Causes And Prevention Of High Cholesterol

It’s estimated that at least half of all Americans have either high or borderline cholesterol levels. These elevated levels will put you at a much higher risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.

The liver naturally produces cholesterol. It helps in forming cell membranes. It creates certain kinds of hormones and even aides our bodies in digesting fats. It is present in all of the body’s cells, the bloodstream, skin, brain, nerves and muscles.

On top of the cholesterol that is naturally produced in the body, we consume additional amounts in many of the foods we eat. Other factors that can play a role in high cholesterol are age, weight, heredity and even stress.

There are 2 types of cholesterol, often called good and bad. The good cholesterol, HDL, returns it to the liver where it can be broken down. The bad cholesterol, LDL, acts in just the opposite way. It ferries cholesterol away from the liver and into the bloodstream.

When excessive amounts of cholesterol are present in the bloodstream, it adheres to the vessel walls and hardens the arteries restricting the amount of blood flow to the heart and brain and increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

High cholesterol and the increased risks attributed to it can be reversed. Lowering your levels is often only a matter of eating a diet low in cholesterol, losing weight and adding a exercise routine.

A decrease in the amount of saturated fats in your diet as well as introducing some cholesterol lowering foods such as whole grains, oats, yogurt and fish, can help you achieve lower levels of cholesterol.

If the liver is over producing cholesterol or it’s hereditary, then it will take more than a change in diet and lifestyle. You and your doctor can discuss the medications available and decide on which is best for your.

A lot of things that put us at higher risks for strokes and heart attacks sometimes can’t be controlled, but high cholesterol is one thing that we can usually keep under control. If you’ve been told that yours is high or borderline then start making those changes right away. It could literally extend your life!

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