Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is an essential component of cell membranes and is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol builds up on the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
- HDL cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol removes LDL cholesterol from your arteries, taking it back to your liver, where it is broken down and removed from your body.
High cholesterol levels usually don't have any signs or symptoms, so many people don't realize they have a problem. That's why it's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly through a simple blood test.
Here are some key things to know about healthy cholesterol levels:
- Total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol level should be less than 100 mg/dL. The optimal level is less than 70 mg/dL.
- HDL cholesterol level should be 60 mg/dL or higher.
- Triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL.
High cholesterol is mainly caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices like eating foods high in saturated and trans fats, not exercising enough, being overweight, and smoking. Some people can also have high cholesterol due to genetics, certain medical conditions, or medications.
Here are some tips to maintain healthy cholesterol levels:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help raise HDL levels.
- Lose extra weight. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, increases your risk of high cholesterol.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. Both adversely impact cholesterol levels.
- Take medications if prescribed by your doctor. Statins are commonly used to lower LDL levels.
If lifestyle changes don't lower high cholesterol, medications may be needed. The doctors at
Vitality Health Center specialize in holistic and integrative treatments to optimize cholesterol without solely relying on statin medications. We take the time to understand your unique health profile and precisely target the root causes of high cholesterol through customized nutrition plans, fitness regimens, and advanced testing like CIMT scans. Our patients achieve healthy cholesterol levels without side effects.
Contact us today to take control of your heart health!
In summary, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Know your cholesterol numbers and take steps to keep them in a healthy range. Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and work with your doctor, or specialists like those at Vitality Health Center, to manage high cholesterol in the safest and most effective way possible. Small changes can make a big difference in lowering your risk of serious health issues like stroke and heart attack down the road.