3 High Cholesterol Symptoms Myths
Being diagnosed with having high cholesterol is serious and should be treated as such. You might even be worrying about your heart health as well now. There is lots of information around on the internet about cholesterol but before you go over worrying, you need to know that there are some myths as well as facts.
Myth number 1. All cholesterol is bad cholesterol. In fact, your body needs some cholesterol so that it can do its job properly. Cholesterol actually does an important job for the cells of your body. However some types of cholesterol are better than others, in other words some is actually good and some is bad.
Good cholesterol is called HDL (high density lipoprotein), which actually helps to lower your risk of heart disease. Bad cholesterol is called LDL (low density lipoprotein) and this is the type that clogs your arteries and causes heart problems.
When talking about at your cholesterol levels, you want to be high in HDL and low in LDL. And if necessary changes can often be made to the levels by dietary changes and/or dietary supplements. A bit of exercise and less stress will also help you to have a healthy cholesterol level.
Myth number2. High cholesterol means that next I will have a heart attack. A lot of people are told that their cholesterol is high and immediately assume that they are bound to have a heart attack or stroke. But cholesterol is only of many factors that can lead to heart disease, and cholesterol can be controlled. High levels of LDL can even be reversed.
It is very important to take into account your total body and lifestyle so that your risk of heart disease can be determined by a medical professional. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, stress, and family history, must be looked at before such a decision can be made.
Myth number 3. Anyone who has high cholesterol has to be on medication for life. It is true that some people do need to take medication (usually statins) to lower cholesterol, but that isn't the case for everyone. Many many people manage their cholesterol levels naturally, just through diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements.
Foods and supplements, including fish and flaxseed oils, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help in lowering cholesterol. Eating foods high in fiber such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, are also a big help.
Taking supplements of co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, and plant sterols can also prove to be a benefit in lowering your cholesterol, and there are even supplements that combine these ingredients to specifically aid in lowering cholesterol.
Most importantly you must discuss your cholesterol levels with your doctor and then make the decisions together that are going to be best for you. And be sure to get your cholesterol checked regularly to give yourself the best chance of enjoying a long, healthy, and normal life.