It's estimated that at least half of all Americans have either high or borderline cholesterol levels. These elevated levels will put you at a much higher risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Our bodies naturally produce cholesterol. It is made in the liver, helps form cell membranes, creates some of the hormones we need and even helps our bodies digest fat. Cholesterol is found in every cell of our bodies. It is in our skin, nerves, muscles and even our brain. Many of the foods we eat add even more cholesterol to the amount naturally produced by the liver. Our weight, stress, age and heredity are other things that also contribute to elevated cholesterol in the body. Often referred to as bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, there are two types found in our bodies. One type carries cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down. This is the good type or HDL cholesterol. The other type, LDL, does the reverse in that it carries it in the bloodstream and away from your liver. When the bloodstream contains too much cholesterol, it clings to the walls of the vessels and hardens, restricting the blood flowing to the brain and heart. This in turn greatly raises the occurrence of strokes or heart attacks. If your cholesterol level is too high there are some things you can try to help lower it and reduce the risks associated with it. For many people following a diet low in cholesterol, getting exercise and reducing weight will be all that is required to lower the levels. Reducing saturated fats in your daily diet and eating foods that lower cholesterol, such as fish, oats, whole grains and yogurt can assist you in bringing your levels under control. If you have inherited your high cholesterol levels or your body is simply producing too much, then only changing your lifestyle won't be enough. There are a number of different types of medications on the market and these can be discussed with your doctor. There are other factors that increase the risks of heart attacks and strokes, but elevated cholesterol is one thing that you can actually have some control over. If you've been diagnosed with high or borderline cholesterol start making those basic changes that might extend your life by years!
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