Cholesterol can be defined as the fatty substance present in the blood. The presence of too much cholesterol can block blood vessels. According to the primary care services Homer Glen, it is caused by certain lifestyle factors such as being overweight, lack of exercise, fatty food, smoking, and alcohol. This condition can further result in heart problems, hence it is important to take steps to lower high cholesterol. 

Wondering how? Read on to know more!

So, what are the foods you must eat and avoid to lower cholesterol?

Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti, MD, advises people with high cholesterol about the best course of treatment. She asks people with such complications to make some changes to their diet and lifestyle to help lower their cholesterol.

People with such conditions are generally informed to eat less fatty food, particularly foods that contain saturated fat. Food with saturated fat can raise the level in the blood. On the other hand, foods containing unsaturated fat can help reduce the levels.

As per the NHS website, people who have such health issues should try to eat less of the following foods which are high in saturated fat such as:

• Meat pies and sausages
• Butter or ghee (clarified butter)
• Hard cheese or cheddar
• Cookies and biscuits
• Foods that contain coconut oil or palm oil

The family doctor in Homer Glen suggests that people with high cholesterol can try to eat more of the following foods which are high in unsaturated fat:

• Oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
• Brown rice, 
• Brown bread, and pasta
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits and vegetables

What are the normal cholesterol levels?

A proper health test usually determines 4 distinct numbers: 

• Total cholesterol
• LDL
• HDL
• Triglycerides

Being fat, this substance is not soluble in water. It cannot specifically circulate freely in the blood. Cholesterol is measured in “milligrams per deciliter” (mg/dL). Have a look at the healthy levels of cholesterol, based on your gender and age:

Children age 19 and younger: The total level that an individual of this age wants is less than 170mg/dL. All you want is to keep the level less than 100mg/dL of LDL. You also need more than 45mg/dL of HDL. 

Women over 20: The total level of such conditions varies from 125 to 200mg/dL. According to the experts, LDL levels should be less than 100mg/dL. They must have 50 mg/dL or higher of HDL.

Men over 20: The normal level for men’s total cholesterol is 125 to 200mg/dL. Well, men need less than 100mg/dL of LDL. They also need 40mg/dL of HDL cholesterol. 

Diagnosing the right levels

Want to check your level? Schedule an appointment with primary care services Homer Glen, they will check your cholesterol levels with a lipid profile blood test. The physician at Suburban Wellness SC  will ask you to fast before getting your levels checked. Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti, MD will also ask about your family’s heart health history, if you’re experiencing some other symptoms or problems. It is important to get in touch with the physician to lower the complications. You can also connect with her through PatientMD Telemedical Services. Schedule online appointments for the services you seek.