The main consequence of the dysregulation of this part of human metabolism is undoubtedly the development of atherosclerosis.

Unfortunately, the usual medical approach to these issues, except for particular exceptions, typically begins subtly around the age of 40 and more effectively around the age of 50.

The first two parts of this series on cholesterol discussed the need to clarify some notions about this topic that can help us better understand the impact of this molecule on the body, as well as to know the best dietary interventions to optimize our health in this area. With this final part, the aim is to integrate this information so that I can explain my perspective on the most appropriate way to approach this issue, in light of my interpretation of current knowledge.

However, cholesterol and triglycerides are the main "cargo" transported by lipoproteins, and among these, LDLs are the lipoproteins with the highest atherogenic potential. As we saw in the previous text, the higher the number of LDL particles, the greater the possibility of atherosclerosis development.

Thus, how can we shape our diet to decrease the number of LDL particles and not promote the emergence of atherosclerotic plaques in our vessels?

The word cholesterol is on everyone's mind when we talk about health problems related to the consumption of fatty foods. Since the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, when studies with significant impact were published in the USA, crusades against cholesterol have been waged, with awareness campaigns to reduce the consumption of foods high in cholesterol and, when necessary, to undergo targeted pharmacological therapy. All of this is due to the apparent negative consequences of high cholesterol levels on cardiovascular health, particularly in the role they play in the formation of fat plaques in our arteries (atherosclerosis) and the problems that can arise from this (e.g., acute myocardial infarctions).

In the pursuit of peak performance and enhanced productivity, individuals often explore a variety of strategies, from adopting time-management techniques to optimizing their work environment. One often-overlooked factor that plays a pivotal role in productivity is the sunshine vitamin – Vitamin D.

The word "longevity" is increasingly on everyone's lips. In various media, we frequently see this theme portrayed, whether by individuals without health training trying to disseminate some concepts and strategies with varying degrees of validity, or by professionals dedicated to it, approaching it from different angles.

Now that a couple of months went by, I can tell you that, together with my wedding day and the birth of my daughter, it was the happiest day of my life and that's exactly the reason I'm sharing this story with you: if I was able to do it, anyone can - even if you don't believe me.

I am not a special individual, a great sportsman able to tackle all and every challenge successfully. I had to overcome almost impossible challenges and perform some miracles to cross than line. I just started with that decision of saying enough is enough and taking one step at a time on the journey towards my goal.

I just wish you could feel the level of peace, happiness and freedom I felt on that day.

Public figures are the target of recurring adoration for various reasons. Until a few years ago, the most common reason was to admire their work, by itself, or the products of that work.

With the advent of social media, we all began to have different access to the personal and professional lives of some of these figures. In addition to the usual interest in the lives of celebrities, there has also been growing the dissemination of information related to the work habits of some of them, especially on more professionally oriented platforms like LinkedIn, with the proliferation of information about the daily routines of some of today's top entrepreneurs, for example.

The hustle culture prevailed during the second decade of the twenty-first century. Largely driven by the vigorous growth of Silicon Valley companies and personified by some figures in this field who became genuine pop idols, this approach to work (and life in general) in which the idea of always wanting more, and striving to be the best every day in all aspects of our lives, is promoted, became the ideal model for navigating the wild world of work during that period.

Physical activity is something that, as is commonly known, allows us to improve various aspects of our health. As doctors, it is common for us to recommend its practice adapted to each individual's needs. Without considering the specificities of high-level competitive sports, it is through physical activity that we seek, for example, to lose weight, reduce blood pressure, among other benefits.

In recent months, we have witnessed an exponential development of artificial intelligence (AI). This technology, which occasionally made headlines with some new application in various technological niches, exploded when the possibility of each of us using online AI assistants was recently made available. 

Some say that the regenerative abilities of sleep are the closest thing to a superpower that humans can aspire to.

When structured correctly, a good night's sleep can help us recover from physical exhaustion, reduce anxiety levels, or even unlock a problem that has been in our minds for several days.

It is indisputable that email has made our lives easier.

It has changed the world by bringing people closer, making communication faster than ever before, and allowing us to accomplish tasks at a speed that just three decades ago would have seemed beyond crazy. It is not possible to imagine living without email

The field of medicine that I am most passionate about is human performance optimization - seeking and adopting strategies to surpass limits, stay ahead of competition, and reach the pinnacle. I'm fascinated by endurance and athletes who are capable of repeatedly pushing the boundaries of human potential. Particularly those who can swim 3.8 km in open waters, cycle 180 km, and finish with a marathon run.

Mitochondria are a type of cell organelle that has a lot of different and important functions.

They are involved in the various mechanisms through which our body treats an infection: namely, inflammation.

Mitochondria are a type of cell organelles that are responsible for the production of energy. Using sources such as carbohydrates or fatty acids, for example, from our food intake and body reserves, they contribute to their processing, transforming these molecules into compounds that our organisms can use as fuel.

The scale is the best ally to stop being obese, period. I have no doubt about it!

It shows us the truth, naked and raw, in good times and bad. Regardless of our state of mind, willpower, and level of hope, a number is just a number, and we can't change it.

The immediate daily feedback it provides allows us to assess the progress we're making in "real time."

Talking about nutrition and diet these days is stepping into an aggressive, entrenched war with unyielding positions on all sides. They say "virtue lies in the middle," but being in the middle is like being in a minefield, in no man's land, making you the target of everyone. By writing this text, I’m only trying to use a specific example to shed light on the need to scrutinize certain subjects before cementing an opinion, as there may be much more important details that we simply cannot see if we merely scratch the surface.

The first major difficulty in treating burnout arises from it being considered only a psychiatric or mental problem.

It's not.

The campaign in favour of the vegetarian diet as the saviour of world civilisation has not lost any momentum over the years. It has probably gained steam with the documentaries, personalities and influencers who advocate it and swear it can save the planet and our health. Anything that can improve health and performance has my utmost interest. I have tried to assess its merit, having come to some conclusions.