Healthy Cholesterol Level

Answer 1

Healthy levels of cholesterol are important for the regular function of one's body. However, most people receive excess amounts of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which essentially chokes the arteries and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In order to lead healthy lives, doctors encourage their patients to exercise regularly and to eat low cholesterol diets, which can aid one's health both by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol that one consumes and by boosting the amount of 'good' HDL cholesterol inside the body (HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, has been shown to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver, where it is processed and disposed of).

However, with the amount of processed foods that are commonly consumed, most people find it quite difficult to eat a low cholesterol diet. The switch from a high cholesterol diet to healthier lifestyle choices seems daunting to most people. Thankfully, a 'low cholesterol' diet does not have to be synonymous with 'low flavor.' One can ensure that he or she adheres to a low cholesterol diet simply by keeping a few rules of thumb in mind.

First of all, one should avoid eating whole eggs on a regular basis. Eggs are one of the highest cholesterol sources that are commonly consumed. Many delicious egg-based dishes, such as omelets and frittatas, can be prepared remarkably easily using egg whites or egg substitutes (egg substitutes consist of egg whites that have been treated with additional vitamins and minerals that are normally found in the yolk of an egg). Egg whites or egg substitutes can also be used for baking.

Red meats are also very high in cholesterol. However, many people simply refuse to completely remove beef and pork from their diet. Fortunately, red meats can be eaten in moderation. When these meats are eaten, one should try to choose the leanest cut available and prepare the food using little to no added fats (this can be accomplished by using nonstick cooking spray for pan-frying or grilling).

Poultry meat can be a central part of a low cholesterol diet if one consumes it wisely. White meat is considerably lower in cholesterol and saturated fats than dark meat, and one should try to eat white poultry meat whenever possible. Additionally, one should remove the skin from the poultry before consumption. Chicken skin contributes about one third of the cholesterol that is found in every serving portion.

Answer 2

High cholesterol is a growing problem for many people, and it can have negative effects on your heart health. High cholesterol can be genetic or caused by poor diet. In either case, consult a physician regarding ways you can lower your cholesterol. There are many great drugs on the market that can help lower your cholesterol. A healthy diet free of fatty food and regular exercise will also help reduce your cholesterol levels.

Answer 3

It can be seem challenging at times to achieve normal cholesterol levels. Many people are not successful at lowing their cholesterol levels because they simply didn't know where to start. However, by learning how to make some dietary and exercise changes, it should be possible to achieve normal cholesterol levels in little to no time at all.

It is important to make some dietary changes. The only way you will be able to make these dietary changes is if you compile a large variety of foods shown to lower cholesterol. It is important that you take the time to try as many low cholesterol foods as possible in order to find the ones that you like the best.

Compile a list of potential low cholesterol food by getting personal recommendations and reading online reviews. You can typically ask a friend, co-worker or family member who has found a good low cholesterol diet to give you some pointers. If you can not find a personal recommendation or would simply like to expand your potential list of foods, take the time to fill the gap by looking at online reviews. Make a note of which foods you like so that you can develop a repertoire of low cholesterol foods. Once you have a variety of low cholesterol foods that you like, it shouldn't be too tempting to revert back to your previous diet.

Apply yourself to an exercise schedule. An exercise schedule is so important because exercise is an integral part of helping to lower your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can be caused by an excessive amount of fat in the body. By exercising and restricting yourself to a healthier diet, you can help your body burn more calories than it takes in, allowing you to lose fat in the process. Try a variety of different types of exercise until you find one that you enjoy

By learning how to achieve normal cholesterol levels, it should be possible to live a healthier life style if you apply yourself over a long period of time. Persistence is the most important aspect to consider when you are trying to lower your cholesterol

Answer 4

High total cholesterol, particularly the low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, type, is a prominent risk factor for heart disease in men and women. Cholesterol is an unavoidable waxy fat-like substance created naturally in the body. It serves the purpose of supporting nutrient absorption and insulating your cells. The human body makes all of the cholesterol it needs but poor dietary and lifestyle habits contribute to increasing your cholesterol levels. To achieve and sustain normal, healthy cholesterol levels, it is important to first understand what it is and determine current status.

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood using a test called a lipid panel. When you get a blood draw for a lipid panel your total cholesterol, LDL and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is tested to better determine areas needed for improvement. Ideally, a normal cholesterol level measures in total 200 mg/dL or less. Exceeding this number can indicate your risk level of artery damage or Heart disease.

Further breaking down total cholesterol into LDL or HDL, the ideal normal LDL measures 100 to 129 mg/dL. Numbers exceeding 129 mg/dL indicate a strong risk for arterial complications and subsequent cardiovascular disease. In the case of cholesterol, the lower your LDL the less likely your risk of heart complications. Conversely, the HDL numbers are ideal in higher measure. High-density lipoprotein at 60 mg/dL or above is optimal for promoting heart health. The HDL type of cholesterol serves as an artery scavenger to push the LDL out of your body therefore, the higher your HDL levels the more likely you have low LDL levels.

When it comes to keeping track of your good, or HDL, levels and bad, or LDL, levels the first step is a routine health exam including a cholesterol test. If it is determined that your levels exceed the normal and healthy recommendation you can take an active stance toward naturally lowering your numbers. Simple lifestyle habits like eating less of foods loaded with saturated fat or abstinence from smoking can help you return to normal cholesterol levels. Ultimately, a health plan between you and your physician aids in getting your cholesterol levels on the right track. If you have normal numbers now, keep in mind that as you age it is a continued effort through healthy diet, exercise and heart-healthy lifestyle habits.