Low Fat Diet – What It Is And How To Best Implement It
This year, 13 million Americans will die of heart disease. This year, 40% of the people with suffer from metabolic failure. For these people, modifying their lifestyle with more exercise, cholesterol lowering strategies and adhering to a low fat diet could save their lives. Prevention, self-treatment and even blood pressure lowering medications cost pennies compared to the money many will spend on emergency medical care or long term treatment if they continue to live an intentionally, unhealthy lifestyle.
Let’s discuss “good fats” to include in your otherwise low fat diet. In addition to transporting vitamins, protecting the body and filling us with energy, some of these fats are deemed so essential because they deliver omega-6 and omega-3, which the body cannot make on its own but relies very heavily upon. These essential fatty acids help the body to regulate hormones, stimulate the metabolism and boost the immune system, thereby fighting off cancer, preventing blood clots, controlling cell growth and regulating all intracellular processes.
“Bad fats” are trans fats: margarines, shortening, deep fried chips, fast food, baked goods, hydrogenated vegetable oil. The reason they have such a bad wrap is that they’re known for lowering HDL cholesterol, which is the kind your body needs to function, as well as increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol that leads to heart disease and diabetes. Saturated fats found in whole milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, red meat, coconuts and chocolate should also be limited for the same reasons. Fat from these sources should be 16 grams or less for a 2,000 calorie diet. For those looking to actually lose weight, the saturated fats should be less than 12 grams.
A low fat diet doesn’t have to taste gross. Think of your new diet as a “detox” program for the heart and body. Like with alcoholism or drug abuse, you’ll experience some initial discomfort as you attempt to wean yourself off the sugar, the salt, the cholesterol and the calories your body was so accustomed to getting. With such an abundance of junk food and “convenience” foods on the market, it’s understandable how many Americans can fall into this trap. However, you’ve made the right decision to control your eating before it kills you!
As we get older there are critical numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to worry about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. These are some of the things that most of us have ignored for the vast majority of our lives now all of a sudden they have significant importance. However these are things that should not have been forgotten. A lifetime of abuse on the body yields only unfavourable things when left unrestrained.
Your cholesterol level is without question crucial if you want to remain in good health and your body working properly. High levels can lead to heart attacks and stroke, both things you do not want to have to contend with. Being mindful in regards to your cholesterol level is not just for the aging. It is something both younger people as well as older people have to worry as well as be conscious of if they want to conduct a healthy life. In this article we will cover the basic principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will understand how significant a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid that is found in the bloodstream of humans and all animals. It can be there from two different sources. The first source is your body itself. The body naturally produces cholesterol. The second source of cholesterol is the food that we eat. It may surprise you to know that not all cholesterol is bad for you. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. But you have to know the difference if you want to protect your health and your heart.
What types of medicines are given for high cholesterol?
Obviously the first choice of physicians is exercise and a healthy diet low in trans fats. But when that does not work or there is a high level of LDL present then medications must be brought in to help. There are many different types of medicines currently being used to treat high cholesterol. The goal of each type of medicine is to lower the amount of LDL present in the blood stream and to help remove blockage and build up that has occurred. Some of these medicines are statins, bile acid resins, and nicotinic acid and fibric acid derivatives.
How is the obstruction from the arteries removed?
The first stage is through medicines but if there is a serious narrowing or blockage in the artery or blood vessel then a somewhat more invasive operation is essential. The actual procedures may change but one popular method is done through the use of a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and navigated to the obstruction where the plaque build up has happened. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the procedure is minimally invasive and most patients are able to going home that day.
How do I know what my cholesterol is?
Well in order to know what your cholesterol is you should have a blood cholesterol testing performed at least every five years. The most recommended test is a fasting lipoprotein blood profile. This test measures not only your total cholesterol but it also specifies the LDL and the HDL levels. It is a great idea to be knowledgeable about where your numbers are and to ensure that they are in the proper healthy range.
To learn more click here Controlling High Cholesterol similarly Cholesterol Chart as well as How To Lower Cholesterol
