Keeping Your Cholesterol in Check
Do you have high cholesterol? Or do you have great cholesterol? Do you know the numbers? It’s a silent health risk that can be deadly. High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and other cells found in certain foods, such as food from animals, dairy products, eggs and meats. Though the body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly, the body also needs a certain amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When too much is present in the body, health problems can occur, such as heart disease and clogged blood vessels may develop.
Knowing if you have good or high cholesterol is by the numbers. Your doctor will provide blood tests for you. If one develops high cholesterol, it can cause damage deep within the body. Over time, too much cholesterol may lead to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries and can trigger heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol can be managed and brought down with a good diet and daily exercise.
How much cholesterol is too much? Once you have reached 20 years old, it is recommended to measure one’s cholesterol levels at least once every five years. The blood test is known as a fasting lipoprotein profile, which measures the different forms of cholesterol that are circulating in your bloodstream. If one’s cholesterol level is less than 200 it is great and desirable. If the cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 that is borderline high and 240 and above is high cholesterol.
There are several foods recommended not to eat while maintaining a low cholesterol level or one who has high cholesterol level, which are high-fat meats, whole-fat dairy foods, and fried foods. Similar factors that could develop cholesterol more likely in people are a diet high in saturated fats, a family history of high cholesterol, smoking and or obesity. The foods to eat to maintain your cholesterol and overall health are fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and fiber whole grains.
Cholesterol is a major risk in one’s health but not scheduling daily blood tests can make one at risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes. Diet changes offer a powerful way to fight or prevent high cholesterol. Start first by quitting smoking and then create a diet that fits your lifestyle that you too can manage daily.