What is Cholesterol?
Before we go into how to reduce your cholesterol, let's take a look at what exactly cholesterol is.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by the liver and its job is to:-
? produce bile acids to help with the digestion of fat
? build and repair cells and
? produce estrogens and testosterone hormones
Therefore cholesterol is an important function of the body, but too much cholesterol in the body becomes a risk as it can clog up arteries and this can be the cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol Symptoms
It is surprising to learn that there are virtually no symptoms to diagnose if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol is normally identified by a blood test.
However, if you are having health issues such as coronary disease, vascular disease or stroke, then this could be the end result of high cholesterol levels in your body.
Symptoms of:
Coronary Disease
? Angina
? Chest pains
? Nausea
? Shortness of breath
Vascular Disease
? A tightening sensation in the lower extremities
? Ulcers or open sores on the lower extremities
Stroke
? loss of balance and dizziness
? slurring of speech and difficulty in understanding
? numbing sensation of the face, arm or leg
? this can be a sudden event with little or no warning
People who are overweight and do no exercise at all tend to be the ones with higher cholesterol levels.
Therefore, it is recommended that you have a cholesterol blood test every three years if you are overweight and every 5 years if you are a normal healthy weight.
How to Lower Cholesterol
If your blood test shows that your cholesterol levels are too high, then you should take immediate measures to help lower your cholesterol. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but initially it is the norm for you to follow a low cholesterol diet.
A low cholesterol diet is normally a diet which is low in saturated fat and will include eating:-
? skinless poultry
? lean meats
? fish and shellfish
? low fat dairy products
? fruit
? vegetables
? whole grain foods
Cook your food by either
? grilling
? baking
? steaming
? boiling
? poaching
? microwave
Do not fry your food in lard or oil.
Your doctor also might prescribe you with a cholesterol lowering medication if he/she feels that the low cholesterol diet will not be enough.
Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.lower-your-cholesterol.info website where you can find further information and resources on lowering your cholesterol.
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More
Just what is the "New Biology of Health?" And who's... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
There are numerous diets out there that guarantee that they... Read More
The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
Water is the most abundant substance in the human body.... Read More
They're not only good for you, but they taste good,... Read More
Do you notice your child putting off going to the... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More
Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More
I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More
ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
Get back to the basics - eat fresh at home... Read More
Are there any benefits to be obtained from drinking water... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
Nutrition facts have become a part of everyday life because... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
First some terminology.Fructose ... a five carbon sugar that occurs... Read More
Constipation is a condition whereby the fecal matter traveling through... Read More
Do you know the risks to daily intakes of Starbucks... Read More
on demand house cleaning Arlington Heights ..It is not a myth. Eating breakfast is an important... Read More
Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
Most of us equate the word diet with calorie reduction.... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Since 1994, food manufacturers have required the Food and Drug... Read More
There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal... Read More
Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More
Who suffers from Eating Disorders?Eating Disorder sufferers are male and... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
I would like to raise a question: Is Rejuvenation possible... Read More
Dr. Arthur Agatston, the cardiologist who developed South Beach Diet... Read More
You are what you eat is a simple, time tested... Read More
You've no doubt heard the saying, "You are what you... Read More
Apple cider vinegar is a product of apple juice fermentation.... Read More
FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More
Nutrition |