For years we’ve been told to avoid foods containing cholesterol as the cholesterol is harmful to our health. I’m not convinced that is true at all and here’s why.

Cholesterol is vital to sustaining life and we have different forms of cholesterol produced in our body. Whether the total % is predominantly what is called the “healthy” cholesterol, HDL, or is the “bad” cholesterol, LDL, is necessary to live and stay healthy. As long as cholesterol of either variety is moving through our body and exiting our body, then we don’t have a health issue. We simply manufacture, use and eliminate and we stay healthy.

The issue is when the cholesterol stops moving that health concerns become of utmost importance to living and staying healthy. What is it about our body that stops the movement of cholesterol throughout our circulatory system?

It appears that answer is a simple one we all encounter daily. It’s probably our body’s natural defense mechanism called “inflammation”. Inflammation is a natural reaction to invasion by harmful pathogens such as bacteria, or even a cut or wound. Our body reacts by creating T cells, if bacteria, to destroy the germs before they can multiply and occupy our body. That process is called inflammation. It’s natural, it’s healthy and we always need that to happen.

Cholesterol always has to pass over many areas in our circulatory system as our body processes the cholesterol. The question is why would our cholesterol, more specifically LDL, stop and gather at one area. If one has plaque build up that is easily identified as pertaining to a certain specific area, however that same cholesterol passed over many areas prior to lodging in what we call an area “of plaque buildup”.

Once it starts building up then we worry about decreased blood flow, additional stress to the heart and, heaven forbid, that plaque breaks loose and death occurs once the plaque stops moving and is now lodged in a vulnerable organ such as the brain, heart, lungs.

The plaque itself is also an area that can harbor bacteria and provide an ideal climate for reproduction. As the bacteria reproduce our body responds by continuing to inflame that area and direct antibodies to stop the infection. Now we do not have an acute reaction to an injury or disease but a chronic response repeated over and over. The inflammatory process can now be counter productive to our health.

Often our diet is the culprit that creates the inflammation in specific areas of our body. If an area is too acidic or too alkaline our body reacts. If the foods consumed are irritants then our body reacts. The reaction is the inflammation reaction.

The inflamed area changes it’s electrical charges and now using the principles of positive and negative charge differentiation attracts or repels cholesterol. That physical change causes plaque to build up by attracting cholesterol. Over time we not only have blockage but we also have disease.

Our diet is often our best friend and also our worst enemy. In order to safeguard against the ravages of plaque our best alternative may be not to turn to meds, but to pay attention to the produce area where we shop.

Over one hundred million Americans have high cholesterol. Derived from the Greek word “chole” for bile, this thick substance is produced in the liver and is very important to the good health and functioning of the human body. Cholesterol has numerous functions in the body and it is found in the outer layer of every human cell. Among its functions include the following; production of bile, aids in cell membrane growth and production of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol also helps to metabolize fat soluble vitamins in the body.

We are all focused on hearing about how dangerous cholesterol is but in fact it also serves a very vital purpose to the body. However there is both “good” and “bad” cholesterol and this is where it is important to know the difference. How we produce cholesterol: When we eat animal proteins we produce cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables and grains cannot produce cholesterol and they do not contain any. When meat, eggs and dairy products are consumed they enable the body to make cholesterol. It is a question of eating these foods in moderation as too much saturated fat can lead to elevated cholesterol levels which can be unhealthy and dangerous.

Types of cholesterol: Cholesterol can be one of three types; HDL, LDL or Triglycerides. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol is what is known as the “bad cholesterol”. This is the cholesterol that is carried from the liver to the body’s cells. If too much is carried into the body, you will develop excess cholesterol. Excess can lead to many health complications including arterial plaque and heart disease. The “good” cholesterol is known as HDL. It works in an opposite way to LDL because it actually carries the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. The liver then will discard this cholesterol out of the body. HDL can help prevent heart disease. Most fat found in the body is in the form of triglycerides. They are made from the foods that we eat. Normal Cholesterol Levels: There are cholesterol guidelines of what is considered normal and what is considered high. Normal is less than 200mg/dL and high is anything 240mg/dL or higher.

What high cholesterol can do to your body: High cholesterol can have many deleterious effects on your body and your health. Heart disease is one of the main potential consequences. The arteries can become blocked which reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart. You will also increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of high cholesterol: If you haven’t gone to see a doctor and get blood work yet you may notice various symptoms if you do have high cholesterol. These may include some of the following; pain in your legs when walking or exercising because the arteries have narrowed and yellow patches on your skin, particularly around the eye area. These patches are actually cholesterol deposits and are a tell tale symptom that you have high cholesterol levels.

Causes of High Cholesterol: There are several known reasons for developing high cholesterol. It should be noted however, that sometimes there is a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels. Poor nutrition: Eating large quantities of cholesterol laden foods such as meat and dairy can increase your cholesterol. Most dangerous are foods that are high in saturated fats. Red meat, sausage and sugary baked goods all have high saturated fat levels. Eat fresh whole foods in the form of lean proteins, fresh vegetables and whole grains and a little bit of fruit.

Obesity: Excess weight can also increase bad cholesterol levels. Try to maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and gender. You can refer to a body mass index scale, also known as a “bmi”. This chart will tell you the weight range you should be in. Smoking: Smoking of course is an extremely unhealthy habit to have. And it can raise your cholesterol levels as well. Speak to your medical provider who can help create a program for you to follow to quick this habit. Age: Cholesterol levels increase naturally with age. Usually at the age of 50, a man’s cholesterol levels will taper off naturally. Women’s cholesterol levels will naturally begin to rise after they have reached menopause. This does not take into account of course, for all of the various lifestyle and medical factors that can raise your cholesterol levels as well.

Lack of exercise: People who do not exercise will more likely have higher cholesterol than people who incorporate exercise into their lifestyle. Additionally sedentary people will tend to have lower amounts of the good cholesterol, HDL, as well. Part of a healthy lifestyle incorporates a regular exercise program. Find exercise that you enjoy doing and try to commit to exercising three to five times weekly for a minimum of 30 minutes. Medical Conditions: There are certain medical conditions that tend to create higher cholesterol in the body. These include diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease.

Diagnosis: Under the care of your medical provider, a blood test is performed which will check LDL, HDL and blood triglyceride levels. Medication: There are various medications that your physician may prescribe for you if you suffer from high cholesterol. Statins: this drug lowers cholesterol by blocking liver enzymes that produce it. There are various side effects associated with statins and include headaches and constipation but not everyone will experience these effects. Niacin: Niacin will reduce both HDL and LDL levels and it is a B vitamin. Your doctor may prescribe a particular dosage for you. You may experience flushing and tingling side effects. Aspirin: Aspirin is a common medication doctor’s recommend taking for high cholesterol levels. If you have high blood pressure along with high cholesterol your doctor may prescribe other drugs such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Your doctor will know what exactly is appropriate for you depending on your blood work, age and health condition.

You can reduce your cholesterol levels in various ways. By looking at the various causes of high cholesterol you can begin to assess which areas of your life you may change to become a healthier person. Of course, always consult with your medical provider before undergoing any type of lifestyle, nutritional or exercise program, particularly if you are elderly or suffering from any disease or ailment.

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As we age, our body and all our organs age as well. But, the actual changes of the heart differ on a person to person basis. Maybe you’re wondering why some older people can still walk for miles while there’s considerably younger individuals that have a hard time getting out of their own chairs. The difference that lies beneath this inconsistency has to do with how the heart ages.

Research shows that the changes within the heart are reflected with the kind of lifestyle we live as we age. This goes to show that if you live three-fourths of your life without following a healthy lifestyle regimen, your heart and arteries wouldn’t be as flexible and elastic compared to other people who eat more healthfully and exercise more.

Changes in the Heart

Change is inevitable and there’s no other way out from it. The aging heart is gradually changing overtime causing the walls of the arteries to become stiff and thicken. This in turn makes a person’s heart rate to decrease and the heart doesn’t pump as efficiently as it did during your youthful years.

With each passing year, our hearts tend to relax more which is the reason why the heart is filled with oxygenated blood more slowly because of its pumping inefficiency. Thus, when an aged heart is subjected to moderate activity, the heart is desperately trying to cope with the pace which in turn puts the heart in a distress and vulnerable state.

Changes inside the Arteries

As we grow older, our arteries grow older right along with us. The arteries tend to become stiff, increase in diameter as well as thickness. Once the arteries become stiff, the arteries became inelastic and can no longer expand. This natural phenomenon in line with aging is a major cause of high blood pressure which in turn increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Artherosclerosis is a condition wherein fatty deposits are building up inside the arteries which narrow the passageway of oxygenated blood to the heart and other parts of the body. If you’ve been diagnosed to have this condition your risk of having heart disease increases.

Lifestyle Changes

As early as today, to help your heart age in a healthy way, you need to change your unhealthy lifestyle. You need to quit your vices such as drinking and smoking, change the kind of foods you eat and do some exercising. Research shows that following a healthy lifestyle during your mid-life years can cut your risk of having heart disease for about 30%. Stay in shape and eat healthy from now on.

High cholesterol is what the average person calls it. The medical term is hypercholesterolemia and it is a risk factor for heart disease.

No signs or symptoms are usually visible until the problem becomes significant. Occasionally, yellowish patches appear around the eyelids or in the outer margin of the iris of the eye. Lumps may form in the tendons of the body, especially in the Achilles tendon.

But most of the time, the fatty waxy yellowish substance lodges inside the walls of the blood vessels, where you cannot see it. That’s why you must have your blood levels checked on a regular basis, even if you feel healthy. It could be a family issue you are unaware of.

One of the rare causes of hypercholesterolemia is genetics. It is then referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia. There are actually two genetic mutations, one being much rarer than the other. The rarest form can cause severe cardiovascular disease during childhood. People with the more common, but still rare form tend to develop cardiovascular disease between the ages of 30 and 40.

If members of your family have died from heart attacks at relatively young ages, the reason could be familial high cholesterol. It is in your best interest to get a blood test.

Watch Your Diet

Excessive dietary intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids is the most common cause of hypercholesterolemia in the Western world. Dietary cholesterol was at one time blamed, but most research indicates that cholesterol-rich foods like eggs can be consumed in moderation. For example, eating three eggs per week is okay.

Some people have switched to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Usually the result are quite remarkable. Meat, especially red meat, is a source of saturated fat that can cause high cholesterol.

Get Moving and Keep Going

Another common cause is lack of physical activity. Physical activity is one of the only things that raise HDL levels. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, because it carries the yellow goo out of the bloodstream. LDL particles are the ones that “stick around” in the blood.

You Have Heard the Warnings Repeatedly

Smoking and alcohol consumption in excess of one or two drinks per day are other causes of high cholesterol. Both smoking and alcohol can cause the liver to produce more LDL particles.

Anyone who is obese should have their HDL and LDL blood levels checked regularly. Obesity raises triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats in the bloodstream. Triglycerides include free fatty acids and the cholesterol particles we have been talking about. When a person has high cholesterol, their total blood triglycerides are also higher than normal.

Age a Factor -?

Getting older is a possible cause, although not necessarily inevitable. Dietary changes and improved nutritional status can combat high cholesterol regardless of a person’s age.

A number of other health problems can cause hypercholesterolemia including:

* Hypothyroidism
* Pancreatitis
* Type II diabetes
* Nephrosis
* Cirrhosis and other liver diseases

Certain prescription medications can also cause the health problem including progesterone, corticosteroids, anabolic steroids and diuretics. No drug is without risk and many of them have a negative effect on liver function. Anything that messes with the liver can cause hypercholesterolemia, as well as other health problems.