Effectively Managing Blood Lipid Levels
by
R.D. Hawkins
The term blood lipid is synonymous with fat, and in fact most blood lipid molecules found floating around in our blood stream are primarily fat. These molecules play an important role in providing us with energy and are the primary building blocks for a number of compounds including bile, vitamin D, testosterone, and estrogen.
As you can see managing blood lipid levels is not as much about doing away with them completely as it is finding a way to balance their benefits and risks.
What are the risks if we fail to manage blood lipid levels?
The most obvious one is high cholesterol leading to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is process where the smooth interior lining of the arteries and veins becomes damaged leading to the accumulation of plaque deposits. Over time blood lipid particles floating by in the blood start to accumulate eventually culminating when calcium and fibrous tissue start to form causing hardening and narrowing of the artery. When this happens in the arteries surrounding the heart it is known as coronary artery disease, which is single largest cause of heart attack.
Are there any genetic conditions that make managing blood lipid levels difficult?
The answer is yes, and if you have any of these three genetic condition such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, or hypertriglyceridemia your blood lipid levels will be dangerously high primarily due to the overproduction of cholesterol by the liver. These conditions are very dangerous requiring more aggressive blood lipid management methods often including prescription medications such as statins or prescription strength niacin.
How do lipoproteins factor into my management plan?
Blood fats, including cholesterol, are transported through the blood stream by the lipoproteins HDL and LDL. HDL molecules are lean, being composed of primarily protein whereas LDL molecules are primarily fat. It just makes sense that finding ways to keep LDL low and HDL high would be one of the best ways to manage blood lipid levels.
Three helpful management tools for blood lipid levels
*Stay active: As the aging process takes hold and aches and pains become more severe it is easy to fall into a state of semi inactivity. But if you are really serious about lowering blood lipid levels and thus reducing your chances of atherosclerosis and heart disease then you must find creative ways around your maladies. Your doctor is one of the best resources you have to accomplish this. Examples he might suggest are pool aerobics, walking, or even something as simple as gardening.
*Watch your diet: Many blood fats such as triglycerides are very sensitive to diet. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables all the while keeping saturated fat and cholesterol to a minimum. One last important point is that some research suggests that increasing the consumption of polyunsaturated fat foods such as fish and avocados are essential to lowering triglyceride levels.
*Supplements can help: The latest research continues to support the idea that supplements can play a pivotal role in lowering blood fat levels. Three that have been getting a lot of press recently are vitamins B12 and B6, omega 3 rich fish oil, and of course safe and effective natural cholesterol reduction supplements.
R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of natural health and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field.To learn more about cholesterol and blood fats along with safe and effective natural remedies for cholesterol visit lowered-cholesterol.com
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Effectively Managing Blood Lipid Levels
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