Deciphering Cholesterol
These days, everyone is worried about their Cholesterol. There are pills, diets, supplements and every other kind of treatment to positively affect cholesterol. Many of us don’t know exactly what this word means, or what it means to us and our health. Here is a break down of what it is, and why you should be worried about it. Once we are informed, we can determine our own unique situation and find the best treatment for us.
Cholesterol is an important component in many of the body’s functions. From aiding in the creation of vitamins, to digestive acids, hormones. It begins in the liver, where it is transported in the bile that helps break down foods and aids digestion. You could say that it affects the entire body, bringing about a certain balance. If Cholesterol is in high levels, medical conditions can develop.
There are primarily two types of Cholesterol. There is good Cholesterol, and there is bad Cholesterol. Many of us have only heard of Cholesterol in the bad sense. Many people take prescribed medications to help rid themselves of Cholesterol. However, there is a big difference between the two, and there is favorable Cholesterol. The two types are called Cholesterol HDL, and Cholesterol LDL. It sounds complicated, but the difference is simple. The difference is what gives these two their names, the HDL stands for High Density Lipoproteins, and LDL stands for Low Density Lipoproteins.
Lipoproteins are what carries Cholesterol between cells, because it cannot dissolve into the blood directly. Cholesterol HDL only accounts for a third of all Cholesterol in the blood. These High Density Lipoproteins are the ones you want. Those Lipoproteins with low density do not serve their purpose and carry the Cholesterol successfully.
In order for us to be healthy and balanced, our body needs high levels of Cholesterol HDL. If the food and supplements we are consuming do not aid or body in balancing these levels, we will need outside help. This is where the medications come into play. Doctors can prescribe treatment in the form of pills, to help you raise your High Density Lipoprotein levels. Many individuals seek help with balancing Cholesterol, as many of the diets in society today do not promote healthy Cholesterol. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your Cholesterol, and consider options to help you get on the right track. Cholesterol is an important part of our body’s makeup, and staying healthy is important to us all.
