High Cholesterol Treatment & Prevention

Cholesterol

These days, everyone has heard of cholesterol. High cholesterol has now been linked to many serious illnesses including coronary heart disease.  But just what is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty type substance that is found in many types of foods including meats, eggs and certain dairy products (and countless others that use these as ingredients). Although cholesterol is necessary for certain bodily functions such as the production of Vitamin D and certain hormones, only very little cholesterol is actually need – the excess is what becomes harmful. Excess cholesterol tends to back up in the arteries, eventually hardening and blocking arteries, causing less blood flow to the heart (atherosclerosis). Excessive hardening can cause a block of oxygen to the heart (angina).

Types of Cholesterol

There are a few types of cholesterol, sometimes called ‘bad’ and ‘good’ cholesterol. The differences between them are primarily the density of protein in relation to fat in what is called a lipoprotein – the protein that carries the cholesterol through the bloodstream. Here are a few different types of cholesterol:

•    LDL: Also called low density lipoproteins, this is the ‘bad’ cholesterol that can lead to heart disease and heat attacks. The lower your LDL count the better.
•    HDL: Also called high density lipoproteins, this type of cholesterol is the ‘good’ cholesterol that helps rid the body of LDL. The higher your LDL count the better.
•    Triglycerides: Also low density, triglycerides are stored in fat cells as a result of excess sugars and calories.

High Cholesterol Causes

High cholesterol can be caused by more than just eating poorly. Below are some examples of the causes of high cholesterol:

•    Diet: The biggest cause of high cholesterol in North Americans is diet. Foods containing cholesterol and saturated fats can lead to high cholesterol.
•    Exercise: Obesity and being overweight can significantly increase your cholesterol levels.
•    Age: As we get older our cholesterol level inevitable goes up
•    Heredity: In some cases, high cholesterol is hereditary.
•    Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes has been linked to high cholesterol.

High Cholesterol Prevention and Natural Treatment

Preventing high cholesterol is easier than you might think. Discipline in dietary and exercise matters alone can make a huge impact on cholesterol levels. Here are some major prevention and treatment methods for high cholesterol:

•    Diet: Check the label. Choose foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated and trans fats.
•    Exercise: Starting a routine of regular exercise will not only help in lowering your cholesterol, but it will help your body fight hundreds of other conditions and illnesses.
•    Weight: Maintaining proper body weight is essential to preventing and treating high cholesterol.
•    Diabetes Management: Managing and controlling your diabetes in a responsible manner can help significantly reduce cholesterol levels.

In many cases, there is no need for prescription drugs to lower cholesterol. Many cause unwanted side effects such as muscle ache, dizziness, heartburn, constipation and decreased libido to name a few.  If you haven’t had your cholesterol level checked, go in and see your doctor. While you’re there, ask him/her what natural steps you can take to lower your cholesterol.