High Cholesterol – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Low HDL, or “good” cholesterol, is the primary concern in high cholesterol. The high total cholesterol and LDL levels increase the risk of heart disease. Despite most people with high cholesterol being able to treat their condition with diet and weight loss, many are still unaware of the severity of the problem.
Cholesterol Disorders:High cholesterol is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders globally, affecting about 40% of American adults. It can be caused by various factors, including excess body weight, a high-fat diet, family history, diabetes, and alcohol consumption. These factors can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in the future. However, many other things can increase your risk of developing this disease.
Causes of High Cholesterol:The causes of high cholesterol (also known as hypercholesterolemia) can vary among people. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the most common cause is plaque buildup inside a person’s arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries and blocks blood flow, potentially leading to heart disease, constricting blood vessels in the brain, or a stroke. Other theories include being overweight or having excess fatty tissue, which leads to inflammation in arteries.
Treatments for High Cholesterol:High cholesterol is a metabolic disorder that arises when excess cholesterol in the blood builds up. But, not all high cholesterol leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD). High cholesterol can cause other problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
foods to lower LDL cholesterol:High LDL cholesterol is a primary risk factor for heart disease. It is one of the essential conditions to monitor when assessing your total cholesterol level. If you are concerned about your classes, it may be helpful to know which foods are associated with low LDL cholesterol.
Oats For Lowering High cholesterol:Oats have been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels in humans, and it is thought that they may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Oats are whole grain and therefore contain fiber. They also have high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of saturated fats. The high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber in oats can help lower cholesterol by binding with bile acids to prevent their reabsorption in the liver.
Barley and other whole grains:Barley is one of the most significant sources of soluble fiber, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Other whole grains, including oat bran and brown rice, also provide a good amount of soluble fiber. In contrast to their nutritional makeup, refined grains have been stripped of most or all of their nutrients, making them a poor fibre source.
Vegetable oils:Vegetable oils are the primary sources of dietary fat in the Western diet. Most of these oils are made up of vegetable oils that are rich in linoleic acid. These oils are high in hydrogenated fats, which may increase cholesterol levels. The study published by the National Health Service found that people who were eating a diet high in vegetable oil had a 57% increased risk of developing high cholesterol.
Fatty fish:Fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can lead to many health problems. One of the most common symptoms is an elevation in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) blood levels. It would help if you ate fatty fish at least twice a week.
Nuts:Nuts are rich in fiber and healthy fats, making them an excellent dietary addition if you’re looking for lower cholesterol. The high-fibre content does not only make nuts beneficial on a digestive level, but research shows that they can also improve your cholesterol levels. The high levels of cholesterol in your blood can cause many symptoms. If the high levels of LDL cholesterol are to blame, you may have difficulty losing weight.
Seeds:Flaxseeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, magnesium, and other nutrients. A study on rats found that a diet including flaxseeds reduced total cholesterol levels by 10% and LDL cholesterol by 20% over two months. The same study found that rats fed a diet including flaxseed oil had a 28% reduction in the concentration of oxidized LDL cholesterol, which is a type of dangerous cholesterol.
Salmon:Omega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon can help decrease cholesterol levels and relieve inflammation in the heart to enhance heart health. Fatty fish like salmon are rich sources of protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s in fish like salmon can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and normalize blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon can also reduce inflammation in the body linked to a host of health issues such as asthma, arthritis, depression, dementia, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Turmeric:In a study carried out by the University of California San Diego, it was found that curcumin has been shown to reduce levels of total and LDL cholesterol in the blood. This is due to its powerful antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, Curcumin has been shown to help improve bowel function, which can also help with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Garlic:Garlic is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries as a natural food preservative, flavour enhancer, and treatment for numerous conditions. Garlic is a big part of the Mediterranean diet, and many people add it to their diet to improve their cholesterol levels. It contains a group of compounds called organosulfur compounds, which can lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. It contains compounds called polysulfides which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is also a rich source of antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals in the body.
Okra:Okra is a delicious vegetable that you can enjoy in many different dishes. It also has many health benefits, one of which is its ability to lower your cholesterol. A plant-based diet rich in fiber and antioxidants found in okra reduces cholesterol levels and increases your metabolism. Okra, or ladies finger, is a popular vegetable in the southwest. It is often seen in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Okra contains phytochemicals that are also found in other whole grains like barley and oats.
Beans and Legumes:Beans and Legumes are good sources of protein. They’re also high in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Beans contain soluble fibers that can lower cholesterol levels by slowing down cholesterol absorption into the body. Additionally, beans reduce risk factors for heart disease because they contain heart-healthy nutrients like folate.
Sweet Potatoes:Sweet potatoes are packed with health-promoting, cholesterol-lowering nutrients that can help you reach your wellness goals. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which has been shown to decrease high cholesterol levels in animal models. Sweet potato also contains other phytonutrients like flavonoids and anthocyanins that show promise for protecting against cancer.
Green Tea:Green tea is a type of leaf that comes from the camellia Sinensis plant. It is made from steeping the leaves, stems, and flowers in hot water, usually for five minutes. It is widely known as a potent antioxidant beverage that contains polyphenols called catechins, shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
Green tea is shown to help lower cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, reducing LDL-cholesterol levels, and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.
Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants called polyphenols known for protecting cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Avocados:Avocados are high in fiber, potassium and healthy fats, all of which can aid in keeping cholesterol under control. Not only have avocados been shown to increase levels of good HDL cholesterol, but they may also reduce the risk of heart disease by providing more nutrients to the heart muscle.
Gluten-Free Whole Grains:Grains are an essential part of a healthy diet. They are rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, selenium, magnesium and potassium. Gluten is a protein in grains that can trigger inflammation in people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s best to choose gluten-free whole grain options, including buckwheat.
Conclusion:The most effective way to control your cholesterol is through diet. If you are looking for an excellent cholesterol-lowering diet, you should work with your doctor to develop a plan that’s best suited to your needs. When treating high cholesterol levels, many different types of medications work differently in other cases.
