Healthy & Young - Then Why Is My Total Cholesterol Above 200?

Cholesterol: High / Low  -  Good / Bad
We all need essential fats for they are a major source of energy and help the body in absorbing vitamins.

But, do we really understand the difference between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol?

About cholesterol checkups! When was your last checkup?
Everyone age 20 and older should have a fasting "lipoprotein profile" every five years, specially if:

•   They have diabetes, or high blood glucose levels.
•   Have high blood pressure.
•   Heart disease runs in their family
•   They smoke

What are LDL (BAD) cholesterol levels?

< 100 ideal for people who have a higher risk of heart disease.
100 to 129 is near optimal.
130 to 159 is borderline high.
>160 means you're at a higher risk for heart disease.

What are HDL (GOOD) cholesterol levels?

< 40 means you're at higher risk for heart disease.
60 > greatly reduces your risk of heart disease.

I am healthy but my annual blood report showed my total cholesterol is over 200!

What should I do?

• If you are young and healthy talk to your doctor about your cholesterol results. Start and regularly take the medications he may put you on.
• Consult with one of our nutritionists to assess your diet and risk factors. The nutritionists will customize new diet plans that are specially suited to your health needs, personal likes and dislikes and lifestyle.
• Implement the recommended lifestyle and dietary changes.
• Learn to eat heart-healthy, cholesterol lowering foods and start a regular exercise regimen.
• Reduce long term risks by lowering your cholesterol back to optimal levels.

    Top 10 cholesterol reducing foods          

We recommend you choose:

1. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grains, They are high in fiber, low in fat and naturally cholesterol-free.
2. Keep total fat intake between 25 and 35 percent of your daily calories, with most fats coming from sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
3. Use naturally occurring, unhydrogenated vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower or olive oil most often.
4. Look for processed foods made with unhydrogenated oil rather than partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils or saturated fat.
5. Use soft margarine as a substitute for butter, and choose soft margarines (liquid or tub varieties) over harder stick forms. Look for "0 g trans fat" on the Nutrition Facts label.
6. Limit consumption of foods like french fries, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, muffins, pies and cakes that are high in trans fat and saturated fats.

WHAT CAN NUTRITIONVISTA DO TO HELP LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL?

• We can help you maintain a food and activity diary, so you can record and save what you eat daily. In just a week, you will notice a trend showing you where your diet is going wrong and how it is raising your cholesterol levels.
• There may be other factors like genetic predisposition, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and lack of exercise may also be contributing factors. Our dietitians will take all those issues into consideration when customizing your menu plan.
• We will continue to work with you to ensure you are able to follow your new menu plans and to help you follow through as you work towards lowering your cholesterol levels.

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If you know you have a family history of Diabetes, Obesity, and Heart Disease and you find yourself gaining weight, then it is recommended you address the issue of eating a more balanced diet. One that is rich in fruits and vegetables but lean in fats and oils.

If you're overweight, losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help lower cholesterol levels. Also limit your overall cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day.

Let our NutritionVista coaches work with you in adjusting what you consume so you can balance your food intake with the calories you burn.


ASSESS NOW!