Cholesterol is just one of substances that the body can make on its own. Unfortunately, eating food that is high in oil and saturated fats creates an imbalance. If precautions are not taken now, the chances of a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases get higher as the person ages.
Cholesterol is classified into two. The first is called LDL or low-density lipoprotein. This is better known as bad cholesterol and having too much of it can cause problems in the health of an individual.
It is a good thing that the body can counter this with HDL or high-density lipoprotein, which is called good cholesterol. There must a balance between the two so that the heart, blood circulation and all the other systems are working.
The only way for the patient to know the levels in the body is through a blood test. Those who fall within 4.4 to 7.1 have a small chance of experiencing a heart attack. Any figure above that is bad and anything below means the risk are much lower.
The natural way to reduce cholesterol will be to do something physical everyday. A person can do brisk walking every other day while those in between can be working up some sweat in the gym while working on the weight machines.
Studies have shown that getting those muscles to work is much better and safer than taking prescription drugs that are known to have certain side effects when it is taken. The same goes for the use of food supplements since the human body needs exercise to keep in functioning.
Another natural way will be to eat right. This may mean changing one’s eating habits but the long terms effects are rewarding. The individual will have to cut down on red meat, other oily foods and junk food. This includes bread, cake, candy bars, cookies, French fries and potato chips.
Changing the way food is cooked is also another way to reduce cholesterol naturally. Instead of frying, the person can try steaming, boiling or the quick way of throwing it in the microwave.
There was a time that doctors encourage children and adults to drink milk. Though this can help strengthen the bones as one ages, this too is has certain ingredients that are not safe. This should be changed for soy or non-fat milk that may taste a little different but is much healthier than the old one.
It is strongly encouraged to drink lots of water and natural fruit juice since it also has the properties that can reduce cholesterol just like eating it before it is mixed using the blender.
Unsweetened tea is also safe to drink. It may taste different so mixing a sachet of Equal or Nutrasweet can add some flavoring.
Watching the food and drinks being consumed is the best way to watch the cholesterol levels and improve the overall health of the person. The first blood test may show disturbing numbers but by exercising and going on a diet, there will be some improvements.
It does not cost much to live a healthier lifestyle if only one tries. This just proves that lowering the cholesterol can be done which is much better than ending up in the hospital with complications that will either mean the life or death of the patient.
Diet to lower Triglyceride and Cholesterol
When people undergo a blood test, there are four things that the doctor will review carefully before revealing the results to the patient. These are namely the LDL, HDL, triglyceride level and total cholesterol.
If any of these are way above the normal range, the doctor will make some recommendations before it is too late. The most common advice given is to make changes in the diet. This is because the numbers that come out can improve dramatically by changing the food being eaten.
People are well aware of what LDL and HDL is which is basically the good and bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. There isn’t that much said about a triglyceride and is often referred to just as a type of fat.
So what happens when there is too much triglyceride in the body? When a patient has too much of this in the blood, this puts the person at a greater risk of succumbing to heart disease.
The food being eaten can make this go up or down even if the individual is not allowed to eat for at least 14 hours before the checkup. The normal range should fall between 10 and 250 mgs./dl, which unfortunately a lot of people exceed.
Studies show that many patients who have high triglyceride levels also have high total cholesterol levels. It is a good thing that it is possible to kill two birds with one stone by having a dietitian prepare a simple diet plan.
The basic plan involves eating foods that are low in fat. Breakfast for example can be whole grain breads with a little touch of egg whites. The person should stop drinking coffee and replace this with unsweetened tea. Those who prefer milk should use non-fat or try some fresh juice instead.
Breakfast may have been light so the individual can have chicken without skin or the choice of lean cut meats such as flank, round, rump or sirloin served with some vegetables on the side.
Drinking bottled water is much healthier than ordering a can of diet soda because this still has certain properties that are not good for someone who is trying to cut down on cholesterol intake.
Those who want to get a quick bite as a snack can have fruit or vegetables strips. The person won’t find this in the store so getting up a little earlier in the morning or preparing this the night before is a good idea so the plastic container can be put into the bag before going to work.
Dinner must also be light because the body will soon rest and will not burn that much calories when one is sleeping. Steamed fish will do well or a little pasta. The individual can have a glass of red wine with the meal to help it go down into the belly.
The practice of this healthy habit must not only be done when eating home cooked meals. This should also be done when dining out with friends because a slight disruption in the plan can have certain consequences to someone who is trying to make some lifestyle changes.
Living a healthy life free from high levels of triglyceride and cholesterol can be achieved. It just takes a little determination and discipline to make this happen.