Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two types:
LDL cholesterol - Known as the "bad" kind. It can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke.
HDL cholesterol - Known as the "good" kind. It carries LDL cholesterol back to your liver so your body can get rid of it.
When you get your cholesterol tested, you will receive a total cholesterol number and numbers for LDL, HDL and triglycerides (another form of fat in your blood):
High cholesterol usually doesn't have any symptoms. The only way to know if your levels are optimal is to get tested, which is recommended every 4 to 6 years for healthy adults over 20.
Factors that can increase your LDL cholesterol include:
Ways to improve your cholesterol levels include:
The knowledgeable and caring staff at Peak Performance Hormone Institute can help you understand your cholesterol numbers and create a customized plan to reach your health goals through nutrition, fitness, and when necessary, cholesterol management medications. As an introductory offer, mention this post for 10% off your initial consultation!
I tried to provide an informative overview of what cholesterol levels are and some key things to know. Let me know if you have any other questions!