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Lower Your Low Density LipoproteinsWhen we have our cholesterol checked, we are given our cholesterol- lipoproteins readings. We are told that LDL is bad cholesterol and HDL is good cholesterol. LDL is considered a bad fat circulating through the bloodstream, just waiting to cause a heart attack and HDL is a good fat out to save us. Actually cholesterol is not a fat at all, but a waxy, soapy-feeling, solid alcohol. And it is absolutely essential for life. Every cell requires cholesterol to maintain the structural integrity of its cell membrane, and to control the flow of water and nutrients into the cell and waste products out. Nerves and brains require cholesterol.
The cells need a certain amount of cholesterol to carry out cellular functions. If the supply in the cell runs low, the cell can either make more or send messengers to the cell surface to collect cholesterol from the bloodstream. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Low density lipoproteins, LDLs, are the transport for cholesterol to the cells. When the LDL lipoproteins deliver their load of cholesterol, they go back to pick up more. High density lipoproteins, HDLs, pick up excess cholesterol from the tissues and artery linings and carry it to the liver for disposal.
And what does all this have to do with insulin? Insulin revs up the cells’ cholesterol-making machinery, building up a surplus in the cell, making it unnecessary for the cell to retrieve any of the substance from the bloodstream. The LDL lipoproteins carrying the excess cholesterol then build up in the blood, sticking to vessel walls, causing plaque formations. Cutting back on dietary cholesterol often doesn’t cause much of an improvement in blood levels of the cholesterol total. A low fat diet actually causes the cells of your body to have to make more cholesterol.
Know your numbers.You should have a blood test every year. Don’t let your health provider get away with just testing for total cholesterol . Have it broken down into HDL and LDL. You should also be tested for triglycerides, fat that is carried in the blood stream and clogs blood vessels.You can have too little cholesterol. The ideal total reading should be between 180 and 200 mg/dl. If your total reading is more than 200, you may still be in an acceptable range if you have a high HDL. Divide your LDL by your HDL (LDL/HDL). If the ratio is 3 or less, you have a positive flow of HDL cleaning up the bad cholesterol. If your numbers are good, keep them that way by following a high protein, low carbohydrate diet and exercising. Be diligent. Taking statins keeps your body from making cholesterol and forces the cells to get it from the blood. Side affects can be debilitating. If you lower your insulin production through a low carb diet, you can do the same thing naturally. Some steps you can take:Start a vigorious exercise program. Weekly vigorous exercise can help raise HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides. Aim for a minimum of 20 minutes a day three days a week of rigorous aerobic activity such as swimming, running, biking, aerobic dancing. Your heart benefits, however, from any physical activity, however mild. Get off the couch and get moving! Drop some pounds. Sometimes that is all it take to cause a drop in cholesterol levels as well a blood pressure and mild diabetes. Weight loss will be a given if you begin an exercise program and follow the Insulin Control Diet. Take LDL lowering supplements: Fish oil and flax seed oil capsules. Take 2 to 4 1000 mg capsules per day. After menopause, women will need to be more vigilant. A decrease in estrogen raises LDL levels.
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