What Causes High Cholesterol - Discussion

Do you know what causes high cholesterol?

What is cholesterol in the first place?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance called lipid that is found in cell membranes and transported throughout the body via blood plasma. It is synthesized naturally within the body and converted by the liver into bile before being excreted into the digestive tract. It circulates throughout the body to provide a protective coating to the arteries and the walls that surround them.

About 50% of all cholesterol is recycled by the body by being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. It is required by cell membranes for such things as intracellular transport, nerve conduction and cell signaling. It is important in the synthesizing of vitamin D and is found in foods like fatty meats (beef, poultry and pork), egg yolks, shellfish (shrimp), and whole-milk products like cheese.

So, what causes high cholesterol?

The diet can affect cholesterol levels in the form of too much saturated fats, such as fatty meats and dairy products; also, packaged foods containing coconut or palm oil and cocoa butter, or such foods as margarine, vegetable oil and snack foods (crackers, chips or cookies). Being overweight can greatly increase triglycerides while decreasing HDL (which is the beneficial type of cholesterol). Couple this with inactivity and you can have a rise in LDL (the harmful type of cholesterol) while HDL continues to lower.

A general lack of overall health (poor diet / lifestyle and / or lack of exercise) as well as certain diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure or hypothyroidism - low thyroid production) can be responsible for what causes high cholesterol. Women, until reaching the age of menopause, are naturally boosted in HDL due to their hormones. After this time, there is a natural decline because of the lack of estrogen.

A history or a family history can raise the chances of having high cholesterol, as there is a heredity or genetic (through inherited genes) element to what causes high cholesterol. Those who are male and over 45 are more susceptible, as are those female and over 55, both generally running the risk of high cholesterol along with smokers or those who are of African American decent.

Making gradual but permanent changes in the lifestyle is the most effective way to get high cholesterol levels under control. There is medication, but it can only artificially control cholesterol levels. With medications, there is no healthy or permanent change that actually takes place to safeguard the body against the effects of the prolonged high blood cholesterol levels. Medications also do not tackle the root of what causes high cholesterol.

By taking an active part in the changes necessary to reduce high cholesterol, you lower the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, cancer, stoke, diabetes and high blood pressure. Replace fatty meats and dairy products with foods rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber - both found in most vegetables, as well as many fruits, whole grains (breads and cereals), and legumes, which are not only low in fat, but also cholesterol-free. Fiber actually has the ability to sweep cholesterols from the body.

Fruits as well as vegetables, nuts and seeds contain antioxidants that help protect bodily cells from damage. Antioxidants also prevent cholesterol from being changed chemically through what is known as oxidation, which has to happen before damage to the artery walls can take place.

Do you now have a better idea of what causes high cholesterol? To learn more about this subject, read the other related cholesterol articles and pages.

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