How to Lower Cholesterol Levels? Find the Best Natural High Cholesterol Treatment

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi.

The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones. However, it is only in 1815 that chemist Eugene Chevreul named the compound "cholesterine".

Cholesterol Synthesis

Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones.

Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins.

LDL and HDL

The main types of these water-soluble proteins, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver. According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis).

This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high cholesterol LDL contributes to this process, it is termed "bad cholesterol", while high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, a healthy diet, and sometimes high cholesterol treatment.

Low-density lipoprotein: Bad Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as bad cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein: Good Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as good cholesterol.

High Cholesterol

About two in three adults have a cholesterol level that is higher than recommended (high cholesterol). Having high cholesterol affects your heart and blood vessels and increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). High cholesterol level causes fatty deposits (known as plaques) to build up inside your blood vessels.

Some people are inclined to manufacture more cholesterol than needed, for genetic reasons. It runs in the family. In other cases, high cholesterol can be caused by a diet too heavy in the wrong kinds of fats, combined with too little exercise to burn up the calories, and being overweight.

In time, the blood vessels supplying your heart may become so narrow that they can't deliver enough oxygen to the heart muscle, particularly when you're exerting yourself. This can cause you to feel chest pain (angina). If a fatty plaque breaks off, it may cause a blood clot which can block blood flow to your heart (heart disease) or brain (stroke). This is why it's very important to know your cholesterol levels and start high cholesterol treatment if needed.

Cholesterol Risk Factors

There are several factors that contribute to high cholesterol — some are controllable while others are not. Uncontrollable risk factors include:

• Gender: After menopause, a woman's LDL-cholesterol level ("bad" cholesterol) goes up, as does her risk for heart disease.
• Age: Your risk increases as you get older. Men aged 45 years or older and women aged 55 years or older are at increased risk of high cholesterol.
• Family history: Your risk increases if a father or brother was affected by early heart disease (before age 55) or a mother or sister was affected by early heart disease (before age 65).

Controllable risk factors include:

• Diet: The saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat raise total and LDL-cholesterol levels.
• Weight: Being overweight can make your LDL-cholesterol level go up and your HDL level go down. You should consider any weight loss program.
• Physical activity/exercise: Increased physical activity helps to lower high cholesterol levels. It also helps you lose weight.

How to Lower Cholesterol Levels?

The main goal of high cholesterol treatment is to lower high cholesterol level enough to reduce your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be. Doctors starts high cholesterol treatment by determining your "goals" for lowering LDL based on the number of risk factors you have for heart disease.

To reduce your risk for heart disease or keep it low, it is very important to:

• Control any other risk factors you may have, such as high blood pressure and smoking.
• Follow a low saturated fat, low cholesterol eating plan.
• Maintain a desirable weight.
• Participate in regular physical activity.
• Begin high cholesterol treatment therapy as directed by your physician.

Cholesterol Diet

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) is a set of things you can do to help lower high cholesterol. The main part of high cholesterol treatment is The TLC Diet.

Foods low in saturated fat include fat-free or 1 percent dairy products, lean meats, fish, skinless poultry, whole grain foods, and fruits and vegetables. Look for soft margarines (liquid or tub varieties) that are low in saturated fat and contain little or no trans fat (another type of dietary fat that can raise your cholesterol level). Limit high cholesterol foods such as liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy products. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, certain fruits (such as oranges and pears) and vegetables (such as brussels sprouts and carrots), and dried peas and beans.

Cholesterol Levels

Even if you begin high cholesterol treatment, you will need to continue your treatment with lifestyle changes. High cholesterol treatment is most effective when combined with a low cholesterol diet and exercise program. Whenever we do any physical activity, this increases HDL cholesterol level in some people. This HDL indicates the lower risk of heart disease.

Physical activity can also help control weight, diabetes and high blood pressure. Aerobic physical activity raises your heart and breathing rates. Regular moderate intensity physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging and swimming also condition your heart and lungs.