Cholesterol levels - Renew Wellness

What are cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two types:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries
• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

The main goal is to have low LDL levels and high HDL levels.

When there is too much LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque - deposits that can narrow arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.

Here are healthy, optimal cholesterol level ranges:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL

What affects cholesterol levels?

The main factors that can raise LDL cholesterol include:

• Diet high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Inherited genetic factors

Whereas the main factors that can lower LDL or raise HDL include:

• Losing weight
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish

How to improve cholesterol levels

Here are some tips:

• Eat more plants, less meat - eat more fruits/veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds. Limit red meat, fried foods, sugary foods.
• Do 30-60 minutes of exercise daily - brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming.
• Reach or maintain a healthy body weight.
• If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications may be needed to lower LDL or raise HDL. Statins are commonly prescribed.
• Get regular cholesterol tests, at least every 4-6 years. More often if levels are borderline or high.

Keeping cholesterol levels in a healthy range reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. Small lifestyle changes and monitoring levels can go a long way in improving long-term health. If you have any other questions, please consult with the professionals at Renew Wellness.