Can a buildup of cholesterol in our body present a serious health risk? This is certainly a topic that most people should take the time to learn more about, especially if they are overweight, don't exercise, are in a stressful job, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have simply crested over the ripe old age of 50. In this article we will explore the nuances of cholesterol and then take a look at the risks involved due to buildup of cholesterol.
Talking cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, fat like, waxy substance that calls the bloodstream home. It is also found in all the cells of your body. Most people have heard that cholesterol is bad but this black knight also has a kinder gentler side and is vital for producing cell membranes, some hormones, and serves other vital bodily functions.
Cholesterol comes from two different sources: your body and food. And it may surprise you to find out that 75 percent of blood cholesterol is produced by your liver and other cells in your body. That leaves only 25 percent coming from diet. Nevertheless, this 25 percent is particularly important since it is something we can control.
What are the risks due to buildup of cholesterol in the arteries?
When cholesterol starts to accumulate in the lumen (artery lining) plaque deposit start to form. Plaque deposits are made up of cholesterol, dead cells, and an outer coating of calcium. As they start to grow blood and oxygen flow begins to be reduced to vital areas of the body including the eyes, lungs, brain, kidneys, and legs. These types of circulatory problems can contribute to a long list of diseases and conditions including heart disease or stroke.
As the arterial plaque buildup advances symptoms such as a feeling of nervousness (anxiety), excess body fluid accumulation (edema), excessive sweating, chest pain, numbness, mental lapses, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking clearly, shortness of breath, and fatigue may start to be noticed signaling that danger due to buildup of cholesterol in the arteries is not far down the road.
What if I start to notice symptoms due to buildup of cholesterol?
When symptoms start to occur it is easy to write them off to just being overworked or not getting enough rest and assume that a vacation or time away from work will solve the problem. While a vacation may get you away from the daily grind it will not solve the core problem, therefore a trip to the doctor to either confirm or discount the presence of symptoms due to buildup of cholesterol is very important. Remember once you start to see symptoms the condition is in its advanced stages.
Eight Self help at home strategies
If for some reason you can't make it to the doctor or your appointment is weeks or months away here are a few lifestyle changes that just might stave off a serious illness due to buildup of cholesterol.
*Stay active but don't overdo it. Remember you are in a fragile state with your heart already having to work overtime. The AMA recommends 30 minutes of exercise daily but even walking 10 minutes a day should help.
*Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
*Restrict salt intake if high blood pressure is a factor.
*Increase intake of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (oatmeal, oat bran).
*Eat cold water fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) twice a week.
*If you smoke, quit.
*If you struggle with diabetes keep a close eye on blood glucose levels.
*If you feel you may need a little extra help consider implementing a lowered-cholesterol.com natural cholesterol reduction supplement in addition to the steps above.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternative health products and natural living, with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at purchaseremedies.com Purchase Remedies.com.
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