Ldl Cholesterol

Low Density Lipoproteins: Nature’s Truckers

Low density lipoprotein is the fancy name for LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). You hear the term “LDL” tossed around all the time, but do you know what it really does? LDL helps transport cholesterol and triglycerides throughout your body. LDL gets these from your liver or small intestine and delivers them to the organs and tissues in your body that need them.

The problem with LDL is that it is always carrying high amount of cholesterol. Your arteries act like superhighways for this system. When your LDL level is too high, you run the risk of getting clogged, fatty deposits in your arteries – arteriosclerosis. You also run the risk of getting other types of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke if your LDL levels get too high.

The key to reducing your LDL cholesterol naturally is diet and exercise. Unfortunately, even if you are born with a tendency to lower LDL levels, over time you still have to maintain those low levels through a healthy lifestyle. If you have been diagnosed with unhealthy LDL levels (high cholesterol), decreasing high cholesterol foods is the forst step to lowering your LDL levels.

Low cholesterol eating isn’t as complicated or hard as it sounds. Just cutting back on processed foods, red meat and carbohydrates like bread and pasta can help. If you toss in a few more servings of fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables you’ve started to beat the odds. Add regular exercise that gets your heart pumping, and your LDL levels will drop even faster.

You can also push your LDL cholesterol levels lower and raise your HDL levels through supplements like vitamins and minerals. Did you know that fish oil and cod liver oil supplements can work wonders on your cholesterol levels and overall heart health? It’s true – one simple pill can help turn the tide in the fight for better overall heart health. Other supplements to consider include Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin B.

It’s always important to check in with your regular doctor before you change your diet,, start exercising or take new supplements. Your doctor may have advice on how to begin, or if you have a pre-existing health condition like diabetes you may need his advice on your diet. People with conditions like diabetes have to stick to a carefully prescribed diet to keep their body in balance.

Some experts say niacin can help with cholesterol levels also. No connection between niacin and LDL cholesterol levels has been completely proven, but several studies have shown that use of niacin has helped lower LDL levels in people taking more than 375 milligrams a day. Niacin is not recommended for people who live with a thyroid condition or who take insulin daily. If you want to include niacin in your daily regimen and have a thyroid condition or diabetes, you may need to take a variation on the supplement instead.

One other thing that helps increase over all cardiovascular health and decrease LDL cholesterol levels is staying hydrated. Drinking enough water – 6 to 8 glasses daily – helps keep your blood flowing freely. Ask any phlebotomist – the more water you drink, the better your circulation over all, and the easier it is for them to take blood for lab work or donations. The better your circulation, the least likely it is that fatty deposits will remain in your arteries as well, so be sure to add plenty of water to your diet.