High Cholesterol

DESCRIPTION

High blood cholesterol levels, especially elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL), is considered to be a contributor to plaque building up in the arteries and impeded blood flow to the brain, kidneys, genitals, extremities, and heart. 

Cholesterol is an essential part of every cell structure and is needed for proper brain and nerve function.  It is also the basis for the manufacture of sex hormones.  Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and transported through the bloodstream to the sites where it is needed. 

It is a fatty substance and, because blood is mainly water, it has to latch on to molecules called lipoproteins to travel around successfully. 

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are the major transporters of cholesterol in the bloodstream and, because LDLs seem to encourage the deposit of cholesterol in arteries, it is known as bad cholesterol.  High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), on the other hand, are considered good cholesterol because they carry unneeded cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is broken down for removal from the body.  If everything is functioning as it should, this system remains in balance.

However, if there is too much cholesterol for the HDLs to pick up promptly, or if there are not enough HDLs to do the job, cholesterol can form plaque that sticks to artery walls and may eventually cause heart disease.
Serum cholesterol is in the blood.  Dietary cholesterol is present in food.  While eating foods high in dietary cholesterol can raise serum cholesterol, it is not the only source of serum cholesterol.  Indeed, you would have some amount of serum cholesterol even if you never ate any food containing dietary cholesterol because the body produces its own cholesterol.

Cholesterol levels are greatly influenced by diet, but they are also affected by your genetic makeup.  The consumption of foods high in cholesterol and /or saturated fat in creases cholesterols levels, while a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, and the nutrients niacin and vitamin C may lower cholesterol.

Recommendations:

Include the following cholesterol-lowering foods in your diet: almonds, celery, carrots, cold-water fish, dried beans, garlic, grapefruit,  olive oil, salmon, and walnuts.

Take 1tsp Psyllium husks in a large glass of water, 3 times daily before meals.  This soft, water-soluble fibre is very important in reducing serum cholesterol.

Drink fresh juices, especially carrot, beet, and celery.  These flush out fat from the bile in the liver and this helps lower cholesterol.

Use unrefined cold-pressed oils – such as olive, soybean, flaxseed, primrose oils.  Never heat these oils and drizzle sparingly over cooked or raw food.

Do not eat any nuts except raw, unsalted pecans, walnuts, and almonds – maximum 5 nuts per day.  Almonds are rich in the amino acid arginine, and were found in one study to cut cholesterol levels by sixteen points over a four-week period.   

Reduce saturated fat and high cholesterol foods in your diet.  Saturated fats include all fats of animal origin as well as coconut and palm kernel oils (any fats that are hard at room temperature).

Eliminate from the diet all hydrogenated fast and hardened fats and oils such as margarine, lard and butter.  Margarine that contains plant sterols, however, is a relatively healthy option.

Consume no heated fats or processed oils, and avoid animal products (especially pork and pork products) and fried or fatty foods, Always read food product labels carefully. 

Goat’s and sheep’s dairy contains smaller fat molecules than cow’s dairy, and is easier to digest.  Therefore, consider switching from cow’s dairy, but still keep consumption to a minimum.

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, such as biscuits, cakes, sweets, chocolate, etc.

Get regular moderate exercise.  Walking and swimming are good.

Try to avoid stress and prolonged tension.  Learn stress management and deep breathing techniques.

Considerations:

Proper thyroid, liver, and gallbladder function is important for digestion and metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, and fats.  The underlying cause of high cholesterol should be investigated and treated.

Meat and dairy are primary sources of dietary cholesterol.  Vegetables and fruit are free of cholesterol and are high in cholesterol-lowering fibre.

Large quantities of coffee can elevate blood cholesterol levels.

Certain drugs can elevate cholesterol levels, such as steroids, high-dose oral contraceptives, Lasix and other diuretics.  Beta-blockers, often prescribed to lower blood pressure, can cause unfavourable changes in the ratio of LDL to HDL.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs tend to be costly and can have serious side effects.  They should only be used as a last resort.  Following a sensible diet, combined with moderate exercise is often more effective.

ICIM Medics Approach

If you feel that this article relates to you please make an appointment to see one of ICIM Medics medical team members.

This article is not meant to be used for treatment but for information purposes only. If you feel that this approach is appropriate for you please contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or www.icim.ie e-mail : info@icim.ie  An appointment can be arranged for you.

Tags: HDL, High Cholesterol, LDL