For the Love of Cheerios

courtesy of www.cheerios.com

Up until now, my knowledge of cholesterol has been limited to the information I could find on a box of Cheerios. I believed that my risk of developing high cholesterol was minimal because I maintain a healthy diet and fitness regime.

Recently, I've learned that I have high cholesterol. I've been doing my research to learn why this is potentially dangerous to my health. 


The following are my cholesterol levels and the desired numbers, listed in milligrams per deciliter of blood:


Cholesterol: 329 mg/dl <200 mg/dl
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): 50 mg/dl >/=40 mg/dl
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 194 mg/dl <100 mg/dl 
Triglyceride: 791 mg/dl 


What does all this mean? Cholesterol is defined as a compound of the sterol type found in most body tissues, including the blood and the nerves. If one's cholesterol is too high, it puts him/her at risk for atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls, which can ultimately result in coronary heart disease and/or stroke. My cholesterol (329 mg/dl) is considered high blood cholesterol (>200 mg/dl) and doubles my risk for heart disease.


High-density lipoprotein is considered the good cholesterol. HDL bonds to LDL and moves it to the liver, where it will be expelled from the body. In other words, it is important to have good HDL levels as it lowers LDL levels. My high-density lipoprotein (50 mg/dl) is currently at a safe level-- according to Kaiser, the recommended level is >/=40 mg/dl.

Low-density lipoprotein is considered the bad cholesterol because of it's contribution to atherosclerosis. It clogs the arteries and the plaque can create blood clots, which, if they break loose, can cause a person to have a heart attack or stroke. My low-density lipoprotein (194 mg/dl) is considered very high. As a diabetic, my LDL should be equal to or below 100 mg/dl.

Triglyceride is defined as an ester formed from glycerol and three fatty acid groups. High triglyceride levels can hasten the hardening of arteries when combined with unhealthy cholesterol levels. Anything above 500 mg/dl is considered very high and my levels are currently 791 mg/dl. Ideally, my triglyceride level should be 150 mg/dl or below.

My endocrinologist and I discussed the dangers of high cholesterol and what methods are available to correct these levels. One option is to go on medication. The concern here is that I am of "child-bearing age" and it can cause birth defects. She views this as a last resort for my age and is placing my health in my hands with option number two: control through diet. 

I am hoping to significantly reduce my cholesterol through food choices before my next doctor's appointment. This means I need to reduce my daily intake of fat, especially saturated and trans fat, which is found in dairy, meats, and processed foods. I will continue eating heart-healthy foods such as, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish (omega-3 fatty acids), and nuts. The recommended daily amount of cholesterol is 300 mg and I will be working hard at monitoring this given amount. Here is a chart that lists the amount of cholesterol in common foods. I also found this cholesterol tracker and I believe it will be helpful for me to use in this quest.

Along with a healthy diet, I plan on researching some over-the-counter products that have been proven to reduce high cholesterol. A childhood friend recommended niacin, an organic B vitamin compound that reduces cholesterol and triglyceride. I also read that flax seed oil has heart-healthy components, which is great because flax seed is used in some amazing recipes, such as these blueberry-oat scones-- one of my new-found favorites!

Last but not least, I would like to address a question that I am sure will come up. Oh my goodness~ your levels are SO high! What do you eat? High cholesterol isn't contributed solely to diet. In my case, my doctor believes that hyperlipidemia is linked to genetics. High cholesterol is a hereditary trait on my dad's side of the family. Researchers believe that high cholesterol can be attributed to a genetic defect in a molecule apoprotein. And in my case, it doesn't help that high blood sugar is a factor in low-density lipoprotein levels, eventually damaging the lining of my arteries. Double whammy! 

I will do my darnedest to protect my heart and bring my cholesterol down. I pray that I will have good news to report this October! In the meantime, bring on the Cheerios!