Reasons Why High Cholesterol Is Not Good for Body?

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Too much is everything is bad for our bodies, and that includes too much cholesterol. At normal levels, cholesterol is an essential component in the body – it enhances various body functions such as digestion, generating vitamin D, and producing hormones.

Cholesterol an oil-based substance with a fat-like or waxy appearance. While cholesterol is produced by the body, it’s readily available in the daily food that we consume. The danger of cholesterol arises when its concentrations in the blood become too high.

Usually, there are two types of cholesterol, namely;

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – it’s the unhealthy or bad cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – it’s the good cholesterol

The effects of bad cholesterol in the body are dire, and if possible, you should fight to keep your cholesterol levels at bay. It’s to blame for the increased cases of heart attacks and other chronic illnesses.

If you have high cholesterol levels, it’s important to look for an effective way on how to manage them. While some cases can be reversed through dietary or lifestyle changes, if the cholesterol level is too high, you can consult a doctor for lipid-lowering medications.

If you need help managing or reversing your cholesterol levels, you can consult Dr. Lakhvinder Wadhwa, a doctor in Germantown for immediate medical attention and care.

Causes of High Cholesterol

First, you should note that food plays a crucial role in increasing cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol that you consume as an individual is what determines whether you’re doing it right or wrong. Foods that are high in unhealthy fats include;

• Fatty meat
• Deep-fried food
• Full-fat dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese, and cream
• Processed foods
• Butter
• Fast and takeaway foods such as pizza and hamburgers

High consumption of unhealthy fats leads to a build-up of cholesterol in the body, which narrows the arteries in a condition known as atherosclerosis. This condition prevents the normal flow of blood through the arteries.

Limiting or avoiding foods high in unhealthy fats can help to lower or manage your cholesterol levels.

Risk factors of High cholesterol

The following conditions can lead to increased cholesterol levels;

• Obesity or excessive weight gain – you have a high risk of high cholesterol if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above
• Genetic factors – Inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia
• Kidney or liver disease
• Poor diet habits (eating foods high in unhealthy fats)
• Physical inactivity – lack of physical activity is linked with high cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Old age – as one age, the liver becomes less efficient at removing bad cholesterol
• Smoking – damages the blood vessels walls, making them vulnerable to the accumulation of fatty deposits.
• Certain drugs and medications
• Diabetes – besides damaging the lining of the arteries, high blood sugar also contributes to high levels of bad cholesterol.
• Low estrogen levels in women
• Underactive thyroid gland

Complications of high cholesterol

Since high cholesterol causes accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries – reducing or preventing blood flow – it can lead to complications such as;

• Stroke – high cholesterol can lead to a disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to loss of movement, memory, difficulty with speech, or impaired body functions
• Increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease – associated with loss of memory & mental function in elderly people
• Gallstones
• Heart attack and diseases
• Chest pains (Angina)
• Excessive cholesterol can block blood flow to your intestinal tract, feet, and legs, causing peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Keeping an eye on the level of your cholesterol can help to lower the risk of developing the health conditions that we’ve discussed above.

How to Manage or Prevent High Cholesterol

You can prevent or lower high cholesterol by making the following lifestyle changes;

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Exercising regularly
• Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking
• Eating a heart-healthy diet

Conclusion

With all that information, now you have more than enough reasons to manage cholesterol levels. If you don’t know your cholesterol level, you can visit Germantown Primary Healthcare or a clinic near you for a test.

It’s important to know your cholesterol levels so that you know what to change or improve. Besides, it can protect you from developing any of the complications that we’ve discussed above.

If you suspect or have high cholesterol, make sure you visit a doctor for proper medical advice and treatment. Also, makes sure that you eat plenty of healthy foods!