Is Cholesterol Something We Should Worry About Or Just A Pharmaceutical Ploy?

By: Jillian Foley RDN, LDN

Nutritionista

Cholesterol meds are getting a lot of attention lately, and not in a good way. Influencers and health bloggers are claiming that not only is a high cholesterol number not dangerous for your health but it's important for your brain to stay healthy. Your doctor, on the other hand, tells you your cholesterol is elevated and he wants to put you on a statin.

So who should you believe?

First, what is cholesterol? Cholesterol is waxy substance throughout the body used for making vitamins, hormones, helps your liver make bile and helps rebuild cells. There are 2 main types:

1. HDL cholesterol which is referred to as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove the "bad" cholesterol.

2. LDL cholesterol which is referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because too much can lead to a build up of plaque causing atherosclerosis.

While having cholesterol is essential for having the body function properly, just like with everything, too much of anything isn't a good thing. Except money ;-) If too much cholesterol is circulating through the blood stream, it builds plaque which can narrow or block the arteries leading to a heart attack. If a piece of the plaque breaks off, it can lead to a stroke.

So does that mean if my levels are high I should take a medication? Not so fast. Although you should work on getting your cholesterol numbers under control, meds don't need to be the first course-of-action.

• Start by limitting saturated fat from your diet. This includes full-fat dairy/cheese, baked goods, pastries, and high fat meats like 80/20 ground meat, NY strip, bacon, chicken wings, fried foods, etc

  • Replace it with leaner meats like 93% lean ground meat, filet, chicken breast or skinless thighs and low/non fat dairy. Also including healthier fats from fish, nuts and seeds.

• Increasing exercise has been shown to help raise your "good" cholesterol which will help lower the "bad' cholesterol. 30 minutes most days of the week should be what to aim for.

• Decreasing weight if your'e carrying more than you should. This will help lower the amount of cholesterol in your arteries. Don't overly concern yourself with hitting your ideal body weight. Just work on getting a little off at a time.

• Get your levels checked every 3 months. This is a great way to stay motivated but to also show you if the changes you are making are improving your lab results.

• And of course, finding a dietitian to help you implement these changes while keeping you consistent and accountable.

Jillian Foley, RDN Nutrititionista is a Registered Dietitian that specializes in Food Therapy. She believes that weight-loss & disease prevention/management is 20% food education & 80% psychological. She owns her own practice for 1-on-1 sessions as well as courses. You can find more info @www.Nutritionista267.com Follower her on IG @Nutritionista_1