Managing Your Cholesterol 1

What is Cholesterol?  A waxy substance – technically a sterol (unsaturated steroid alcohol)  75% of your cholesterol is made in your liver, the rest is absorbed from food  Cholesterol travels in particles called lipoproteins: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) 2

Where does Cholesterol come from?  The Liver  Makes Cholesterol and secretes it into the blood  Regulated by receptors in the liver  Genetics  genetic predisposition for familial hypercholesterolemia  Diet  High saturated fat intake 3

Types of Cholesterol  HDL considered the 'good' cholesterol  Contains a higher level of protein than cholesterol  HDLs transport cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver, so the cholesterol can be eliminated in the bile.  The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease.  LDL considered the ‘bad' cholesterol  Higher level of cholesterol than protein  LDLs tend to stick to damaged or inflamed areas of blood vessel walls and form plaque buildup  The higher the LDL cholesterol level, the higher the risk of coronary artery disease. 4

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What are Triglycerides?  Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood  Your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides  Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells  Hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals  Regularly eat more calories than you burn will raise triglycerides and increase fat storage 6

What is the difference between Cholesterol and Triglycerides?  Recommended rang is below 150.  Triglycerides store unused calories  Cholesterol used build and repair cells  High triglycerides are often a sign obesity and metabolic syndrome  High triglycerides can be a sign of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), liver or kidney disease  High triglycerides could also be a side effect of taking medications (beta blockers, birth control pills, diuretics, steroids or some chemotherapies). 7

Why do we need Cholesterol? Your body uses cholesterol to make:  Vitamin D  sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)  Stress hormones (cortisol)  bile acids for digestion  Contributes to normal membrane function of nerve cells in the brain  Serves as an antioxidant (Neuroprotective) 8

Current Recommendations 9

How can we control cholesterol? Diet:  Minimize sweets and refined carbohydrates (i.e.: white bread, candy).  Excess sugar increases triglyceride levels contributing to cholesterol production.  Increase consumption of healthy fats  Consume carbohydrates with proteins and fats to slow breakdown.  Increases satiety, reduces insulin response  Reduce portion sizes to control calorie intake.  helps maintain normal weight and sugar metabolism  Increase Fiber intake Exercise:  Physical activity increases cellular energy needs  Increases ration of good to bad cholesterol Stress Reduction:  Reduces stress hormone (cortisol) response, reducing blood pressure and blood sugar.  Medication and/or supplements 10 *same as blood sugar regulation

Healthy Fats 11

Hidden Dangers High Cholesterol  The incubation period for this disease can be up to 10 to 20 years.  Metabolic disruptions are present long before physical symptoms.  Reduces overall quality of life feelings of wellbeing.  Accelerates development of other health issues: hypertension, heart disease, dementia. 12 *same as blood sugar regulation

13 Complications of long term elevated Cholesterol

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