As your chiropractor, my goal extends beyond spinal health to helping you achieve overall wellness. One crucial aspect of general health is understanding cholesterol and its impact on your body.
Cholesterol itself isn't inherently bad—our bodies naturally produce cholesterol (endogenous cholesterol), essential for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and cell membrane integrity. However, issues arise when cholesterol levels become unbalanced, often influenced by diet and lifestyle.
There are two main types of cholesterol to consider: HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein). HDLs are beneficial—they act as scavengers, picking up excess cholesterol and carrying it back to the liver for disposal. Conversely, LDLs can build up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Your "total cholesterol" score alone doesn't give a complete picture; the proportion of HDL to LDL provides essential context. A higher proportion of HDL relative to LDL is protective and indicative of cardiovascular health even if your total cholesterol is marginally high.
It's important to recognize that, while some cases of high cholesterol are genetic (familial hypercholesterolemia), the vast majority result from dietary choices and lifestyle habits. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates tend to raise LDL levels significantly. Dietary cholesterol (exogenous cholesterol) actually contains macromolecules that prevent it from raising your cholesterol levels directly. Instead, it's primarily simple carbohydrates that stimulate your body's own cholesterol production, influencing cholesterol levels indirectly.
Fortunately, you have substantial control over managing cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes:
Increase intake of fiber-rich foods (vegetables, whole grains).
Reduce consumption of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods and sweets, such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit, pastries, candies, sugary cereals, and soft drinks.
Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes weekly.
Limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products.
Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can significantly lower LDL cholesterol and promote overall health. Remember, proactive lifestyle adjustments empower you to maintain both spinal health and heart wellness. Let's continue working together for a healthier, happier life.