Vital Steps Wellness Program:
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a body fat that plays a
vital role in our daily body functions, but we only need it in moderation. It is the
building block for natural steroids such as sex hormones; it plays a key role in the
formation of cells, and a role in normal brain function. Our body produces this
cholesterol and not the foods we eat. That is why some of us have higher levels than
others, despite a careful exercise and diet plan. There are different types of
cholesterol, mainly produced in the liver, but we are generally concerned with two main
types:
- LDL's (low Density Lipoproteins): carries cholesterol from
the liver and deposits it in the arteries
- HDL's (High Density Lipoproteins): carries cholesterol
away from the arteries and back to the liver where it's either broken down or excreted.
How Does It Affect Me?
Cholesterol levels rise due to a
combination of reasons, i.e. combating inflammation and in winter to reduce the freezing
point of cells for the cold months ahead.
Poor diet is the real villain and the
intake of saturated fats, found in a variety of foods like animal fats, cheeses, butter,
all containing the bad LDL's. The eventual outcome of blocked arteries is the formation of
small blood clots, which can find their way into the heart or brain. The potential for
heart attacks or strokes is increased tenfold. You can have a normal amount of LDL's, but
if you do not have enough HDL's to transport the cholesterol back to the liver, the risks
are high.
What Effect Will Exercise Have On It?
Stress is said to be a big cause of
elevated cholesterol levels. Exercise can have a positive effect on emotional stress by
providing us with an outlet for excess energies. However, physical exertion is a stress in
itself, and if you exercise in excess, the cholesterol reduction can be stopped or even in
some cases reversed. Regular exercise in moderation will allow for growth in the protein
that carries cholesterol around the body.
Dietary changes and nutrition education
combined are important when trying to reduce cholesterol. Vital Steps recommend the
following eating tips:
- Reduce your intake of saturated fats
- Increase your intake of Omega-3 fish oils (increases HDL
level)
- Drink alot of water
- Eat alot of fresh fruit and vegetables (organic if you
can)
- Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars
Your heart will thank you with a long
healthy life without interruption as the cholesterol will be at a normal level that helps
your body with its natural functions. |
