Fix Your. . . High Cholesterol
WHY YOUR CHOLESTEROL IS HIGH
Age: Cholesterol is a lipid (fat)
essential to health that is made by our livers and carried through our bodies by the blood. It rises naturally after age 20, plateaus at 50 in men, and often remains low in women until menopause, contributing to 1 in 3 adults having high cholesterol. Diet: Our bodies manufacture about 75 percent of our cholesterol, and we get the other 25 percent from our diet. Eating too much food that contains cholesterol (such as red meat, eggs, and other animal products), saturated fats (fats that are solid at room
temperature like butter and lard), and trans fats (fats found in fried foods), can send our levels soaring. Family history: Some families carry genes that cause too much cholesterol, leading to heart disease and strokes.
Weight: Three types of lipoproteins transport cholesterol through the bloodstream to and from cells, and being overweight can throw your transport system out of balance. The fi rst type, low-density lipoprotein or LDL, is often called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up and clog
arteries. The second type, high-density
HEART ATTACK: CHOLESTEROL NOT ALWAYS THE CULPRIT
with a heart attack had normal cholesterol levels — and an astonishing half who suff ered
A
sudden death from a heart attack likewise had normal levels. These surprising findings have fueled controversy over
whether, or how, cholesterol should be controlled. Some doctors have concluded that target cholesterol levels are
recent national study showed that three-quarters of those hospitalized
now set too high. Others say that total cholesterol is not as important as the balance among the types of cholesterol, along with the rate at which the body uses it. Finally, many holistic- leaning doctors say that heart attacks and strokes are caused not by some particular level of cholesterol, but by harmful oxidation of cholesterol and inflammation of the cardiovascular system, which can be corrected with a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet and antioxidant supplements.
MARCH 2013 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 85
lipoprotein or HDL, is usually called “good” cholesterol because it takes cholesterol away from cells and back to the liver where it is broken down. The third type, triglyceride, is the form in which the majority of fat exists throughout the body, including plasma lipids or blood fats. Being overweight can raise your triglycerides as well as raise your overall cholesterol level. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as kidney and liver disease, can cause high cholesterol. Some drugs, like progestins in birth control pills, can elevate levels. Smoking and drinking: Smoking can lower “good” HDL levels, and too much alcohol can not only lower good HDL but also raise bad LDL.
WHAT TO DO Lose weight: Losing weight can help lower your overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raise your HDL, and lower your LDL. Lifestyle changes: Stop smoking, and if you drink, do so in moderation. Regular exercise (30 minutes on most days) can lower your LDL and raise your HDL. Diet: Many top cardiologists contend
that the Mediterranean diet or a variation of it is the most healthful way to eat. The Mediterranean diet features fresh vegetables and fruits, unrefi ned grains, yogurt and natural cheese, olive oil, and fi sh. Red meat, poultry, eggs, and sweets are limited. Supplements: In conjunction with a healthful diet, many experts recommend supplementation with coenzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, quercetin, oat bran, and a multivitamin/mineral supplement.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS Get professional help: If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, you’ve probably already been tested. You also may have been given a prescription for a statin drug. Statins block the liver’s production of cholesterol, lowering LDL cholesterol while modestly raising good HDL. However, statins can cause serious side eff ects, like high blood sugar, mental confusion, liver damage, and muscle pain.
SOURCES: CDC, American Heart Association, The Blaylock Wellness Report,
DrWeil.com, Mayo Clinic, and Medical News Today
DOCTOR/CHASSENET/BSIP/SUPERSTOCK / ATTACK/PAMELA MOORE/GETTY IMAGES
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