Is Your Cholesterol Level Too High?
If your blood cholesterol level is:
- Below 180 mg/dL - your blood cholesterol level is ideal
- 180 to 199 mg/dL - your blood cholesterol level is acceptable
- 200 to 219 mg/dL - your blood cholesterol level is borderline high
- 220 mg/dL or higher - your blood cholesterol level is too high
If your total blood cholesterol level is greater than 200 mg/dL (and especially if it is over 220 mg/dL), you should have another test to see what type of cholesterol is high.
If your HDL cholesterol level (the good kind) is:
- Under 35 mg/dL - it is too low
- 36 to 50 mg/dL - it is acceptable
- Over 50 mg/dL - it is ideal
If your LDL cholesterol level (the bad kind) is:
- 130 mg/dL or less - it is ideal
- 130 to 159 mg/dL - it is borderline high
- 160 mg/dL or greater - it is too high
If your Triglycerides level is:
- Below 150 mg/dL - it is ideal
- 150 to 199 mg/dL - it is borderline high
- 200 to 499 mg/dL - it is high
- 500 mg/dL or greater - it is too high
You should also have your triglycerides level measured at the same time you have your blood cholesterol levels checked. High blood triglyceride levels can also increase risk for heart disease.
What to do if your cholesterol levels are high
In order for the human body to properly function, it requires a wide variety of different types of nutrients, some of which are carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Carbohydrates are very important for people, as they help provide the energy that is needed for daily life. Proteins are responsible for creating amino acids that are used by cells all throughout the body. Lipids are a type of fat that the body is able to store and use for energy at a later date.
Cholesterol is influenced by the kinds and amounts of fat you eat. High amounts of saturated fat will increase your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.
How to control your cholesterol level
- Don’t smoke, use recreational drugs or drink too much alcohol
- Exercise regularly and manage your weight
- Healthy diet – Eat less fat, eat the right fats. Eat foods that lower cholesterol and avoid foods that increase cholesterol.
- Relax and enjoy more outdoor activities.
Cholesterol treatment plan
The goal of cholesterol treatment plan in general is lowering cholesterol. Specifically, you want to lower your LDL cholesterol and increase your HDL cholesterol – in other words getting the right balance of cholesterol in your system. Remember, LDL cholesterol damages arteries in a few ways and HDL cholesterol helps to fix your arteries to some degree.
While cholesterol reducing medicines help keep your levels in check, the resulting side effects are more common than you might think. Some serious, some just uncomfortable, here’s a list of common symptoms potentially caused by cholesterol-lowering drugs: dizzy, bloating, heart burn, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, muscles pain, anemia or low blood count, high risk of developing gallstones, liver toxicity, flushed skin, itching, etc.
The good news is that research conducted in the U.S. and other countries prove several safe and effective natural herbs and supplements that may help lower LDL and raise HDL or "good" cholesterol. Red Reishi mushroom (or Ganoderma lucidum) reduces blood fat levels, including “bad” cholesterol 1 . In up to 48% of heart disease patients, Reishi caused a marked improvement and in up to 86% a general improvement. This included patients with elevated blood lipids. 2
1, 2 Terry, Willard Ph.D. Reishi Mushroom – Herb of Spiritual Potency and Medical Wonder, Sylvan Press, Washington (1990).
National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel, III) (2002-12-17). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report.
(n.d). Citing Websites. Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol. In Prevention. Retrieved April 18, 2012, from http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/natural-ways-lower-cholesterol#ixzz1sVGvqjGY
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