The basics of cholesterol

We have all seen the commercials that warn people of high cholesterol. The problem is not too many people are actually paying attention to the message of those commercials and they are not taking steps to improve their cholesterol. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is important for you to take steps to gain control of it. Here is a simple guide that will help you understand a little bit about cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is produced by the liver. It is a fat-like substance that is commonly found in dairy products and meats. Cholesterol is an essential part of the body as every cell in the body actually depends upon cholesterol for normal functioning. Cholesterol builds and helps to protect cell membranes in the outer layer of the cell. Cholesterol also helps in the production of bile.

Cholesterol is carried through the blood stream using lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are made up of fats, proteins, and lipids. There are low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides. LDL is considered bad cholesterol and this is where most people have problems. LDL causes a handful of problems like the risk of arterial diseases due to build up in the arteries. HDL is considered the good cholesterol because it helps to prevent such arterial diseases from occurring.

What happens if I have high cholesterol?
The problem with high cholesterol levels is that you are at risk for a number of heart problems. Typically high cholesterol problems lead to atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries. It can also lead to heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, chest pain, and other cardiovascular diseases.

What causes high cholesterol?
Lifestyle problems are usually the number one reason why a person is diagnosed with high cholesterol. If you have poor nutritional habits, overweight or obese, lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or alcohol consumption, you have an increased risk of developing high cholesterol.

How do I treat high cholesterol?
Regaining control over your body is one of the best ways to treat high cholesterol. Regular exercise combined with proper diet and rest will help to reduce your cholesterol levels. Reducing high cholesterol is not something that is just going to change overnight. It takes a long time to fight high cholesterol. The cells need time to flush water through them and to regulate the lipoproteins.

Adding exercise to your life can be extremely difficult, especially if you have always lived a sedentary lifestyle. When you make the step towards living an active lifestyle, start small. Start out with a 30 minute brisk walk each day and gradually increase it over time. Trying to jump from nothing to a 60 minute intense aerobic exercise will cause your entire body to go into shock. Your can easily over-exert your muscles, causing your body to feel fatigued and sore.

Changing your diet is not going to be easy as well and you may need to get a support group around you in order to find a way to fight through those difficult times. Adding whole grain foods to your diet will help to reduce your high cholesterol levels. Fresh vegetables and fruits will also help your high cholesterol problem.

Eating more fish is one of the best ways to reduce your cholesterol and to take proper care of your body. If you don't like to eat fish, start taking daily fish oil supplements. These supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve your blood circulation.

Always drink plenty of water to flush the toxins out of the body and to help your cells develop properly. Without enough water, you are starving your entire body, casing you to feel fatigued and thirsty all the time.