Blood cholesterol levels are influenced by multiple factors. Some, like the genetic one, are not modifiable. But on others much can be done. Here are the main enemies.
The first cause of hypercholeseremia from which it is convenient to start is also the one on which unfortunately, we have no power: genetic predisposition.
When it is written in genes
The mechanisms of cholesterol production and metabolism are determined from birth, and the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol can be greater than necessary, more or less markedly.
But let’s not make ourselves a shield: it does not apply to everyone. The genetic predisposition is detected early because, in these cases, lipid levels in the blood are already high at a young age.
And those familiar with hypercholesterolemia should pay even more attention to dietary and lifestyle norms.
Food: cause but also ductile weapon
Although it causes hypercholesterolemia in a relative percentage of cases (on average around 15 percent), nutrition is a very useful weapon in keeping cholesterol levels under control.
By modifying your diet correctly, you can reduce circulating cholesterol by up to 30 percent.
What? Avoiding putting on the table foods rich in cholesterol and those containing saturated and hydrogenated fats and paying attention to excess calories.
We transform our diet so that it is healthy and balanced: low in sugar, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and based on fish, legumes, whole grains, white meats, vegetables at will and fruits.
Sedentary lifestyle
Along with the wrong diet, a sedentary lifestyle also plays an important role in raising cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol.
Why is it easy to say: regular aerobic physical activity is able to increase HDL cholesterolemia, or the amount of good cholesterol.
If it is lacking, in addition to storing more fat since it is not burned with energy for the muscles, the ratio between good and bad cholesterol will be unbalanced in favor of the latter.
Moving regularly also helps to eliminate any overweight and, last but not least, it is an excellent anti-stress.
It therefore prevents the spikes in cholesterol levels induced by the typical stress hormones: adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.
Hormonal imbalances
Other culprits in raising cholesterol are hormones. Or rather their incorrect balance.
Starting from those of the thyroid: a reduced activity of the gland (hypothyroidism), quite common especially in women, means decreased production of hormones that control the regulation of lipoproteins. With increased cholesterolemia.
But if women are more threatened by low levels of thyroid hormones, they are on the other hand protected by estrogen, which has a positive action on cholesterolemia since they tend to raise the HDL fraction and decrease the LDL fraction.
The little men must instead pay attention to androgens: they increase cholesterol, and in particular the bad one (LDL).
For this reason, the risk of hypercholesterolemia is higher in humans. But beware: after menopause, women also lose the advantage because they lack the help of estrogen.
Untreated diabetes
Last but not least, the presence of diabetes. Especially if it is not well treated, the disease is accompanied by hypercholesterolemia since it increases the mobilization of lipids and, consequently, cholesterol in the blood.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.