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.
Our bodies naturally produce cholesterol. It is made in the liver,
helps form cell membranes, creates some of the hormones we need and
even helps our bodies digest fat. Cholesterol is found in every cell of
our bodies. It is in our skin, nerves, muscles and even our brain.
Many of the foods we eat add even more cholesterol to the amount
naturally produced by the liver. Our weight, stress, age and heredity
are other things that also contribute to elevated cholesterol in the
body.
Often referred to as bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, there are
two types found in our bodies. One type carries cholesterol back to the
liver where it is broken down. This is the good type or HDL
cholesterol. The other type, LDL, does the reverse in that it carries
it in the bloodstream and away from your liver.
When the bloodstream contains too much cholesterol, it clings to the
walls of the vessels and hardens, restricting the blood flowing to the
brain and heart. This in turn greatly raises the occurrence of strokes
or heart attacks.
If your cholesterol level is too high there are some things you can try
to help lower it and reduce the risks associated with it. For many
people following a diet low in cholesterol, getting exercise and
reducing weight will be all that is required to lower the levels.
Simple changes in diet by adding some cholesterol fighting foods like
fish, oats, whole grains, yogurt and eliminating a lot of saturated
fats will often get your cholesterol levels back to normal.
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.
There are other factors that increase the risks of heart attacks and
strokes, but elevated cholesterol is one thing that you can actually
have some control over. If you've been diagnosed with high or
borderline cholesterol start making those basic changes that might
extend your life by years!
