How To Follow Cholesterol Readings By A Diet To Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is often misunderstood by the majority of people due to lack of knowledge. Generally cholesterol is beneficial because it helps our bodies operate but it can be bad. Learning the difference concerning the bad cholesterol and the good cholesterol will help keep us healthy. So, it’s very important that we learn all about cholesterol readings in regards to our diet to lower cholesterol.

Our good cholesterol is identified as HDL cholesterol which is commonly known as high-density lipoprotein. Its main goal is to make our body parts function properly by taking the cholesterol that we have and flushing it from our system. This keeps our arteries clean and helps us avoid experiencing a heart attack in addition to a stroke.

Then we have the bad cholesterol, which is also know as LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). This cholesterol is bad, especially when we have large quantities in our bodies. Its main job is to slowly build up in our arteries which eventually clogs them up and can cause us to experience a heart attack and possibly a stroke.

This is why people should obtain a cholesterol reading, especially if they have a family history of high cholesterol. Typically there are three cholesterol readings people will receive: the LDL cholesterol reading, the total cholesterol reading, and the HDL cholesterol reading. All three need to be looked at to make sure you are in the normal ranges as most people usually only consider the total cholesterol reading.

It is good to know the normal cholesterol reading so when you get your cholesterol reading back from your doctor, you will know exactly what your cholesterol levels are. You HDL cholesterol levels should be over 45 and you will need to consult your doctor if they fall below 40. Your LDL cholesterol levels should be under 130 and if they reach 160 or higher, then you will need to start on a diet to lower cholesterol. Your total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 and if they reach 140 you should check with your doctor because it can be extremely dangerous.

To get your cholesterol tested, you should consult your doctor and he will be able to test your cholesterol levels. If you do wind up having a high cholesterol level, then you can change some things in your diet to lower cholesterol which will help in reducing cholesterol before your next visit. Make sure your diet has plenty of protein which you can find in dark meat and fish. Also include 6 servings of fruit and vegetables in your daily means and try to stay away from foods high in fat.

Once you learn the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol it is easier to understand what the doctor is talking about when you go and get a cholesterol reading. You want more HDL cholesterol and less LDL cholesterol. Knowing the test results will help you determine if you need to be on medication or if you can just control it with a diet to lower cholesterol.