The cause of high cholesterol can be varied. Sometimes it is indicative of a genetic disposition to develop high cholesterol. If high cholesterol runs in your family, there is higher risk of you also obtaining it compared with someone who does not have a family history of high cholesterol.
Genetics is but one cause of high cholesterol in people of all ages. Inherited high cholesterol is called familial hypercholesterolemia.The other more well known cause of cholesterol is of course diet related.
Eat enough high cholesterol foods for long periods of time, and your cholesterol will rise. Couple this with little or no exercise and you turn into a walking time bomb for all sorts of health conditions.It is known that cholesterol levels, on average, are higher in certain parts of the world compared to others. For example, northern European countries have higher average cholesterol levels than southern Europe. Asia has still lower levels than both of these regions.
Could this dramatic fluctuation in cholesterol levels in certain parts of the world indicate that diet is the major factor in causing high cholesterol? All factors point to that being correct.
The cause of high cholesterol is most often either genetic or diet related. While you can’t help your genes, you can certainly go a long way to reducing your cholesterol levels simply by eating a well balanced, healthy diet and of course, by exercising.
Did you know there are some foods that actually assist in lowering cholesterol in your body? Studies have even proven that this is accurate and this is excellent news for high cholesterol sufferers.
One of the most well known foods that help lower cholesterol is of course the cholesterol lowering margarine. There are many varieties of these available as more and more people are becoming aware that this margarine actually does assist in reducing cholesterol.
Some brands of cholesterol lowering margarine claim and have been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol by up to 10% if it is used as is recommended on the packaging. Luckily, these foods that help lower cholesterol do not at all impact on your good (HDL) cholesterol levels, meaning they only fight the bad cholesterol! Read the rest of this entry »
Where and what we shop for plays a key role in lowering your cholesterol. Many times, neighborhood grocery stores do not have the food you need to prepare a balanced and healthy diet. Since it’s there for convenience, you run the risk of purchasing items that are high in fat.
One of the best places to shop to ensure a better quality is a farmer’s market. Some are indoors and other are outdoors. Either way, you will find fresh and cholesterol-friendly foods with a variety of choices.
Several benefits to shopping at farmer’s markets are:
- Healthier choices in foods
- Don’t find fast foods or convenience items filled with fats
- Friendly to the environment
- Lower prices
- Farmers benefit from you shopping there
- The food is fresh daily
Another place to shop for cholesterol-friendly food is farms. Organic farms and other type of farms offer fresh foods that are in season. The prices are reasonable, and believe it or not, you can actually get a workout by walking around. Read the rest of this entry »
In order for your treatment to be effective, you must know how to manage your cholesterol. You must be involved in your progress.
Here are five questions you should ask your physician regarding cholesterol reducing:
Do I Have High Cholesterol?
If your physician says yes, get more information. Find out what your cholesterol number is and what it means. Ask your physician about any other medical concerns you may have relating to your cholesterol level. Make sure to follow your physician’s instructions and closely monitor your progress.
What Kind of Medication(s) Will I Need?
Your physician should explain the types of medication you will need for lowering your cholesterol and any related ailments. Find out the dosage for each medication, and when you need to take them. Hopefully, you’ll only have to take one medication, avoiding the risk of combining more to cause a possible potent reaction. Also inquire with your physician about any possible side effects.
Discover How To Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs!
Are There Other Cholesterol Reducing Treatments Available?
If you feel you’re not benefiting with the medication prescribed, consult with your physician. He or she can examine why the current medication isn’t effective, and possibly prescribe something different. Read the rest of this entry »
Preparing your meals at home is a great way to keep cholesterol levels low. Some restaurants, in particular, fast food restaurants, have plenty of fat and salt in their food. Fast food items are not, for the most part, considered nutritious. In fact, more often than not, the cheaper the item ($.99, $1.00 meals), the more salt and fat it contains. You may be paying for convenience, but not in a healthy way.
It’s not necessary to plan an elaborate meal that takes several hours to prepare. If you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen, there are quick and easy meals you can prepare in less than 30 minutes. You can even whip up a salad or sandwich in ten minutes or less. You won’t have the need for more fat and salt. When preparing healthy meals, it’s better to use fresh ingredients, if possible. Fresh ingredients have flavor sealed in. Read the rest of this entry »