You wake up one morning and decide it’s time for a change. You want to improve your health and wellness, and the first step is to lose some weight. After all, according to science, being overweight increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. You start looking into weight loss supplements and come across some studies about cholesterol. In light of this information, you’re now worried about your cholesterol level—specifically, whether it’s high enough to cause heart trouble.
Let’s take a step back. What exactly is cholesterol, and how is it formed?
Every cell in your body needs cholesterol to survive. Your body makes it from saturated fat and unsaturated fat found in meats, dairy products, and fish. It also makes it from plant-based sterols and terpenes. Your liver makes more cholesterol than any other organ in your body and excretes it into your bloodstream. This is why your cholesterol level fluctuates depending on the day of the week and time of day.
While too much cholesterol can be harmful, your body needs it to function properly. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a daily intake of nutrients can help prevent and reverse cholesterol problems. If you’re already taking cholesterol-lowering medications, you should be monitoring your cholesterol closely to ensure that you’re not at risk of developing a condition called atherosclerosis. This is when cholesterol builds up inside the walls of your arteries, blocking the flow of blood to your heart and brain. Symptoms include chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes. In the worst cases, this can lead to amputation or death.
What Is The Role Of Cholesterol In Your Body?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that acts as a building block for many hormones and cell membranes. It’s vital for healthy growth and development, and its production declines as you age. In fact, it’s estimated that about 75% of Americans over the age of 65 have cholesterol levels that are too high. That’s a problem because too much cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Your brain needs cholesterol to function. It’s especially high in areas such as the cerebellum and the hippocampus, which are responsible for memory and emotional wellbeing, respectively. Your skin also needs cholesterol to produce vitamin A, a nutrient that helps protect your eyesight and prevents acne. Inadequate levels of vitamin A can lead to poor vision and hair loss.
What causes cholesterol to build up in your arteries? Mostly, dietary factors, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. When you eat fast food or takeaways, you consume more of these substances than you would if you cooked your own food. The extra fat and cholesterol contained in these foods can raise your cholesterol levels to dangerous levels. There’s also genetic factors which can cause your cholesterol to be higher than normal. It’s a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
On the other hand, exercise can decrease your cholesterol levels. In a study conducted at the University of Maryland, participants who engaged in aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week had decreased cholesterol by up to 15%. The same study also found that diets rich in fiber and nuts decreased cholesterol by 7% and 9% respectively. To lower your cholesterol, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. You should also consult your doctor so that he can determine if you’re at risk for high cholesterol or other heart disease-related complications. If you are, he may prescribe you a cholesterol-lowering medication. Just keep in mind that these drugs can have various side effects, so you need to be aware of them before you start taking them. In addition, make sure that you check with your doctor before you begin any new diet or supplement regimen.
Cholesterol And Heart Disease
Too much cholesterol in your blood can put you at risk of developing heart disease. But what is heart disease, and how can you tell if you have it?
Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it needs exercise to stay strong. Everyday activity such as walking, running, and jumping increase your heart’s functionality. In addition to keeping your muscles toned, exercise has another advantage: it decreases your cholesterol levels. In a 2017 study, participants who engaged in aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week had decreased cholesterol by up to 15%. The same study also found that diets rich in fiber and nuts decreased cholesterol by 7% and 9% respectively. To lower your cholesterol, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. You should also consult your doctor so that he can determine if you’re at risk for high cholesterol or other heart disease-related complications. If you are, he may prescribe you a cholesterol-lowering medication. Just keep in mind that these drugs can have various side effects, so you need to be aware of them before you start taking them. In addition, make sure that you check with your doctor before you begin any new diet or supplement regimen.
The Best Way To Lower Cholesterol
To lower your cholesterol, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. You should also consult your doctor so that he can determine if you’re at risk for high cholesterol or other heart disease-related complications. If you are, he may prescribe you a cholesterol-lowering medication. Just keep in mind that these drugs can have various side effects, so you need to be aware of them before you start taking them. In addition, make sure that you check with your doctor before you begin any new diet or supplement regimen.