Understanding Cholesterol Levels and Decrease the Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes

What is Cholesterol?

Before we go into how to reduce your cholesterol, let's take a look at what exactly cholesterol is.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by the liver and its job is to:-

? produce bile acids to help with the digestion of fat
? build and repair cells and
? produce estrogens and testosterone hormones

Therefore cholesterol is an important function of the body, but too much cholesterol in the body becomes a risk as it can clog up arteries and this can be the cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol Symptoms

It is surprising to learn that there are virtually no symptoms to diagnose if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol is normally identified by a blood test.

However, if you are having health issues such as coronary disease, vascular disease or stroke, then this could be the end result of high cholesterol levels in your body.

Symptoms of:

Coronary Disease
? Angina
? Chest pains
? Nausea
? Shortness of breath

Vascular Disease
? A tightening sensation in the lower extremities
? Ulcers or open sores on the lower extremities

Stroke
? loss of balance and dizziness
? slurring of speech and difficulty in understanding
? numbing sensation of the face, arm or leg
? this can be a sudden event with little or no warning

People who are overweight and do no exercise at all tend to be the ones with higher cholesterol levels.

Therefore, it is recommended that you have a cholesterol blood test every three years if you are overweight and every 5 years if you are a normal healthy weight.

How to Lower Cholesterol

If your blood test shows that your cholesterol levels are too high, then you should take immediate measures to help lower your cholesterol. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but initially it is the norm for you to follow a low cholesterol diet.

A low cholesterol diet is normally a diet which is low in saturated fat and will include eating:-

? skinless poultry
? lean meats
? fish and shellfish
? low fat dairy products
? fruit
? vegetables
? whole grain foods

Cook your food by either

? grilling
? baking
? steaming
? boiling
? poaching
? microwave

Do not fry your food in lard or oil.

Your doctor also might prescribe you with a cholesterol lowering medication if he/she feels that the low cholesterol diet will not be enough.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.lower-your-cholesterol.info website where you can find further information and resources on lowering your cholesterol.

---

Health Update: Have Your Chocolate and Eat It, Too!

According to the Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis... Read More

Poor Dental Hygiene May Account for Poor Health

Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More

Sports Nutrition Made Simple

Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More

Eating Outside Your Box

One way to combat the boredom many people complain accompanies... Read More

What You Should Know About

I don't understand people sometimes. You know, there is a... Read More

Nutrition Tips to Improve Fat Loss

Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More

What About Potassium?

Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More

How Does Glucosamine Chondroitin Help Your Body?

Glucosamine is readily produced in the human body and is... Read More

Blood Type and Diet

Eating right to suit your blood type" is a subject... Read More

Got Soy? Milk, Snuff, and Soy Beans

Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More

Busy Mums Guide to Losing Weight

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More

Autism and Nutritional Supplements

Unfortunately, it has been proved beyond doubt that a large... Read More

Snack Attack - How to Keep Your Hunger Between Meals from Getting the Best of You

The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More

Buying Organic Produce: 6 Tips on How to Shop Wisely and Save Money

Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More

You Dont Have to be Wealthy to Eat Well: The Truth about Your Grocery Budget

Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More

Summer Sun Cures

With summer comes more sun and with more sun comes... Read More

Water, The Magical Drink

Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More

Constipation Cures Exposed!

If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More

Are You Lactose Intolerant?

Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More

Aging Gracefully with the Aid of Various Nutrients

During the past thirty years there has been a steadily... Read More

Fructose Short-Circuits Glycolysis

First some terminology.Fructose ... a five carbon sugar that occurs... Read More

Nutrition For Your Young Athlete

Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More

Healthy Eating Made Simple

The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More

Who Said Bananas Are Not Good For You?

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in... Read More

16 Quick Tips for Eating at Restaurants or Work

Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More

Guerilla Health Tactics: 5 Snappy Rules For a Healthier, Happier You

The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More

Curbing Your Carbohydrate Addiction

Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More

Fruit for Breakfast ? The Secret to a Healthy Life

Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More

Safely Transitioning Off Meal Replacement Plans

Meal replacements have been part of the diet landscape for... Read More

Nutrition as Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative Treatment: Help is as Close as the Kitchen

The quality of food we eat (or lack thereof) has... Read More

Water and Water Filters: How Much Do You Know?

Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and... Read More

Food Additives: Safety versus Health Maintenance / Prevention

The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More

Go Nuts!

Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More