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Cholesterol Information
CHOLESTEROL INFORMATION
What Is Cholesterol?
- Cholesterol is a white crystalline substance found naturally in the
body.
What Is Function Of Cholesterol?
- Functions of cholesterol include facilitating cell membrane permeability
- It is an essential building material in the body
- Important factor for brain function
- Stabilization
of neurotransmitters
- Structural material from which progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, DHEA, and cortisol are
made.
Where Does Cholesterol Come From?
- Cholesterol is only found in foods from animals (Only animals can synthesize
cholesterol)
- We produce our own cholesterol, so even a person who eats no cholesterol can potentially have high
blood levels due to their own body’s production.
What Is The Difference Between Good And Bad Cholesterol?
- Cholesterol
needs to be carried in the body through blood. It does this by combining with proteins to make lipoproteins.
-
LDL (low-density lipoproteins) have more cholesterol than protein
- LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol, attaches to
cell surfaces in order to transfer the cholesterol needed by the body. If there is too much, the cells will become saturated
with cholesterol that is then deposited in your artery walls.
- HDL (high-density lipoproteins) have more protein and less
cholesterol
- HDL, also known as “good” cholesterol, actually picks up the extra cholesterol in the artery walls and
transports it to the liver for disposal. A high HDL level can offset the damage high LDL levels can cause.
What Are Normal
Cholesterol Levels?
- Generally speaking, the normal levels are as follows. However, keep in mind that some people
such as those with known heart disease and diabetes are advised to maintain lower levels than average.
Total
cholesterol: Less than 200
HDL cholesterol: Greater than 59
LDL cholesterol: Less than 100
Triglycerides: Less
than 150
What Causes High Cholesterol?
- The most common belief is that a diet high in cholesterol is the cause.
However, studies from UCLA, the University of Missouri and others find no correlations between cholesterol in the diet and
serum cholesterol levels.
- What can lead to high cholesterol is the lack of other nutrients such as chromium, magnesium,
vitamin B3, and omega-3 essential fatty acids to metabolize it.
- Some studies show that a diet lacking in essential
fats and high in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to high serum cholesterol levels.
- A Michigan study done in 1976
determined that being overweight correlates with high cholesterol levels.
- It is known that low thyroid function can
also lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
Why are high levels of cholesterol bad for me?
- Research indicates that high
blood levels of cholesterol correlate with higher incidences of cardiac disease.
What Are The Types of Cholesterol Lowering
Medications?
- Statins
- The most commonly used cholesterol lowering medications
- Are in a class called HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors
- Very effective in lowering cholesterol levels but can often cause serious side effects
- Side
effects include but are not limited to: headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, liver function tests abnormalities, and rhabdomyolysis
which can result in potentially life threatening complications.
- Bile Acid Binders
- Help to rid the body of
cholesterol.
- Often come in a powder that is mixed with juice or water
- Most common side effects include constipation,
bloating and nausea
- Vitamin deficiencies are also a potential side effect.
- Fibric Acid