| Importance of Lowering Your Cholesterol | ||
| High cholesterol is a dangerous condition that causes clogged blood vessels and coronary heart disease. People may be surprised to learn that there are two types of food that contribute to dangerous high | ||
| cholesterol. Most people know that overindulging in foods high in saturated fat can be a risk factor. However, many people do not realize that diets high in refined carbohydrates such as sugary sweets, pasta and bread have equally detrimental effects. Additionally, high levels of stress can contribute to high cholesterol levels. | ||
| The human body produces all of the cholesterol it needs in
the liver. Cholesterol in proper levels is actually beneficial for human
health. It helps form and maintain cell membranes, form sex hormones, aid
digestion of food through the production of bile salts and aid the
production of vitamin D through sunlight exposure.
We have all heard of “good” and “bad” cholesterol. High levels of “bad” cholesterol, known as low density lipoproteins (“LDLs”) cause atherosclerosis, while “good” cholesterol, known as high density lipoproteins (“HDLs”) provides protection for the arteries. Excess levels of LDLs accumulate in the blood after cells have utilized all the LDLs required for their needs. This causes the LDLs to be deposited into the blood vessels. HDLs are beneficial because they help remove excess LDLs from the body. Blood cholesterol tests will reveal the levels of both types of cholesterol. A cholesterol reading of 275 or higher puts a person at great risk of a heart attack. People with normal cholesterol readings that have low HDL levels are also at risk. The goal is to have a cholesterol reading of less than 200, with high HDL levels. Risk factors for high cholesterol include high intake of saturated fats found in animal food products, consumption of partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated oils, high intake of some fats found in plant products, age, being overweight (and location of excess fat on the body; i.e., higher concentration of fat in the mid-section than in the legs and buttocks), gender (men are more likely to have cholesterol problems, although post-menopausal women are also at risk), family history, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels and cigarette smoking. Cholesterol levels can be reduced through lifestyle and dietary changes and exercise. In fact, exercise has been shown to increase HDL levels and lower LDL levels. Research has shown that moderate alcohol intake may also help raise beneficial HDL levels. It goes without saying that smokers should quit smoking. If diet, exercise and lifestyle changes do not help, medication is sometimes prescribed. The most popular drugs, known as statins, work within the liver to prevent it from forming cholesterol. Some people benefit from taking the B vitamin niacin, which can lower triglycerides, lower “bad” LDL levels and raise “good” HDL levels. Because some cholesterol drugs can cause liver damage, the risks and benefits must be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. |
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