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  • Writer's pictureElena Cora

Understanding Cholesterol: The Good, the Bad, and the Balance

High cholesterol can develop during childhood or adolescence and is one of the primary causes of heart disease, raising your risk of diabetes as well.

Your liver produces some cholesterol for you to consume; however, too many saturated and Tran’s fatty foods may increase it further.




Causes

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced in your liver and consumed through food sources, but too much of it can be harmful. While your body does require cholesterol for some processes, too much can clog the arteries, restricting their flow and leading to heart disease, stroke or other health conditions.


There are various causes of high cholesterol. These can include improper nutrition, being overweight and smoking. Hereditary causes of elevated cholesterol can also play a part - familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition associated with very elevated levels that contributes to cardiovascular disease.


Create a healthy, balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats by including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats (limited red meat intake to one or three meals weekly), fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel as well as unsaturated plant oils such as olive, canola or safflower oils as sources for unsaturated fats; increase fiber consumption; include foods rich in cholesterol-lowering compounds called stanols or phytosterols such as nuts seeds and fortified vegetable oils.


Symptoms

Many people with high cholesterol do not show symptoms, making regular blood tests vitally important in monitoring levels.


There are various causes of high cholesterol, some of which you can control and some you cannot. Examples include eating too much food that contains saturated fat such as meat, dairy products, cakes and biscuits as well as foods containing refined sugars which increases LDL levels. Not getting enough exercise or being overweight also increases your LDL risk while other potential culprits include hereditary or medical conditions which increase it further - or not taking enough medications prescribed by doctors to manage your health cholesterol ke gharelu ilaj.


Lower your cholesterol by making healthy decisions such as eating less saturated fat and engaging in regular physical activity, taking medicine such as statins to lower production or block absorption, eating foods high in fibre (beans, oat bran and barley, apples, psyllium flaxseed and galactomannan are examples), taking medications like statins or taking prescribed dietary supplements such as Leptin.


Treatment

Lifestyle changes may help many people to reduce cholesterol, such as eating heart-healthy diets, exercising regularly and not smoking. If this fails to bring relief, your doctor may suggest medications like statins, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors as additional solutions to help.

 

Simple lifestyle adjustments can make a dramatic impactful improvement to your cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease. Eating less saturated and trans fat, with more fiber, fish and monounsaturated fats (most often found in avocados and nuts). Avoid red meat and full-fat dairy foods. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days per week as well as losing weight if necessary. If diet and exercise alone don't cut it, consult with a physician who may suggest medication such as statins which stop liver from making cholesterol; fibrates cut back triglycerides while raising HDL levels; additionally bempedoic acid, which blocks liver enzymes from processing cholesterol can also be used.


Prevention


High cholesterol can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. To lower it, follow a diet low in saturated and trans fats while providing ample fiber-rich foods rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats from sources like avocado, olive oil and nuts - also consult an Accredited Practicing Dietitian for personalized advice on diet.


Integrate fish at least twice per week into your meals along with whole grains, fruits and vegetables for optimal health. Opt for lean meats such as skinless poultry and eggs as well as limited full-fat dairy products and healthier oils and butters such as canola, sunflower or olive (extra virgin) oil as cooking sources.


Maintaining a healthy weight by losing excess body fat can also help lower cholesterol levels, along with cutting out sugary beverages and food products. Making even small changes like drinking tap water instead of soda or parking farther from work so you can walk more on lunch break can have an impactful impact. Medications may also be effective depending on your medical cholesterol kam karny ka Unani ilaaj.

 

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