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Lowering Cholesterol And Its Risks
from: Sue BurchillIt's estimated that at least half of all Americans have either high or borderline cholesterol levels. These elevated levels will put you at a much higher risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.
The liver naturally produces cholesterol. It helps in forming cell membranes. It creates certain kinds of hormones and even aides our bodies in digesting fats. It is present in all of the body's cells, the bloodstream, skin, brain, nerves and muscles.
Besides the natural cholesterol the liver makes, we get even more from lots of the foods that we eat. Although, besides our diet there are other factors that can elevate cholesterol like stress, heredity, weight and even age.
Our bodies naturally contain two types of cholesterol, HDL is called the good cholesterol, while LDL is bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is taken back to the liver to be broken down by HDL, while LDL carries it away from the liver and into the bloodstream.
When excessive amounts of cholesterol are present in the bloodstream, it adheres to the vessel walls and hardens the arteries restricting the amount of blood flow to the heart and brain and increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
If your cholesterol level is too high there are some things you can try to help lower it and reduce the risks associated with it. For many people following a diet low in cholesterol, getting exercise and reducing weight will be all that is required to lower the levels.
A decrease in the amount of saturated fats in your diet as well as introducing some cholesterol lowering foods such as whole grains, oats, yogurt and fish, can help you achieve lower levels of cholesterol.
The simple lifestyle changes that you can make won't have much effect on your cholesterol if it is an inherited condition or your body has just begun to produce too much for some reason. In these cases the only alternative may be for your doctor to prescribe one or several medications.
There are several things that can put you at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack, but high cholesterol is one of those things that with some simple changes you may be able to control. If your levels are too high or even just borderline you may add years to your life just by making some simple changes!
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