Often referred to as “lipids”, cholesterol and triglycerides are just fats that can be found within your body.
Paradoxically, both of these fats can be either good for you or bad for you.
On the one hand, your body needs cholesterol and triglycerides to function properly. On the other hand, too much of either one can potentially be unhealthy.
Why this contradiction?
Let’s take look at what cholesterol and triglycerides are, why your body needs them, how they can wind up being unhealthy for you, and the various ways you can manage them for optimal health.
How Are Cholesterol and Triglycerides Transported?
For the most part, your body transports three kinds of fat within your bloodstream:
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)—
LDL is colloquially referred to as “bad” cholesterol. But to call LDL inherently bad is an oversimplification that has caused a great deal of confusion among patients.
Suffice it to say that LDL’s complicated reputation stems from the fact that high levels of LDL cholesterol combined with poor lifestyle habits can lead to clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)—
HDL is often referred to as being “good” cholesterol. HDL gets this high praise because it helps to remove excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides—
Your body benefits from triglycerides due to the quick energy they provide. However, triglyceride levels that are too high can increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Why You Need Cholesterol and Triglycerides
It would be more accurate to say that these lipids are essential for good health.
Your body needs cholesterol to:
- Build cell membranes.
- Produce hormones.
- Make bile acids for digestion.
- Support healthy brain and nervous system function.
Triglycerides, on the other hand, are a significant source of energy for the body; but they’re also involved in the formation of cell membranes and the production of some hormones.
Without cholesterol and triglycerides, your body simply wouldn’t function properly.
So Why Are These Lipids Sometimes Bad for You?
When LDL oxidizes within the bloodstream as a consequence of inflammation and unhealthy lifestyle habits, it can cause any of the following:
- Plaque formation within arteries, which can cause blockages.
- Elevated blood pressure due to narrowed arteries.
- An increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, elevated triglycerides can cause inflammation, and they can increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Natural Ways to Lower LDL and Triglycerides
The following are foods you can include in your diet to help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides:
- Oats and whole grains can reduce LDL.
- Fatty fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, and sardines) are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can lower triglycerides.
- Nuts (like almonds and walnuts) boost HDL.
- Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and antioxidants. Fiber helps to reduce LDL. Antioxidants prevent LDL from oxidizing within arteries.
- Legumes (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas) can lower LDL.
- Olive oil increases HDL.
Some dietary supplements can also be beneficial:
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce triglycerides.
- Fiber taken in supplement form can lower LDL.
- Niacin (a.k.a. vitamin B3) boosts HDL and lowers triglycerides.
- Plant sterols and stanols taken in supplement form can lower LDL.
The following foods and beverages should be avoided because they can increase LDL, triglycerides, and oxidation:
- Fried foods
- Processed foods (particularly processed meats)
- Sugary drinks
- Refined carbohydrates and sugars
- Excess alcohol
Apart from diet, the following are some other lifestyle habits that can positively impact your cholesterol and triglyceride health:
- Exercise regularly (especially cardiovascular exercise).
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Manage stress.
- Get enough sleep.
Also, men and women should both work with a qualitied hormone therapy provider to ensure estrogen remains optimized. Healthy levels of estrogen are essential for good cholesterol health, not just for women, but also for men.
Summing Up
Cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for good health. But too much LDL, insufficient HDL, and elevated triglycerides have the potential for being unhealthy…particularly when lifestyle habits are suboptimal. A healthy diet, exercise, and solid lifestyle choices can go a long way toward keeping your lipids in check.
Renew Youth is here to help with physician-supervised hormone therapy and supplement recommendations. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.