Tips On Lowering Cholesterol
Our bodies need cholesterol in order to do many things such as produce cell membranes, hormones and even Vitamin D. It is especially important for proper brain function.
Problems arise when our cholesterol numbers head out of range but total cholesterol numbers are not as important as the ratio between HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) and the level of your triglycerides.
HDL LDL Ratio Particularly Important
For example if you have what the American Heart Association considers high cholesterol which is over 200 mg/dL but your HDL is levels are nice and high and your LDL levels are low you would not be at greater risk for heart disease. You could also have a low total number but very low HDL and high LDL making you in the risk category. Therefore it is important to look at all the numbers carefully, especially before you consider using a cholesterol lowering statin drug.
So what causes cholesterol problems? For many years doctors, the media and pharmaceutical companies have preached about high fat diets. They have postulated that high fat diets cause high cholesterol, recommending eliminating eggs, meat, butter, milk etc.
Inflammation is the Culprit
The truth is high cholesterol is often a type of inflammation in the body most often caused by eating a high grain, high sugar diet. Healthy fat is not the enemy here but eating foods that contain trans-fats, smoking, or a sedentary and stressful lifestyle is!
There are so many things you can do to lower your cholesterol and increase your HDL without taking harmful statin medication with all its negative side effects.
Start with Moderate Exercise
Begin by exercising daily. Most people think they have to go to the gym and don't realize as little as 15 minutes a day of exercise can make a huge difference. Start with a casual walk every morning or on your lunch hour.
Eat healthy organic foods and free range fed meats. Choose lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh low glycemic index fruit.
Eating a gluten free diet can make a big difference in cholesterol numbers because gluten can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Smoking??
Still smoking? Ask yourself what you are getting from smoking that is more important than the health benefits of being able to breath and have healthy arteries.
Spend a little time every day in quiet meditation, even if it is only 5 minutes a day.
Some of the supplements that may be helpful include vitamin E, Vitamin D, L-Arginine, red yeast rice and fish oil.
If you are wondering what your cholesterol numbers mean you can call us here at OVitaminPro and one of us will be happy to go over them with you and help eliminate the confusion!