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Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, describes ways to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol, without taking a statin. |
Tag Archives: Lowering Cholesterol
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Lowering Cholesterol (Cholesterol #4)
The Importance Of Cholesterol Ratio
Cholesterol circulates through the bloodstream attached to carrier molecules called triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). When the cholesterol ratio is higher in HDL than LDL, it is balanced in favor of ‘good’ CHO. This is what people should aim for in trying to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Steroids are a class of molecules based on a common core structure containing four hydrocarbon rings. CHO is in this class of molecules. As well as the four-ring core, it has an alcohol (OH) group attached. CHO serves three functions in the body. It forms the basis for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, which transport signals around the body and ultimately exert their effects through control of gene expression. Its second function is to stabilize cellular membranes. It also helps to insulate nerve fibers, helping in the transmission of neuronal impulses.
Medical opinion is divided as to which factor is more important, the total CHO or the LDL/HDL ratio. There are several ways of expressing this figure. This is the least costly way to measure CHO. Other methods of expression are LDL:HDL or HDL:LDL. Although more costly to determine, LDL:HDL provides a more accurate measure of heart disease because expresses the relative amount of ‘bad’ to ‘good’ CHO.
Whichever way it is expressed, too high a cholesterol level can lead to a myriad of health problems. High levels can result in fatty deposits, called atheroma, to adhere to the inner lining of the arteries, resulting in possible blockage. Another name for this is atherosclerosis. Over a period of years, it can build up to dangerous levels and interfere with smooth blood flow through the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can lead to heart diseases like angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack). In the brain, it can lead to a stroke or a blood clot. Outside the brain and the heart, atheroma can also lead to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), or narrowing of the peripheral arteries.
Eating a healthy, low-fat diet, exercising regularly and controlling weight all help keep CHO levels in check, thus reducing the risks of PVD, cardiovascular events and heart problems. Quitting smoking and regulating blood pressure also make an important contribution to a healthy lifestyle.
Watching your cholesterol is one way to maintain a healthy circulation. One way is to avoid eating fatty foods. Although there is a genetic component to heart disease, controlling this single parameter can help prolong a healthy life.
You can get tips on how to reduce Cholesterol levels and complete details about the reasons why it is critical to know your cholesterol ratio on our website, now.
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Some Ways in Lowering Your Cholesterol
Lowering your cholesterol levels will do wonders for your health and will keep you away from heart-related problems in the future. Nowadays, cardiovascular problems don’t choose what age to strike; more and more people are developing heart problems, even those who are young. Lowering your cholesterol will not only help you to be problem-free, but it will also protect you from other problems in the future. Whatever the reason for choosing to lower cholesterol levels is a good realization. Many people only realize this before it is too late.
The first thing to do when you want to lower your cholesterol is to steer clear of anything that has saturated fat. Saturated fat is a kind of fat that is proven to be bad for the health of a person because it can cause clogs in the blood vessels. This kind of fat is rich in animal products. It would be a wise and healthy decision to ditch this kind of fat and look for healthier alternatives. Sources of saturated fats include animal products (eggs, meat, butter, etc), hydrogenated or trans-fats, and a couple of vegetable fats (palm oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter).
The second thing to do is to substitute these saturated fats for unsaturated ones. Having unsaturated fats in the diet could help in lowering your cholesterol because most of them are derived from plants. They lower the low-density lipoproteins in the blood, which cause plaque formations in the blood vessels, and increase high-density lipoproteins. Sources of unsaturated fats include safflower, corn, olive, and sunflower oils, and fish (it contains a fatty acid called omega-3, which is heart friendly). But be careful, hydrogenated unsaturated fats mean that some parts have been turned into saturated fat – so read labels!
The third thing is to eat less of high-cholesterol food. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used for different purposes in the body; this means that cholesterol is also needed to keep certain bodily functions in top shape. High-cholesterol foods include dairy products, eggs, meat (especially organ meats). It is essential to choose lean meat over those that aren’t and low-dairy products over whole.
The fourth thing is to choose complex carbohydrates over simple ones. Fiber is considered as a complex carbohydrate and is very helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables also contain a lot of fiber and have no cholesterol content at all. But it should also be remembered that even if they are rich in complex carbohydrates, adding creams, sauces, butter, and other fattening ingredients could also make them dangerous.
The fifth thing is exercise. Maintaining the ideal weight is very helpful for a person. Not only does is keep a person healthy, but it also boosts his or her confidence. An active lifestyle keeps diseases away and it also boosts the immune system.








