Managing Your Cholesterol

What is Cholesterol?

A waxy substance technically a sterol (unsaturated steroid

alcohol)

75% of your cholesterol is made in your liver, the rest is absorbed

from food

Cholesterol travels in particles called lipoproteins: high-density

lipoproteins (HDL) and low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

Where does Cholesterol come from?

The Liver

Makes Cholesterol and secretes it into the blood

Regulated by receptors in the liver

Genetics

genetic predisposition for familial hypercholesterolemia

Diet

High saturated fat intake

Types of Cholesterol

HDL considered the 'good'

cholesterol

Contains a higher level of protein

than cholesterol

HDLs transport cholesterol from

the tissues of the body to the liver,
so the cholesterol can be
eliminated in the bile.

LDL considered the bad' cholesterol

Higher level of cholesterol than protein

LDLs tend to stick to damaged or inflamed areas of blood vessel walls

and form plaque buildup
The higher the LDL cholesterol level, the higher the risk of coronary
artery disease.

The higher the HDL cholesterol

level, the lower the risk of
coronary artery disease.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood

Your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides

Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells

Hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals

Regularly eat more calories than you burn will raise triglycerides and increase fat
storage

What is the difference between

Cholesterol and Triglycerides?

Recommended rang is below 150.

Triglycerides store unused calories

Cholesterol used build and repair cells

High triglycerides are often a sign obesity and metabolic syndrome

High triglycerides can be a sign of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, low

thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), liver or kidney disease

High triglycerides could also be a side effect of taking medications (beta

blockers, birth control pills, diuretics, steroids or some chemotherapies).

Why do we need Cholesterol?

Your body uses cholesterol to make:

Vitamin D

sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)

Stress hormones (cortisol)

bile acids for digestion

Contributes to normal membrane function of nerve cells in the

brain

Serves as an antioxidant (Neuroprotective)

Current Recommendations

How can we control cholesterol?

Diet:

Minimize sweets and refined carbohydrates (i.e.: white bread, candy).

Excess sugar increases triglyceride levels contributing to cholesterol production.

Increase consumption of healthy fats

Consume carbohydrates with proteins and fats to slow breakdown.

Reduce portion sizes to control calorie intake.

Increases satiety, reduces insulin response

helps maintain normal weight and sugar metabolism

Increase Fiber intake

Exercise:

Physical activity increases cellular energy needs

Increases ration of good to bad cholesterol

Stress Reduction:

Reduces stress hormone (cortisol) response, reducing blood pressure and blood sugar.

Medication and/or supplements

*same as blood sugar regulation

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Healthy Fats

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Hidden Dangers High Cholesterol

The incubation period for this disease can be up to 10 to 20 years.

Metabolic disruptions are present long before physical symptoms.

Reduces overall quality of life feelings of wellbeing.

Accelerates development of other health issues: hypertension,

heart disease, dementia.
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*same as blood sugar regulation

Complications of long term

elevated Cholesterol

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