High Cholesterol Background Information
Optimal cholesterol is 160-180mg/dL. Cholesterol, although having a bad reputation, serves many essential purposes in our bodies. Besides being an integral part of our cell membranes, cholesterol is also the precursor or starting blocks for our steroid hormones. This means that a minimal amount of cholesterol must be maintained in order to maintain healthy hormone levels.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol is optimal at values of 50-60+ mg/dL. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol is optimal at 80mg/dL or below.HDL is called "good cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from the bloodstream to be sent to the liver for repacking, use or excretion. It also is mostly made up of protein molecules as opposed to fat molecules (as the name implies). By contrast, LDL, or "bad cholesterol" circulates in the bloodstream and is highly suseptible to attack by free radicals (or "oxidation"), which can stick LDL to the walls of the blood vessel, forming plaques over time.
While most doctors highlight the dangers of LDL, most also fail to test for vLDL and other smaller fractions of LDL which have been shown to pose the highest threat for plaque accumulation. To learn more about plaque and cholesterol testing, click here.Triglycerides are another type of fat that is commonly read along with cholesterol. Ideally, triglycerides should be less than 80mg/dL. Triglycerides accumulate as high blood sugar levels are sustained long term, and can be a great indicator of long term blood glucose for this reason.
Causes: -Genetics -Diet -Lack of exercise -Obesity -Smoking -High blood sugar
Symptoms: -Elevated blood lipid (cholesterol) levels
Suggestions: -Advanced Lipid Control -Niacin (Vitamin B3) -Super Omega 3 EPA/DHA -Policosanol -Fiber Food Caps -Artichoke leaf extract -Full-Spectrum Pomegranate -Endothelial Defense with Full-Spectrum Pomegranate -Green Tea Extract
Causes: High cholesterol is primarily caused by diet and lifestyle choices. While the liver does also influence these levels, most individuals seem to have success correcting their cholesterol issues when practicing healthier diet and lifestyle choices. It is important to remember that cholesterol and fats are an important part of our physical make up. We must also remember the difference between healthy and unhealthy choices and which favor our biochemistry.
One of the most common causes of having high cholesterol is having elevated triglycerides. Triglycerides make up a large percentage of HDL and LDL molecules. When blood sugar levels are elevated long term, triglyceride levels consequently go up. So one great way to control triglyceride and cholesterol levels is to control blood sugar levels. This can be done by a combination of diet, exercise and supplements, as we will discuss.
Having low hormones (predominantly testosterone) is also thought to be a causative factor for having high cholesterol. As mentioned earlier, your steroid hormones are directly produced from cholesterol. If your body has low hormone levels, and is seeking to boost them, it has been studied to be thought that cholesterol levels are elevated as the body's attempt to achieve that higher hormone state. Given hormone therapy to boost respective hormones (like low testosterone) has been shown to be a very helpful therapy for many individuals.
Often, when individuals experience high cholesterol, they are immediately prescribed statin medications by their doctors. While statin medications are successful (they directly block the creation of cholesterol through blocking the enzyme HMG-Coenzyme A), they also successfully block your body's own production of the essential antioxidant CoQ10. Without CoQ10, cells cannot properly create energy, and many side effects such as muscle cramps, and tingling of the extremities (nerve issues ) can quickly arise. In order to protect yourself, it is important that you take the proper amount of CoQ10, if chosing the statin route. Discuss with your doctor how CoQ10 can positively affect and protect your body.
There are many alternative methods that can be helpful for protecting our bodies from high cholesterol levels. Ask yourself, due to your lifestyle choices, are any of the following probable causes of your high cholesterol?
Genetics: Genetic factors may influence your liver to make more cholesterol, or may slow the break down of LDL from the bloodstream.
Diet: Diet has a very heavy influence on high cholesterol levels. It is important to make sure that we include an adequate amount of fiber in our diets, especially those who consume diets higher in fats. A supplement can also be helpful for this. Limiting blood sugar levels is also very important because of the link to high triglycerides.
Lack of exercise: Exercise can be very helpful to increase resting metabolic rate, burn glucose more quickly, and subsequently help with triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Obesity: Those who are obese are in a higher risk factor for having cholesterol issues; especially when combined with unhealthy lifestyle factors like a poor diet or lack of exercise.
Smoking: Smoking may negatively impact HDL levels while simultaneously promoting LDL to stick to blood vessel walls and form plaques.
High blood sugar: Having high blood sugar levels can directly influence triglyceride levels. High blood sugar and high cholesterol have been shown to be heavily linked.
Symptoms: -Elevated blood lipid (cholesterol) levels *There are no true symptoms of having high cholesterol levels. The only way to protect yourself is through regular screening and appropriate lifestyle adjustments.
About the Author
All articles written and intended for use on http://www.vitaminhealthrx.com --Articles written with the purpose of supplying health advice and information to the average American looking for alternative ways to support their health. All articles are written by educated health advisors or health advocates who share a passion for health information and teaching others.
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