Explore the Amazing Tips to Lower Your Body Cholesterol
What is Body Cholesterol?
It is the essential component of the cell membrane. Biologically, it is a principal sterol compound, biosynthesized by higher animals. Interestingly, it differentiates prokaryotes from eukaryotes.
Basically, it belongs to the class of lipids. It is waxy fat, essential for various normal body functions. Inherently, it is not a bad compound but its range above normal can lead to serious diseases, primarily lethal coronary heart diseases.
Generally, it is found in all body cells. Functionally, it is required to make hormones, Vitamin D, and other substances that help in digestion.
Types of Cholesterol
Naturally, its three types are found in the human body. These types are separately discussed below:
LDL
It is a low-density lipoprotein. It is also called bad cholesterol. Primary, it functions as a cholesterol carrier in our body. Its major role is to transfer cholesterol to the peripheries and liver cells. Below 100mg/dl is considered the safe range for LDL. From 130mg/dl to 150mg/dl is the borderline range. Whereas, above 160mg/dl increases the risk of CHD (coronary heart disease).
HDL
It is a high-density lipoprotein. It is also known as good cholesterol. It absorbs cholesterol from the body and takes it back to the liver. Its high concentration reduces the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. Its concentration above 40mg/dl in men and above 50mg/dl in women is considered normal.
VLDL
It is a very low-density lipoprotein. It mainly resembles LDL. Contrary to LDL, it mainly carries triglycerides (another type of fat) into body tissues. Its normal level ranges between 2 to 30mg/dl.
Causes of Hypercholesterolemia
There are various factors that can escalate your serum LDL level. Undoubtedly, without knowing the cause, opting for the treatment is useless. Several primary diseases are secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia. Some major diseases are listed below:
- Chronic kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid pathologies
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- HIV
Apart from these particular diseases, lifestyle also matters a lot. Our diet, physical activities, and improper sleep timings badly affect our body’s chemical components.
What to do in Hypercholesterolemia?
Indeed, high LDL levels are one of the concerning matters. In such cases, it is mandatory to talk with your doctor. Investigating its root cause is necessary.
Though, most often simple lifestyle changes can immensely contribute to maintaining hypercholesterolemia. Some major lifestyle changes are assembled in the following list:
- Reduce the intake of saturated fats
- Avoid trans fats
- Increase vegetables’ intake
- Ingest dietary fibers
- Maximize physical activities
- Exercise regularly
- Walk daily
- Maintain blood pressure
- Avoid stress
Let’s briefly delve into each of the above-listed aspects in depth.
Reduce Saturated Fats
Studies have shown that saturated fats contribute a lot to escalating LDL levels. Our body needs healthy fats for optimal body functioning. The liver has cholesterol receptors on its surface. Saturated fats stimulate those receptors and allow the liver to absorb large amounts of bad cholesterol. Animals are the major sources of saturated fats. Therefore, try to avoid the following diet.
- Red meat
- Animal meat
- Eggs
- Full-fat dairy products
- Coconut oils
- Palms.
Dietary Changes
Dietary fibers play a significant role in lowering LDL. Vegetables and fruits are the fundamental sources of fiber. Studies claim that some fiber types block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood. Following are some of the beneficial dietary elements for cluttering hypercholesterolemia.
- Grapes
- Citrus fruits
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Soybeans
- Barley
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
Physical Activities
Statistically, it is proven that physically active individuals have low LDL and high HDL levels. There are several exercises that can help you to cure hypercholesterolemia. Studies say that cholesterol is increased because of two major reasons. One is lack of exercise and the other is being overweight. Doing physical activities combat both of these causing reasons. The following list contains the names of promising exercises that can significantly reduce your body's LDL level:
· Swimming
· Briskly walking
· Running
· Jogging
· Biking
· Yoga
· Weight lifting
· Jumping rope
· Hiking uphill
· Water aerobics
· Playing tennis
It is observed that people have controlled their principal sterol in three months without medication. They just transformed their lifestyle. Hence, with a healthy diet and proper exercise, you can easily combat this damaging condition.
Reduce Stress
Stress is the root of all diseases. Scientific studies have declared it a cause of boosting blood LDL levels and reducing HDL levels. During stress, cortisol is released which in turn raise blood-glucose level. Hyperglycemia increases triglycerides which ultimately cause hypercholesteremia. Hence, it is proven that remaining in a stressful condition for a long time can lead to serious coronary diseases.
Following are some of the promising methods of avoiding stress:
· Deep breathing
· Aromatherapy
· Exercising
· Indulging in favorite activities
· Meditation
· Yoga
· Massage
· Proper sleep
Final Remarks
Though cholesterol is one of the essential body elements, its high blood concentration can lead to serious diseases even death. Therefore, its maintenance within the normal range is necessary for healthy living. You can avoid hypocholesteremia just with a bit of lifestyle changes. So, what are you looking for? Just adopt healthy dietary changes and add some valuable physical activities, and then see the remarkable downfall in your body’s cholesterol.