Seasonal Spotlight: Nati
onal Cholesterol Education Awareness Month
More than 102 million American adults have a high total cholesterol level. Do you know what your cholesterol level is? If not, this is the perfect time to get your cholesterol checked, and to take steps to lower it if it is high.
Our bodies need cholesterol to function normally, but too much cholesterol can build up in our arteries putting us at risk for heart disease and stroke. A simple blood test can tell you your total cholesterol number, your HDL or "good" cholesterol, your LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides. You should have your cholesterol checked every 5 years, or more often if you have a history of high cholesterol.
Desirable Cholesterol Levels:
Total cholesterol - Less than 170mg/dL
LDL (bad cholesterol) - Less than 110mg/dL
HDL (good cholesterol) - 35mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides - Less than 150mg/dL
If you have high cholesterol, here are some lifestyle changes you can take to lower it :
- Eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are low in fat and high in fiber.
- Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise 5 days per week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don't smoke, or quit if you do.
Supplements that you may consider taking: Omega-3 fish oils, CoQ-10, and Bergamot.
Bergamot contains a unique array of cholesterol-balancing and cardio-protective polyphenolic flavonoids, and is found in our Ortho Molecular line of supplements. If you are already taking a statin drug for your high cholesterol--you may want to consider a CoQ-10 supplement as statin drugs are known to deplete your natural CoQ-10 levels. CoQ-10 contributes to energy production and good health. For optimal CoQ-10 absorption, it must be dissolved and transported within a lipid carrier. The Ortho Molecular CoQ-10 that we carry is in this favorable oil-based soft gel form to maximize your body's absorption of it.
Feel free to speak with any of our Pharmacists about your cholesterol questions.
