Wikipedia: Cholesterol is a lipidic, waxy steroid found in the cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. It is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes where it is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity.
For many years, high cholesterol was considered the main culprit in heart disease. The liver produces cholesterol and as explained by Wikipedia, it is necessary for certain functions within our bodies including the manufacture of sex hormones.
High cholesterol means elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL is the fatty substance that builds up on the wall of the arteries that restrict blood flow to vital organ such as the heart, kidneys and the brain. LDL is the transporter of cholesterol throughout the body via bloodstream and because LDL seems to encourage the depositing of cholesterol it is known as high cholesterol. The cause has been linked to stress, thyroid disorders, coffee and low-fat diets due to the low intake of essential fats, otherwise known as high-density lipoproteins HDL.
Nowadays, you can have your cholesterol levels checked without having to see your GP. These tests are unusually performed by trained staff at larger pharmacy stores. I recommend seeing your GP first.
Cholesterol levels are affected by dietary choices and/ or by genetics. If family members have high cholesterol, then the chances of you being affected are greatly increased. This does not however, mean you cannot do something about it.
The orthodox approach is to prescribe cholesterol lowering drugs (satins). The trouble with drugs is that they cause other side effects. So on top of the high cholesterol, you may also get one or more health issues that are drug related. The risks include an increased cancer risk, weakened immunity, muscle aches and an increase in liver enzymes, which mean you have to be monitored on a regular basis. Ensure you discuss these side effects with your GP.
If you want to avoid drugs, there a three easy ways to get started and this involves simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Tip number one. Get active!
If you are not keeping active on a regular basis, start looking at what you can do to get active. Ensure that the activity you choose is something you enjoy and you will keep up for the rest of your life. I recommend changing the activity regularly to keep it interesting and fresh.
Tip number two. Watch your food intake
Eating cakes, pies, pizza, burgers and pre-made ready meals might make your life easier because you avoid having to cook, but they contribute to high cholesterol because they are in essence lifeless foods. Concentrate on whole foods that are rich in nutrients and are unprocessed. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains and raw nuts and seeds fit the bill perfectly. Also reduce the consumption of read meat to once or twice per week. Choose lean meat to reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume.
Tip number three. Avoid stress
Stress is not a good thing to live with on a daily basis not to mention the impact it can have on your health. Think of ways to decrease this, i.e. a new hobby, going for a walk, a long hot soak in the bath or some other form of regular pampering treatment i.e. a therapeutic massage. Do not feel guilty by taking time out of your schedule to look after yourself. If you work hard and are exhausted, taking an hour to relax and recuperate is the best gift you can give to yourself and your heart!
© 2009-2010 Valerie McKen
This article was written by Valerie McKen | Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM. For tips, health news, reviews, recipes and ideas for living your most healthiest life, visit my blog thenutritionangel.blogspot.com thenutritionangel.blogspot.com. For 1:1 consultations and information on weight loss programmes without the calorie counting or replacement meal packs visit: endthedietingtrap.health.officelive.com endthedietingtrap.health.officelive.com.
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