The Real Root Causes Of High Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Ideally, you should not go beyond the desirable cholesterol level which is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d) if you want to stay healthy. But the onset of this condition can be prevented by taking a look at the root causes of high cholesterol.

There are a lot of dangers of high cholesterol and you should be constantly mindful of your cholesterol level. Here are some of the main causes of high blood cholesterol and tips on how to avoid them:

1. One major cause of high cholesterol level is a "bad diet" which means one that includes too much saturated fat and cholesterol. These saturated fat and cholesterol come from animal foods like beef, pork, milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. Avoid packaged or processed foods that contain saturated fat such as coconut oil, palm oil, also stick margarine and vegetable shortening. Snack foods may also contain hydrogenated vegetable oil that can cause a rise in your cholesterol level. Among the common high cholesterols snacks are chips, crackers, and cookies.
2. Being overweight is also another cause of high cholesterol level. Excessive weight can raise triglycerides and lower HDL. High-density lipoproteins or HDL help clear the bad cholesterol from your blood and keep it from clogging your arteries. HDL is the good kind of cholesterol. High levels of HDL (60 or above) can protect you from a heart attack. Most people nowadays who have a fast paced career and lifestyle would rather opt for something quick to prepare and to eat. While this can make their lives easier and more convenient, the bad side of it is the effect of fast food to one’s health. A person with this problem is advised to consult an expert and strictly work out a plan in order to keep to his desirable weight with less cholesterol.
3. Genes play a big role in many aspects of a person’s health and this includes the amount of cholesterol he might have to deal with. A person with a parent that has a problem with high levels of cholesterol will have higher chances of acquiring this condition.
4. A disease called lipid disorder can cause high cholesterol. This rare problem is inherited from family members, and it changes how a person’s body handles cholesterol. A person with lipid disorder will probably have a cholesterol level that is well over 250 mg/dL. Thus, when a physician has determined that a person has high cholesterol, he should immediately do some research about family members having the same problem and ask for what medications they have had success with. 
5. Stress in itself does not cause high cholesterol. However it can be a big factor that can influence eating and lifestyle habits. When under stress, some people tend to find consolation in snacks and other unhealthy food, while others stop exercising. One must invest in a good book that gives advice on de-stressing methods and a healthy and balanced lifestyle. One must consult a doctor who can advise on what particular physical activities especially de-stressing activities are good for one’s health.
6. Another cause of high cholesterol is alcohol. Strangely enough, it can sometimes increase the HDL-cholesterol level in the blood. However, it has other unwanted effects. Additionally, too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle. Because of this risk, one should not drink more than 2 bottles of alcohol per day.

Although there are quite a few different causes of a high cholesterol level becoming familiar with them is worth the effort. This will help you identify the ones to avoid, to lead a healthy and productive life.


source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/