We live in a world where our wellness is super important and never has there been a time where health is so the top of mind.
One of the most important things that you can do for your health is to understand and manage your cholesterol. You may be somewhat familiar with this number as it is the number your doctor or nurse likely check every time you go into their office.
But to understand truly how cholesterol can impact your overall wellbeing and be more than just a number to you, it is important to really have a well-rounded comprehension of cholesterol and why it actually matters.
It is equally important to understand how natural supplements to lower cholesterol are something you should discuss with your doctor about taking and how they can really benefit your life.
When it comes to defining what cholesterol actually is, let’s look at what it physically is. In physical form, it most resembles a substance that is waxy. It is not all bad though. Our body actually needs it so that it can grow more cells and also utilize the vitamins and hormones within.
But like everything in life, it is all about moderation. Cholesterol is actually made by one of your vital organs known as your liver. But while your body can make cholesterol all on its own, it also can be absorbed through a range of foods like meats, dairy products, and chicken.
It is important to remember though that the foods you are eating contain cholesterol, rather than fuel production of it naturally. Depending on the food you eat can determine if your body is triggered to make more cholesterol naturally in a good way or a bad way. Some foods such as coconut oil or palm oil can give your body too much cholesterol in a way that is damaging to your health and wellness.
This is where diet really comes into play. Having a good diet will mean that you are eating foods that do not give you bad cholesterol. In fact, the diet has a direct link to triggering high cholesterol in many people.
You do not want to have too high cholesterol though, because that can lead to a range of serious health conditions such as coronary disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.
So what the heck is the point of having cholesterol if too much of it can pose so many different health risks? As we mentioned earlier, there are really two different types of cholesterol—low density and high density. The high-density cholesterol is the kind that many experts label as good. Low-density cholesterol is the kind that many experts will label as bad.
The reason that experts say high-density cholesterol is good is that it is actually able to get rid of the lower-density cholesterol from arteries and get it back to the liver, where it can then be broken down to the point of getting removed from the body.
Low-density cholesterol gets dangerous when there is too much of it circulating throughout the body. When this happens, that is when it can get blocked in your arteries and cause more serious health risks.
But it is important to know that it is not just your diet that can impact your cholesterol levels. Your heredity can play a large role in this, meaning that depending on your family lineage, you may be more prone to getting high cholesterol simply based on your DNA.
Another factor that contributes to your cholesterol levels is smoking. Numerous studies have found that smoking has a direct link to the levels of cholesterol your body is able to get rid of. So in general the less you smoke, the healthier your arteries and heart are going to be.
If you get told by your doctor that you have high cholesterol, there is no reason to stress. In fact, you and your doctor can come up with a customized game plan to get those levels back down to a healthy level.
To start with, you are going to want to assess your lifestyle. This means being mindful of what foods you are eating, the amount of exercise you are doing, and the amount of general stress in your life.
There are certain natural supplements that have also been designed to aid with lowering your cholesterol levels, so make sure you discuss those options with your doctor as well.
If you have been told your cholesterol level is high, you will want to get that monitored on a frequent basis, even as it starts to decrease. That way you know that you are making the correct long-term changes so you can live a healthier life.
Understanding cholesterol is the first important step in enhancing your overall wellbeing!