Facts on Hypercholesterolemia

1. Diet vs. DNA

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which total blood cholesterol levels are higher than 240 mg/dL. The most common cause of hypercholesterolemia is a diet high in saturated fats, or fats which come from animals, such as egg yolks, red meat, butter and other dairy products. Dietary hypercholesterolemia affects millions of Americans each year, but is 100 percent preventable and usually treatable with diet, exercise and sometimes medication. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a rare genetic condition in which the body does not create enough good cholesterol which helps to eliminate bad cholesterol from the blood stream, increasing the total blood cholesterol to dangerous levels. Familial hypercholesterolemia is helped by healthy diet, but usually requires regular medication as well.

2. Discovering Good Cholesterol

Cholesterol is almost always thought of as bad, but there are two major forms of cholesterol, one good, one bad. LDL cholesterol, or low density lipoproteins, circulates through the blood stream helping in the formation of cell membranes and some hormones. But when there is too much LDL in the blood stream, it becomes trapped on the artery walls causing plaque formation, decreased blood flow, heart problems and more. HDL cholesterol, or high density lipoproteins on the other hand, act as cholesterol suitcases, trapping and carrying excess fat and cholesterol out of the body for elimination.

3. Your Body Makes All of the Cholesterol it Needs

Cholesterol is not inherently evil, as the body needs it in order to function properly; however, the body produces all of the cholesterol it needs in the liver. Many people learn that there is such thing as good cholesterol and in turn want to know what they can eat to increase HDL and cure hypercholesterolemia. It is important to recognize that your goal should not be in to take in any cholesterol at all, rather it should focus on eliminating as much cholesterol as possible.

4. Cutting the Fat

Just like there is good and bad cholesterol, there is also good and bad fat. The fats that lead to hypercholesterolemia are saturated and trans fats, or those which come from animal fats or have been over processed and hydrogenated. Take extra care to avoid trans and saturated fats as much as possible.

5. Foods That Fight Cholesterol

Healthy unsaturated fats, such as omega fatty acids, oils from nuts, seeds and vegetables can actually help your body to fight cholesterol. In addition to adding more of these healthy fats to your diet, you should also increase your fiber intake by eating more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps to decrease the absorption of cholesterol, allowing your body to eliminate as much as possible.