How do I help my cholesterol?
'High Cholesterol' is a diagnosis given to many people by doctors when they receive blood tests... but what does it mean & how can it be lowered?
Put simply, cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood - your body needs cholesterol to build cells, however having a high and unhealthy level does increase your risk of heart disease (heart attack, stroke, blood clots, blocked arteries).
After being diagnosed with high cholesterol, it can be confusing and difficult to know where to start in terms of lowering it to a healthier level. Seeking the advice of a dietitian can give you clarity and provide guidance as to appropriate lifestyle and dietary substitutes to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
We define cholesterol into two categories - high density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. This is where it gets confusing - having a diet rich in HDL can actually prevent the build up of unhealthy levels of LDL!! (This is where you can throw yourself into a spin without the guidance of a dietitian)
The biggest things to look out for which can lead to high cholesterol are -
🍔 Poor diet - a diet high in saturated or trans fats (think processed foods & animal fats). A diet lacking in fibre (fruit & veg) can also contribute to the build up of cholesterol in the blood.
📈 Obesity - a body mass index (BMI) over 30 increases risk of high cholesterol.
🚬 Smoking - smoking cigarettes can reduce your levels of HDL (good cholesterol)
🍻 Alcohol - drinking alcohol in excess can increase total cholesterol levels.
🏃🏼♀️ Lack of exercise - exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight as well as increases HDL (good cholesterol).
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol recently or a long time ago & need some guidance as to how to reduce it and your risk of developing heart disease - make an appointment with your local dietitian!
Written by Allira Wilson
Picture Courtesy of David Cortex at Pixabay