Managing Cholesterol
The one thing every person has in common, no matter what gender, age, or ethnicity you are, is cholesterol. We all know someone who has high cholesterol even if they don't know it yet themselves. If you have been to the doctor lately and had to fill out forms I am sure you had to check yes or no on the question of whether or not you have high cholesterol, along with every other known condition or disease. Unless you have an ailment caused by high cholesterol or a condition in which raises your cholesterol levels, it isn't something doctors commonly check for. Cholesterol is found among the lipids, or fats, in the bloodstream and in all the body's cells. It is a soft, waxy substance and is an important part of a healthy body; however, high levels of cholesterol in the blood are a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. That is just one step away from a heart attack.
Cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood. They depend on lipoproteins like LDL and HDL to transport them to and from the cells. If your LDL levels are too high, they can cause a buildup around the walls of the arteries feeding the heart and brain which can lead to a stroke. On the other hand, high levels of HDL are good. HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it can be passed from the body.
There are several ways one can increase their HDL levels; one way being through physical exercise. Walking, swimming, and even yard work can lower your risk for heart disease. Smoking causes a decrease in HDL levels and increases the tendency for blood to clot. If you have low levels of HDL and you smoke, quitting can help you get back in control of your cholesterol. Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to higher HDL levels in some studies. If you drink in moderation, this could be helpful for you; if you do not drink, the benefits aren't enough to recommend that you start.
Our bodies produce all the cholesterol we need without getting any from outside sources like food. Only foods from other animals contain cholesterol: meat, poultry, egg yolks, shellfish, and whole and reduced-fat milk. Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol. These include: fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. The main source of bad cholesterol is from the saturated fatty acids and trans-fats we take in. Limiting your cholesterol to less than 300 milligrams a day is the recommendation of the American Heart Association.
Cholesterol isn't something you can see or feel so ask your doctor to do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels, especially if high cholesterol runs in your family. If necessary, medications are available to help lower high cholesterol and reduce your risk of a heart attack. Overall, the best way to insure you are doing your part to maintain a healthy cholesterol level is to eat a proper diet, exercise and visit the doctor on a regular basis.