Part 1: What is Cholesterol and Why Do We Need to Control It?
Cholesterol is not all bad. In fact, we do need cholesterol to support and build healthy cells. It also helps to produce hormones responsible for regulating blood sugar, inflammation, muscle mass, blood pressure, and reproductive capability. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, coronary heart disease and stroke.
There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, and many people are confused about the difference. The best way to understand it is to learn how it works. Two types of lipids can carry cholesterol to and from the cells where it can be used.
The first type, HDL (high density lipoprotein), carries cholesterol from the arteries to the liver where it can be processed by the body. HDL is responsible for removing some of the cholesterol from plaque, making it less dangerous over time. Higher levels of HDL tend to protect against coronary heart disease.
The other type of cholesterol carrying lipid is LDL (low density lipoprotein). LDL is the lipid that carries cholesterol from the liver to the tissues where it is needed. So, even though it is called "bad cholesterol", it is actually needed by the body. It is typically called "bad cholesterol" in comparison with HDL's ability to remove cholesterol from the arteries.
Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood is believed to cause a layer to form on the walls of the arteries. This build-up is sticky and other substances bind to it, causing the layer to harden and become plaque. Left untreated, plaque continues to build and harden, narrowing the passageways inside of the arteries. The artery becomes stiff and lets less and less blood through. Small blood clots can suddenly block the passage and a stroke or heart attack can suddenly happen, without warning.
High LDL levels are generally associated with plaque build-up, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Higher levels of HDL generally keep these problems from getting worse and can significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating saturated fats and trans fats (like partially hydrogenated oil) can quickly raise your LDL levels. The risks associated with high LDL levels compound if you have other health issues, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Your risks are even higher if you do not get adequate daily exercise or if you smoke.
The good news is that you can greatly lower your cholesterol levels and improve your health by making a few simple changes in your lifestyle. Exercise alone can lower LDL levels and raise your HDL levels. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods contain niacin, which is a B vitamin that lowers LDL cholesterol, reduces triglycerides, and raises HDL cholesterol.
Be sure you check with your doctor before you nutri.com buy vitamins so that you get the correct dosage for your body. Niacin taken to reduce cholesterol may need to be taken in a higher dosage than is normally recommended. You need to be monitored by your doctor while taking niacin to recognize side effects or drug interactions, especially if you are on blood pressure medication. Additionally, make sure that you are healthy enough to safely maintain the level of exercise that you choose.
Part 2 of the "High Cholesterol" series will focus on cholesterol maintenance and pinpoint why treatment with statins may not be the best option for you.
About the Author: Phil Le Breton is owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health. For more information about C-Salts, otherwise known as the best Vitamin C, or about other Vitamin C powder products, visit nutri.com nutri.com where you can buy Vitamins and Supplements of the highest quality.
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