Do You Have High Cholesterol Articles | Remedy

By: Richard Bleuze

Too much cholesterol in the blood can directly lead to cardiovascular disease —America's No. 1 killer. People whose total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL. Most people age 20 and older have cholesterol levels that are too high (200 mg/dL or higher). The good news is you can make many lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn how to start now!

Cholesterol is a fat, soft, waxy substance found in your bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily functions. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is a major threat for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. It's also a risk factor for stroke. Hypercholesterolemia is the term for high levels of blood cholesterol.

To reduce cholesterol in your blood, eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Try to lose weight if you need to and exercise for at least half an hour on at least 4 days a week. Some people may also need to take herbal supplements because changing their diet isn't enough. Remember that herbal supplements usually take at least 1 month to enter into your bloodstream & for them to work at their full potential.

You get cholesterol in two ways. Your body makes some of it, and the rest comes from cholesterol in animal products that you eat, such as poultry, fish, meats, eggs, and butter, cheese and milk products. Food from plants — like fruits, vegetables and cereals — don’t have cholesterol. Some foods that don't contain animal products may contain trans fats, which cause your body to make more cholesterol, as well as, food with saturated fats.

Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in the blood. They have to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. There are 2 kinds that you need to know about. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack /stroke. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection. It carries cholesterol away from your arteries.

Learn the facts about cholesterol and have regular screenings. If you need to lower your cholesterol level, work with your natural healthcare practitioner to set up a natural plan to reduce your risk of heart attack. Take responsibility for managing your cholesterol levels. By lowering your blood cholesterol level, you'll cut your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke and live a more pleasant life.