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Four Main Factors
Causing High Cholesterol
By: James Ellison
Besides diet, other
causes of high cholesterol are lifestyle, gender and the heritage of the
individual.
For some, even maintaining cholesterol at the right levels and being fit and
thin will still not prevent the development of high levels of bad cholesterol.
Due to heart risk factors besides diet, some people require a very aggressive
approach which includes cholesterol lowing medication.
Lifestyle issues and high cholesterol:
• When we opt for convenience in eating over nutrition, we are setting ourselves
up for problems. Eating fast foods and convenience foods results in eating too
many fats and salts, which can raise our bad cholesterol levels. In addition, a
more sedentary lifestyle also contributes to unhealthy levels of cholesterol. If
you want to see a graphic representation of this, consider renting the
documentary movie "Supersize Me." This documentary details the attempts of one
man to live on fast foods and little exercise alone. The results on his
cholesterol and body health in just 30 days are truly frightening.
• A visit to a nutritionist or dietician can help us all better understand
eating for the right reasons and for optimal health. It is never too late to
start on this path.
• Regular exercise will effectively lower cholesterol and will maintain your
body strength to function best. Just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, including
walking, each day will lower cholesterol. Exercise does not have to be a large
time or money commitment. Simple activities that get you moving and that you
enjoy enough to repeat are almost always adequate.
Diet:
• An important consideration in eating is choosing lower fat.
• Buy cooking oils that are unsaturated. Use low fat cooking sprays to replace
heavy oils whenever possible. Reduce your overall use of oils even further by
using cooking techniques that require little or no oil.
Age and Gender:
• Cholesterol levels increase with age. Women generally have a lower level than
men from age 50 to 55. Once a woman starts menopause, the cholesterol level
starts to increase.
• While there is not much that you can do about your age, you can make sure that
age does not threaten your heart health by sticking to a healthy lifestyle and
diet and by getting your cholesterol levels monitored.
Heritage:
• Genetics play a key role in a person's health and this includes the amount of
cholesterol you might have.
• Find out if your family battles with high levels of cholesterol and then bring
this to your doctor's attention right away. If you have a family history of
heart disease and high cholesterol levels, work harder and start earlier in
adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating plan.
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