High cholesterol symptoms refer to the buildup of excessive cholesterol in the body, presenting as a health condition. Although it typically doesn’t exhibit noticeable symptoms, it can potentially result in serious complications such as heart attack, peripheral artery disease, or stroke due to the development of atherosclerosis.
The primary causes of high cholesterol include consuming fatty foods, insufficient physical activity, excess weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, there is a familial predisposition to this condition. One can effectively reduce cholesterol levels by adopting a nutritious diet and engaging in regular exercise but may find it easier and faster after working with your naturopathic doctor to identify supplements that can support you.
Signs of high cholesterol
High cholesterol typically doesn’t show clear symptoms, but there are visible signs that can indicate its presence. These signs include changes in vision like
- blurred vision
- fatty deposits around the face
- slower heart rate
- breathlessness during exercise
- External factors such as alterations in the eyes, legs, toenails, and skin
What foods are high in cholesterol?
The foods that are not good for high cholesterol because they have a lot of saturated fat. Instead of meat, you can find lots of protein powders with low cholesterol in stores. Some of the best ones are whey protein isolate, egg white protein, pea protein, and soy protein. Here is a list of foods that have a lot of cholesterol:
- Fast foods
- Liver
- Fatty Red meats (like beef, pork, and lamb)
- Canned shrimp
- Desserts
- Eggs
- Whipped cream
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Butter
Note: Not all foods with cholesterol are bad for you. Some foods like eggs and full-fat yogurt can be good for your health, in moderate amounts if you have high cholesterol
What is the cholesterol myth?
The cholesterol myth is a term used to talk about the idea that having high cholesterol in your blood is always bad for your health. But that’s not true. Some types of cholesterol are essential for your body to stay healthy. Cholesterol helps your body do important things like making hormones and building cells. It moves around your body in the blood on proteins called lipoproteins.
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. HDL is often known as “good” cholesterol since it helps take away LDL from your arteries, however having too much HDL or LDL is not healthy for your heart and overall health.
How long does it take to lower cholesterol?
It usually takes 3-6 months to lower cholesterol levels by eating healthy and exercising. Making certain changes to your diet may lead to small cholesterol reductions in just 4 weeks. By following a heart-healthy diet, most individuals can notice improvements within a few months. Nevertheless, in certain situations, medication may still be required.
If you are worried about your cholesterol levels or have a family history of heart disease, it’s a good idea to learn more about good heart health and ways to lower cholesterol, by joining the Confident Hormone Club.
If you are worried about your cholesterol levels or if heart disease runs in your family, it’s a good idea to book a discovery call at Make Care Health Centre, to get the tools and knowledge to speak to your family physician and naturopathic doctor about supporting your care. They can give you a medical workup and treatment, that will be more effective once you understand the pathway forward to implementing that advice and the trajectory of the care plan.
What is the best drink to lower cholesterol?
There are lots of drinks that can be good for your cholesterol. These drinks have powerful stuff called antioxidants that can help buffer inflammation caused by oxidants in the blood, which allows for cholesterol to accumulate, leading to atherosclerotic events Drinks with high antioxidant content are green tea, citrus juice, drinks having substances called sterols and stanols such as plant milk smoothies, red wine, and pomegranate juice.
Cholesterol for hair
Cholesterol, a waxy and fatty substance naturally occurring in the body, is also present in certain foods like eggs, dairy products, and meat. Its role in the body extends beyond bodily functions and includes promoting hair growth.
For hair health, cholesterol serves several beneficial purposes. Firstly, being a lipid, it aids in maintaining hair moisture. Acting as a protective layer around the hair shaft, lipids prevent moisture loss, resulting in softer and more manageable hair.
Secondly, cholesterol plays a protective role by sealing the hair cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft. By doing so, it guards against damage caused by heat styling, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Lastly, cholesterol contributes to hair strength. As a component of sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp, it lubricates the hair, preventing dryness and brittleness. This nourishing effect helps in maintaining healthier and more resilient hair overall.
Essential oils for high cholesterol symptoms
Some essential oils might naturally help lower cholesterol levels. The best ones are cinnamon, basil, lemongrass, lavender, ginger, and clove essential oil.
Lemongrass essential oil is special because it contains citral and geraniol, which can improve blood flow and possibly reduce cholesterol levels. It keeps the blood vessels relaxed, allowing smoother blood circulation throughout the body. Some evidence suggests it may help lower cholesterol too.
However, it’s essential to remember that essential oils cannot replace medical treatment. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
