Need To Know About Cholesterol
Every person has a certain level of cholesterol, a fatty substance that is needed for every day activities. Our bodies need cholesterol to be able to function normally but if cholesterol levels are too high, it can lead to Atherosclerosis when the fatty plaque sticks to the walls of the arteries and builds up over time.
Types of cholesterol:
We have multiple types of cholesterol: HDL, LDL, and VLDL which are lipoproteins (a combination of fats and proteins). Our "good" cholesterol is our HDL and it's purpose is to carry the cholesterol away from arteries so that they don't build up blocking blood flow back to the liver so that our bodies can get rid of them. The "bad" cholesterol is our LDL, which prevents the smooth flow of cholesterol returning back to the liver by building up in the arteries causing a blockage. VLDL is also a "bad" cholesterol but is different than LDL. VLDL doesn't carry cholesterol, it carries triglycerides but does also cause build up of plaque blocking blood flow in arteries. Triglycerides are also a type of fat but they mostly come from oil and butters.
Testing:
The CDC has recommended that children ages 9-11 should have their cholesterol checked once, ages 17-21 should also have it checked once but once people reach adulthood should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. The doctor will recommend frequent checks for cholesterol if it runs in the family, the person is obese, there is presence of diabetes, the older the person the higher the chances of being affected by cholesterol, and previously having run ins with high cholesterol.
Preventing:
To stay away from having high and the aftermath of cholesterol, The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Gene Ross encourages you to try and eat healthier by limiting eating foods that are high in saturated or trans fats. Foods that are also high in sugars and salt should also be limited but you should focus more on eating more fiber and proteins. Try and get in some physical activity throughout the days, 2 hours of moderate intensity (brisk walking, anything where you start to feel a little heavy breathing) every week. If you are a smoker, visit your doctor to learn what you can do to quit those bad habits.
https://www.cdc.gov/features/cholesterol-screenings/index.html
https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html
