The term "low fat" isn't so simple these days. With trans fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat and all the other convoluted terms, how do we know what to look out for? What is a normal fat intake, and how does it change from person to person? What is the link between cholesterol and fat? There are so many questions that we'd rather not ask our general practitioner, but education is the first step toward prevention of congestive heart failure, strokes, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Let's talk a minute about "good fats." It's true than low fat diets are important to maintaining a healthy heart and general fitness; however, "good fat" and "good cholesterol" (HDL) can be found in foods like salmon, vegetable oil, nuts, olives and avocados. Good fat is essential in transporting vitamins like A, K, E and D throughout the body, in addition to cushioning the vital organs and providing energy. When cooking, try using extra virgin olive oil. For salads, add a few tablespoons of flax seed, a handful of walnuts or a salad dressing made of vinegar and olive oil. Try to include more salmon, tuna and mackerel into your diet, either literally or through a fish oil supplement, which is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
"Bad fats" are trans fats: margarines, shortening, deep fried chips, fast food, baked goods, hydrogenated vegetable oil. The reason they have such a bad wrap is that they're known for lowering HDL cholesterol, which is the kind your body needs to function, as well as increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol that leads to heart disease and diabetes. Saturated fats found in whole milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, red meat, coconuts and chocolate should also be limited for the same reasons. Fat from these sources should be 16 grams or less for a 2,000 calorie diet. For those looking to actually lose weight, the saturated fats should be less than 12 grams.
In addition to a low fat diet, exercise is a vital component of your new, healthier lifestyle. Countless studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise, four days a week can help lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol, while raising HDL cholesterol. Contrary to popular belief, the exercise need not be as strenuous as running or aerobics. Biking, swimming, cross-country skiing, skating and brisk walking can elevate the heart rate enough to give the body all the health benefits needed.
As we start to get older there are crucial numbers that begin to weigh heavily upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. These are some of the things that most of us have ignored for the vast majority of our lives now all of a sudden they have significant importance. But these are things that should not have been ignored. A lifetime of misuse on the body returns only unfavourable things when left unchecked.
Your cholesterol level is without question critical if you wish to stay in good health and your body operating the right way. High levels can lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to deal with. Being mindful about your cholesterol level is not simply for the elderly. It is something both younger people as well as older people need to worry and be aware of if they want to lead a healthy life. In this article we will cover the basic principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize how key a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.
What is bad cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is bad. All cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins but the low-density lipoproteins moves in the blood stream and allows the cholesterol to begin to accumulate. If there is too much LDL then the cholesterol begins building up on the walls of the arteries. It begins to form plaque which makes the arteries hard and not as flexible. When clots form and block the artery a heart attack or stroke can occur.
What types of medicines are given for high cholesterol?
Obviously the first choice of physicians is exercise and a healthy diet low in trans fats. But when that does not work or there is a high level of LDL present then medications must be brought in to help. There are many different types of medicines currently being used to treat high cholesterol. The goal of each type of medicine is to lower the amount of LDL present in the blood stream and to help remove blockage and build up that has occurred. Some of these medicines are statins, bile acid resins, and nicotinic acid and fibric acid derivatives.
How is the blockage from the arteries withdrawn?
The initial stage is through medicines however if there is a crucial narrowing or occlusion in the artery or blood vessel then a somewhat more intrusive operation is essential. The actual functions might change however one common method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and then naviagted to the occlusion where the build up of plaque has occurred. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the operation is minimally intrusive and most patients are capable of going home on that very day.
How do I know what my cholesterol is?
Well in order to know what your cholesterol is you should have a blood cholesterol testing performed at least every five years. The most recommended test is a fasting lipoprotein blood profile. This test measures not only your total cholesterol but it also specifies the LDL and the HDL levels. It is a great idea to be knowledgeable about where your numbers are and to ensure that they are in the proper healthy range.
For a lot more informational value go here: Total Cholesterol Levels also Atkins Diet And Cholesterol Levels in addition to Controlling High Cholesterol
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