How to Lower Cholesterol
How to lower cholesterol
If you've recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, this is a question you need answered. You also probably have questions, to which you want straight answers - not some mumbo-jumbo that you can't make heads or tails of.
Before we can answer your question, "How to lower cholesterol?", we need to take a quick look at what cholesterol really is - believe it or not, your body really does need it!
You'll want to know about normal cholesterol levels - what numbers should you be looking for (and what's way too high)? And darn it, what do "HDL" and "LDL" really mean?
Let's take a look at the role cholesterol plays in your body, and then tackle the following questions:
- How did your cholesterol get so high?
- Should you take cholesterol-lowering drugs?
- Are there ways to lower cholesterol naturally?
- What are some foods high in cholesterol that you need to avoid?
- Will you die from high cholesterol?
Let's get started with the basics - what is cholesterol and why your body needs it.
How to Lower Cholesterol (or, "Cholesterol 101")
Cholesterol is a waxy, sticky substance that is part of the cells in your body. It roams around in your bloodstream, going to where it's needed; for example, to help make vitamin D in your body. It's a vital part of your life; without cholesterol, you would die. The problem is this -- you don't want too much of a good thing! If there is too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, it can clog up your arteries, and that spells bad news.
Cholesterol is actually manufactured in your liver, but you can also get more of it from the foods you eat. That's why you need to look closely at what you eat, as well as how much of any cholesterol-laden foods you have regularly. So part of how to lower cholesterol levels is genetics, and part is your lifestyle.
You've heard of LDL and HDL, right? They are both forms of cholesterol, but one kind, the LDL (also known as low-density lipoprotein) is harder on your body, so you want the LDL level to be low. On the other hand, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is easier on your body, and even helps to clear out the bad stuff. So, you want your HDL to be higher.
Both numbers put together add up to your total cholesterol level reading.
High Cholesterol - How Did You Get It?
How did you end up with high cholesterol anyway? There are probably a few factors in anyone's battle against high cholesterol levels -- some of which you can control, and others that you can't.
One of the factors that you can't control is genetics; just as some people are naturally blessed with low cholesterol levels, other people are pre-disposed to high cholesterol levels. So one reason you might have high cholesterol readings is your family background.
Another way you can get elevated levels is if you eat a lot of high cholesterol foods. You probably know what they are -- fatty red meats, trans fats, and saturated fats. Then there are foods like the cholesterol in shrimp which have no fat at all, but are still problems. (Not to worry; you'll learn about both foods to avoid, and foods that lower cholesterol.) And then there is the cholesterol and smoking connection; yet another reason to quit!
Should You Take Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs?
This is a discussion you'll need to have with your doctor, and it depends on several factors, one being how high is your level of cholesterol? Other considerations are risk factors for other conditions, your weight, physical activity and (of course) genetics.
How to Lower Cholesterol can be done naturally, so you'll also want to explore these options as well -- including a simple vitamin that can make a huge difference. Yes, there are ways to lower cholesterol without drugs!
Will High Cholesterol Kill You?
It's a tricky question; having high cholesterol levels won't kill you directly, but they can cause other problems that can lead to death. For example, if cholesterol plaques up in your arteries, it could cause a heart attack which could in turn kill you.
How to Lower Cholesterol
You'll see from these links various ways to answer your question as to how to lower cholesterol. Take a few minutes to learn about this substance that gives you life, and what you can do to lower your cholesterol levels safely.