism, which are difficult to treat and occur for a long time. It is very important to determine the presence of a violation in a timely manner and conduct complex treatment.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of impaired fat metabolism are largely associated with diseases that arise for this reason. It is possible to detect an existing problem only after laboratory tests have been completed. Among the main features you need to highlight such as:
- the formation of body fat in the corners of the eyes;
- an increase in the size of the liver and spleen;
- weight gain;
- increased vascular tone;
- characteristic signs of neurosis, endocrine diseases, atherosclerosis.
In addition, nodules containing cholesterol appear on the skin. They are localized on the feet, face, palms, chest, shoulders. All these manifestations are characteristic for increasing fat levels. With a decrease in lipids, signs such as:
- weight loss;
- stratification of the nail plate;
- menstrual irregularities in women;
- hair loss.
Regardless of the symptoms and causes of impaired fat metabolism, you must definitely consult a doctor to conduct an examination and prescribe therapy.
Diagnostics
If there are signs of impaired fat metabolism in the body, a diagnosis should be made to detect pathology. Initially, you need to see a therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination and make a diagnosis, which will allow you to choose a treatment.
Subsequently, the patient will be redirected to a specialized specialist, namely a nutritionist, gastroenterologist, psychotherapist. If a pathology of the thyroid, pancreas, and also adrenal glands develops in case of impaired fat metabolism, then treatment should be done by an endocrinologist, and with a cardiologist with signs of atherosclerosis.
To correctly diagnose, you must pass tests. Primary diagnosis is based on:
- studying a medical history;
- history taking;
- performing a physical examination;
- a detailed survey of the patient.
Laboratory diagnosis in the presence of lipid metabolism disorders necessarily includes:
- blood and urine tests;
- blood chemistry;
- immunological research;
- screening for hormones.
Instrumental diagnostics involves computed tomography, ultrasound, MRI and radiography. However, all these methods are prescribed only if there are suspicions regarding the development of complications.
Treatment feature
Treatment of impaired fat metabolism begins with the elimination of the main causes that provoked it. It is necessary to adjust the diet and diet, to reduce the amount of fats and carbohydrates consumed.
Patients should adjust the mode of rest and work, avoid stress or try to respond more calmly to them. It is additionally recommended to play sports, as this will significantly increase energy costs and add energy.
If the problem is very serious, then a person simply cannot do without competent medical assistance. If pathological changes in the body have already appeared, the patient must undergo a course of therapy. This can be treatment with hormonal drugs, taking thyroid drugs if thyroid function is impaired or insulin levels are elevated. In very serious disorders, surgical intervention is indicated.
Drug therapy
Treatment of disorders of fat metabolism is often carried out with the help of medications. These include:
- "Lovastatin."
- "Simvastatin."
- "Pravastatin."
- Atorvastatin.
Lovastatin helps control cholesterol. The medicine is taken at 20 mg daily, immediately after dinner. "Simvastatin" is prescribed not only to normalize cholesterol levels. The initial dosage is 20 mg per day, but if necessary, it doubles.
"Pravastatin" is an active substance that does not require transformations in the liver. This medication helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. This remedy is prescribed in a dosage of 20-40 mg daily. Reception is possible at any time, which greatly simplifies the treatment process.
Steroid preparations “Oxadrolone” and “Methylandrostenediol” contribute to the growth of muscle mass, as well as reduce body fat. Ortosen and Xenical medications do not allow the absorption of excess fats. If lipid metabolism is disturbed, treatment with medications should only be started after consultation with a doctor.
Folk remedies
If there is a violation of the fat metabolism of the liver, folk remedies must be used. Take 2 tsp. walnut leaves, pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, insist for an hour. Filter, drink 0.5 tbsp. 4 times daily before meals.
Take 100 g of St. John's wort, immortelle, chamomile flowers, birch buds, transfer to a glass bowl, close tightly. Pour 1 tbsp. l a mixture of 500 ml of boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes, filter and squeeze a little. Drink before bedtime. In the morning, drink the remaining infusion on an empty stomach with the addition of 1 tsp. honey. Drink once every 5 years.
Take 350 g of garlic, grate. Then 200 g of the mass pour 200 ml of alcohol and put in a dark cool place. After 10 days, filter and squeeze. Drink tincture after 3 days, starting first with 2 drops and gradually increasing them to 25. The course lasts 11 days.
Proper nutrition
If lipid metabolism is disturbed, a special diet must be followed. You need to eat often. The interval between meals is 2-3 hours. If the gap is longer, the body will begin to store fat. Only light food will help normalize metabolism.
Be sure to have fish in the diet, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. They promote the production of enzymes that help break down fats and prevent their accumulation. You need to drink as much clean water as possible. It is recommended to do this 30 minutes before a meal and an hour after it. It is necessary to exclude harmful fats, flour, and also harmful products from your diet.
Physical activity
In case of impaired fat metabolism in children and adults, sufficient physical activity is necessarily required, since it has a positive effect on metabolic processes. Physiotherapy:
- enhances metabolism;
- increases the energy costs of the body;
- tones up the nervous system.
Exercises are selected individually, taking into account the reasons that provoked a violation of metabolic processes. Initially, a person must adapt to moderately increasing loads. Special exercises, walking and self-massage are recommended.
Massage
Massage in violation of lipid metabolism is quite effective. It helps reduce body fat and stimulates blood circulation. It is recommended to have a session in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon. With weakened abdominal muscles, shock techniques cannot be done.
If the patient's condition worsened during the session, then the procedure must be stopped. The intensity of massage movements is increased gradually. It is recommended to massage 1-2 times a week. Before and after the procedure, a short rest is required.
The effect increases with massage in a steam room or bath. However, you first need to consult a doctor. During treatment, it is recommended to follow a special diet. In case of severe obesity, when a person cannot lie on his stomach and suffers from shortness of breath, he must lie on his back, and a roller is placed under his head and knees.
Initially, massage the lower extremities. After this, rubbing, stroking, vibration techniques are used. They alternate with kneading.
Chronic lipid metabolism
To prevent the occurrence of chronic lipid metabolism disorders, you need to abandon bad habits, as well as lead a healthy lifestyle and try to move more. Not everyone can notice signs of a problem in a timely manner. Among the main signs of a violation, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- fast weight gain for no reason;
- enamel weakening;
- change in skin tone;
- inflammatory processes of the oral cavity;
- fragility of nails;
- dyspnea;
- diarrhea or prolonged constipation.
In case of chronic lipid metabolism disorder, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist who will select the correct treatment.
Possible complications
When a person notices a lipid metabolism disorder, he tries to eliminate the existing problem on his own and cleanse the body. This not only does not bring any result, but can also harm health. Be sure to consult a doctor.
The liver can not cope with a large amount of fat, and as a result, cholesterol begins to accumulate in the body, which settles on the walls of blood vessels and provokes the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Among the main complications, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- atherosclerosis, which affects the vessels of the brain and heart;
- blood clots;
- stenosis of the lumen of blood vessels;
- rupture of blood vessels.
Quite often, against this background, Girke's disease develops. This congenital disease is often found in infancy. It manifests itself in the form of growth retardation, protrusion of the abdomen and a decrease in blood sugar.
Forecast and Prevention
The prognosis of lipid metabolism disorders largely depends on the characteristics of the pathology. A similar problem is observed in various diseases. With a mild degree, the condition can be normalized by following a special diet, as well as physiotherapy exercises. In complex stages, surgery may be required.
To prevent the occurrence of a violation, certain preventive measures must be taken. Among the main recommendations you need to consider such as:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- prevention of obesity;
- balanced and proper nutrition;
- the elimination of emotional overstrain;
- timely fight against arterial hypertension.
In addition, you need to undergo a full medical examination when the first signs of a problem appear. This will eliminate the disease as quickly as possible and prevent the occurrence of even greater violations.