Keeping Your Cholesterol Low

Cholesterol can have both good and bad effects on your health. It is very important to know how to manage the blood cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart diseases. To avoid high blood cholesterol level, proper diet and exercise is very essential.
A fat-like substance that is carried in the blood stream and found in every cell of the body is called cholesterol. It is used in making hormones, building cell walls as well as to insulate neurons in production of bile acid.

Various Sources of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is made in the liver and sent to all the other cells of the human body as well as it is produced by every cell on its own. Cholesterol is also extracted from food as well. Cholesterol is necessary for life and it is produced in the liver according to the need of the body while cholesterol in the food stuff is added as extra cholesterol.
Cholesterol is obtained from food sources that come from animals as well as dairy products. The manufacturing of the cholesterol by the liver is regulated by the feedback mechanisms that respond to the dietary intake of cholesterol.

Recommended Limit for Cholesterol

According to health experts, cholesterol should be limited to 300 milligrams or less per day. However this limit may vary for people with heart diseases and should be kept at less than 300 milligrams.

Why Do We Get High Cholesterol?

Medical Reasons

High cholesterol results from access of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in your system. It can lead to rise of blood pressure and finally heart diseases.

Hereditary Factor

High cholesterol comes from diet but it can be hereditary as well. Children whose parents have high cholesterol are more likely to have it rather than other people.

Age Factor

Most of the people who die of heart attack are more than 65 years of age. With age, the cholesterol problem increases. However, men run a higher risk of having heart attack than women.

How to Maintain Balanced Cholesterol?

By Exercise

Regular exercise is recommended to main cholesterol level. It can be in form of swimming, walking, cycling, dance or any other physical activity that increases the heart rate.

By Diet

A balanced diet composed of fruits, vegetables and grains should be taken. Red meat can be eaten occasionally, but too many fatty and oily products should be avoided. Food with low fat content or saturated fats should be preferred.

Losing Weight

Loss of weight can also help in lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol. It can also help if you have diabetes or risk of heart disease.

Medication for Balancing Cholesterol

Some times only precautions are not enough and proper medication is needed. Lipitor is the prescribed medicine for high cholesterol. However, it should be taken after a physician has been consulted. It is prescribed to patients with multiple risks of heart diseases such as family history as well as high blood pressure, age and other diseases to reduce the risk of heart attack.