Cholesterol is a natural substance that the body produces through the liver. It’s waxy and circulates through the bloodstream, feeding the heart and brain. But when cholesterol is derived from foods like saturated fats and trans fats, the body overproduces LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol.
HDL is the “good” cholesterol our bodies crave. Without HDL, our brains would not function properly, and we would suffer from other bodily disorders, like heart attacks and strokes. Higher levels of HDL helps to remove the bad cholesterol (LDL) from the body. Consequently, High levels of LDL may also adversely affect overall health by causing atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.
Cholesterol Numbers
Your total cholesterol is made up of both LDL and HDL numbers. The healthiest combination of both types of cholesterol measures HDL, good cholesterol) around 40, and LDL, bad cholesterol) around 100. Other contributing numbers within total cholesterol are essential to your overall number and used as biomarkers.
Risk Factors
Cholesterol, along with triglycerides in the blood, can form atherosclerosis, which as previously mentioned is the plaque that builds up in the arteries. Excessive plaque can increase the chances of a coronary heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and other related issues. Triglycerides are the fat that is stored in the bloodstream from the excess fat in our diets. Triglycerides combine with the high LDL level and create harmful plaque build-up.
Treatment
Statins are by far the most common lipid lowering drugs prescribed and they are well needed in many cases to lower the triglycerides and LDL levels in those that cannot be controlled with diet and exercise.
In addition to medications like statins, a change in diet can help to decrease LDL and Triglycerides, as well as raise your HDL to optimum levels.
Diet & Exercise
Healthier habits can help lower cholesterol naturally.
• Eat a healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean, Vegan or Dash)
• Quit smoking (contributes to atherosclerosis)
• Limit saturated fats and processed foods
• Get regular exercise
• Cut back or eliminate alcohol
• Be cautious about ketogenic diets
Optimal Diets
The ketogenic diet is the most popular diet; however, if done improperly, it can cause a great deal of harm. Eating bacon, butter and burgers may sound like a dream come true, and while it might make you skinny, it can also exponentially raise your cholesterol levels. Healthy Keto is a better option, which includes eating vegetables, healthy fats and smaller portions of healthy animal protein.
Diets like the Mediterranean or the Dash diet are viable options for individuals that want to have healthy cardiovascular systems but still consume some animal products. These diets are based on eating mostly plant-based foods while consuming smaller amounts of lean proteins like finfish, shellfish, lean beef, or poultry. With a heart-healthy diet, the best advice is to load up on fresh organic produce, limit refined or processed foods, limit dairy, reduce alcohol and sugar intake, eliminate processed meats and excessive saturated fats.
If being vegan or vegetarian is better suited for one’s personal preference or needs, that is absolutely a remarkable way to stay healthy and protect the heart. But the one thing we know from various studies and research is that processed carbohydrates, sugars, and trans fats cause inflammation and can exacerbate disorders, such as cholesterol, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular conditions.
It’s always best to speak to your physician about your diet and exercise plans.
Well-Being Medical Center
Preventative Care: Our office offers all standard routine health exams for all patients. If further testing is needed, we will create a comprehensive plan to help each patient reach their optimal health.
Health Consultations: Our staff is composed of health professionals who are experts in their field. We work with our patients through one-on-one consultations to prioritize health goals and address any health concerns.
Patient Satisfaction: Our top priority is patient satisfaction. We go the extra mile to create and execute on individualize treatment plans to make sure each patient understands their heath journey from start to finish
Contact Well-Being Medical Center of Naples today at (239) 315-7801.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease. As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.
Well-Being Medical Center of Naples
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102