High Cholesterol Causes
Study shows that besides the cholesterol that was naturally produced by our body, the rest are obtained from food we digest. Factors like your genes play a role in how much your body makes cholesterol on its own and the rest is determined by what kind of lifestyle you lead and the food you eat. Here are some of the different causes of high cholesterol.
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking lowers your protective HDL cholesterol or Good cholesterol. Research shows that quitting increases a person’s HDL by an average of 4 mg/dL. Cigarette smoking also injures your arterial walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. It can also lead to different diseases such as lung cancer, TB and pneumonia.
Genetics
Sometimes High level of cholesterol can run in the blood through hereditary factor. Although that is often due to shared eating habits, sometimes it can also be genetic. One can inherit the high cholesterol levels that run in the family. The younger you are when high cholesterol level strikes, the more likely it is due to genetic factors. In these cases, a genetic abnormality leads to the overproduction of cholesterol in the liver.
What you eat
Your current diet and food has an important role in your cholesterol numbers. Consuming foods that has high levels of saturated fat or trans-fat can increase LDL cholesterol also known as the Bad Cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol, found only in foods made from animal sources such as meat and dairy, can also raise your LDL cholesterol level. Eating too many calories, in general, can elevate triglycerides. Foods high in saturated fat include red meat, dairy products, chocolate, and processed foods made with cocoa butter, palm oil, or coconut oil.
Being Overweight or Obese
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of having high cholesterol. People with a high body mass index (BMI) tend to have lower levels of “good” HDL and higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides than people of normal weight. One study found that for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight a person loses, they may be able to raise their HDL by .35 mg/dL. A BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.
Physical Activity
Not getting any physically activity can contribute to high levels of cholesterol. Regular exercise can help you get fit and can help lower bad cholesterol.
Whatever causes your high cholesterol, it is always good to have a regular checkup with your doctor to monitor and test your current cholesterol levels. They might suggest cholesterol lowering supplements such as HeartSavior to lower your cholesterol.