What lowers cholesterol?

High cholesterol, one of the most common diseases of our age, is the main cause of many dangerous diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol, which has a structure similar to fat, is found in foods of animal origin and is also produced in the liver. Although it has very important functions in body functions, high blood cholesterol levels cause arteriosclerosis, also called atherosclerosis, and cause structural deterioration in all vessels, especially the heart and brain vessels.

What Causes Cholesterol?

Genetic factors and environmental factors play a combined role in the etiology of high cholesterol disease. Although some individuals are genetically predisposed to cholesterol disease, the main cause of cholesterol is actually wrong and unbalanced nutrition. It is possible to prevent the cholesterol problem by implementing a correct and balanced nutrition plan and adjusting the amount of animal-based foods well.

What are the symptoms of cholesterol?

Cholesterol disease is a condition that generally does not cause symptoms and is revealed in routine blood tests. However, in advanced cases, patients may experience some symptoms. The most common of these can be listed as follows:

• Fatigue and headache
• Yellow spots and formations on the skin, also called xanthoma
• Formation of oil glands around the eyes
• decreased appetite
• Forgetfulness and depression
• Burning, numbness and bruising in the legs

What Should the Cholesterol Value Be?

There are two basic types of cholesterol. One of these is HDL, called good cholesterol, and the other is LDL, called bad cholesterol, which is the basis of high cholesterol disease. LDL cholesterol in the blood is considered healthy if it is less than 100 mg/dL. Otherwise, a range of 130-159 mg/dL is considered acceptable or borderline, 160-189 mg/dL is considered high, and above 190 mg/dL is considered very high. HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol and preventing bad cholesterol from accumulating in the veins, should not be less than 40 mg/dL and more than 60 mg/dL on average. Total cholesterol being higher than 200 mg/dL is a sign of high cholesterol.

What Can You Do to Lower Cholesterol?

In order to lower cholesterol, it is necessary to first undergo medical check-up and have the necessary blood tests and other examinations. If necessary, cholesterol-lowering medications recommended by the doctor can be used. In addition, complying with the nutrition plan recommended by the doctor and dietitian plays a very important role in the course of the disease. Some points that cholesterol patients should pay attention to that help reduce the amount of cholesterol can be stated as follows:

• The amount of animal-derived foods and fat in the diet should be minimized.
• Consideration should be given to the consumption of foods such as fish, walnuts and purslane, which contain omega-3 components that help reduce bad cholesterol.
• Probiotic and prebiotic foods (yoghurt, buttermilk, kefir, etc.), which have similar effects to cholesterol-lowering drugs, should be consumed in abundance.
• The amount of physical activity should be increased and, if possible, sports should be done regularly.

If you have high cholesterol disease, you can prevent the disease and the negative effects of high cholesterol on your body by taking the necessary precautions in the light of the information above and having regular health check-ups.