Soluble Versus Insoluble Fiber
Foods such as whole wheat bread and whole grain cereal have insoluble fiber. This is great for decreasing constipation, but doesnt do much to lower cholesterol numbers. Fiber found in thinks like oats and oat products, dried peas and beans, such as lentils or chickpeas, barley, flaxseed and nuts, as well a brussel sprouts and prunes, oranges, and apples have something called soluble fiber. This kind of fiber is great to help lower LDL-C or bad cholesterol by piggy backing it out through the gut. In other words, it grabs the bad cholesterol, and moves it on out of the body.
In order to lower LDL-C with soluble fiber foods, you need to be eating between 7 and 13 grams of it in a day. The rest you should get from insoluble fiber, so that you are getting a total of 20-35 grams per day of total fiber. This could get you up to seven percent LDL-C lowering, and a two to three percent total cholesterol reduction. And thats not too shabby, so best to increase fiber in your diet when you have high cholesterol.
The Link Between Hypothyroidism And Cholesterol
Even though the link between hypothyroidism and cholesterol has been well known and documented since 1936, very few people today understand this connection or are even aware of it.
The truth is that you are being left in the dark when it comes to your cholesterol. Just mentioning the word cholesterol is enough to make most people cringe in disgust. But have you ever thought about WHY we have cholesterol in the first place?
Cholesterol happens to be the precursor to every vital protective hormone that your body produces. Without it, you would not be able to produce these protective hormones and you would die. Its as simple as that. So, cholesterol is not quite as bad as you may think.
Your body needs cholesterol, vitamin A, and active T3 thyroid hormone to produce the multitude of protective hormones that play an integral role in preventing and overcoming hypothyroidism. Some of these protective hormones include:
- Pregnenolone
- Testosterone
Think about it for just a minute
Your body NEEDS active T3 thyroid hormone to use cholesterol. If you are hypothyroid and therefore lack active T3 thyroid hormone then your body simply cannot use cholesterol to make the hormones it needs. As a result of not being able to use cholesterol, it naturally rises.
Heres a simple graph that shows this effect. Using TSH as an indicator of thyroid function, you can see that bad cholesterol increases as thyroid function decreases in both men and women.
What About Natural Sweeteners
Though some natural sweeteners, like honey and maple syrup, are generally not as heavily processed as table sugar or corn syrup, they are still relatively pure sources of sugar and contain almost no fiber.
Many other sweeteners, marketed as being natural, should also be considered added sugar. These include agave syrup, coconut sugar and cane sugar, to name a few.
Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation like all added sugars, ideally making up less than 10% of your daily calories .
SUMMARY
While added sugars are strongly linked to the development of diabetes, natural sugars found in whole fruits and vegetables dont have the same effect.
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Aspects Of Cholesterol Problems
In and of itself, cholesterol is not a bad thing: Its present in every cell in the body and does a lot of goodsupporting the production of hormones, digestion, and converting sunlight into vitamin D. Approximately 75 percent of the cholesterol present in the blood is produced by the liver, but the rest is derived from the diet, which is why making dietary changes is an effective way to keep cholesterol levels healthy.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is regarded as bad cholesterol. Its the soft, waxy stuff that can accumulate in the bloodstream and interfere with the flow of blood.
- High-density lipoprotein the so-called good cholesterolhelps keep blood vessels clear by carrying LDL cholesterol to the liver for disposal.
In addition to cholesterol, the levels of triglycerides in the body are important to heart health and so usually are considered a key aspect of a persons overall blood cholesterol profile.
| Cholesterol Level Guidelines for Adults 20 and Older |
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| Type |
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There Are Two Main Forms Of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes has an unknown underlying cause. The immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas, when this happens, your body is unable to transport sugar, so it just stays in your blood.
- Type 2 diabetes means that your cells resist the action of insulin, and the pancreas isnt able to produce extra quantities that can counteract this resistant. The result is the same: sugar level building up inside the bloodstream.
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Role Of Liver Apoproteins
Liver apoproteins and lipid-metabolizing proteins have been found to play a role in triggering the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with abnormal lipid levels.
A number of studies have demonstrated that the production of ApoB , which is a major protein component of VLDL and LDL in the liver, is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes.
ApoB is a large protein, the production of which is regulated differently than the synthesis of most other proteins in the body. The production of ApoB is also not altered remarkably by the dietary changes in patients with diabetes.
Instead, a large amount of the newly synthesized form of this protein gets degraded during and immediately after its translation.
The degradation could be avoided when lipid is combined with a protein via the action of another protein called microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. However, this protein is often defective in patients with insulin deficiency and insulin resistance.
Insulin has the ability to regulate the production of several other proteins that can affect the levels of lipoproteins in the blood. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms that worsen the risk of diabetes can also play a role in the development of abnormalities in the lipid levels.
Hence it is important to assess your cholesterol levels regularly to ensure any change in the lipid level is detected early to allow you to adopt appropriate measures to prevent the serious complications of dyslipidemia.
When To See A Doctor
If you notice a gradual change in your vision, its important to tell your eye doctor. An eye exam can help them pinpoint what is causing your eyesight to change.
Some of the eye conditions that are related to high cholesterol, including xanthelasma and arcus senilis, do not typically cause vision changes.
If you experience a sudden loss in vision or you are seeing floaters for the first time, make an urgent appointment with your eye doctor. If your eye doctor is not available, go to the emergency room.
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Does High Cholesterol Cause Diabetes
Best ways to lower cholesterol begin with know exactly what cholesterol is and what you need to do to control and maintain the best numbers just like blood sugar numbers. Diabetes and cholesterol are two things you want to monitor for sure. Does High Cholesterol Cause Diabetes? Lets explore this:
Take Care Of Your Heart
These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk for heart disease or keep it from getting worse, as well as help you manage diabetes:
- Follow a healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Eat fewer processed foods and avoid transexternal icon fat. Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks, and less alcohol.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If youre overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight can lower your triglycerides and blood sugar. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
- Get active. Being physically active makes your body more sensitive to insulin , which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
- Manage your ABCs:
- A: Get a regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months aim to stay in your target range as much as possible.
- B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg .
- C: Manage your cholesterol levels.
- s: Stop smoking or dont start.
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Watch Out For The Rest Of Your Health
Even if youre careful about controlling both your blood sugar and your blood cholesterol, diabetes can affect other parts of the body over time. That means its important to stay on top of all facets of your health as you go.
- Your eyes. Both high cholesterol and diabetes can affect your eye health, so be sure to see your eye doctor every year for a checkup.
- Your feet. Diabetes can affect the nerves in your feet, making them less sensitive. Check your feet regularly for any blisters, sores, or swelling, and make sure that any wounds heal as theyre supposed to. If they dont, check with your doctor.
- Your teeth. There is some evidence that diabetes can increase risk of gum infections. See your dentist regularly and practice careful oral care.
- Your immune system. As we age, our immune system gradually weakens. Other conditions like diabetes can weaken it even more, so its important to get your vaccinations as you need them. Get your flu shot each year, ask about the shingles vaccine after you turn 60, and ask about the pneumonia shot after you turn 65. The
Symptoms Of Eruptive Xanthomatosis
EX causes groups of round little bumps. Theyre usually found on the back of your arms such as around your elbows and on the back of your thighs, buttocks, and legs. They can also show up around your eyes and on your:
- stomach
1 to 4 millimeters across, sometimes resembling chickenpox or measles. The bumps may also grow bigger.
EX bumps range in color. They may be skin-toned, pink, red, brown, yellow, or a mixture of colors. The fat inside the bumps can give them a yellowish color. They might also look shiny or waxy or have a yellow or red crust around them.
EX bumps may not cause any symptoms at all. Some people may have:
- itching
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Living With Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a lifelong condition that will require changes in your lifestyle. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, follow your healthcare providers recommendations for managing these conditions.
Lifestyle changes involved in managing metabolic syndrome include:
- A healthy diet
- Stopping smoking if youre a smoker or use other tobacco products
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
What In The World Is Red Yeast Rice
Weird as it sounds red yeast rice is a fungus that grows on rice. Asian countries use it for a food coloring and a medication. It has become popular in western countries because it tends to stop cholesterol production in the liver. It has sort of a natural form of statin in it, like the statin medications used to lower cholesterol. If you are one of the people that has trouble taking statins due to side effects, or dont want to take them for one reason or another, ask your doctor if red yeast rice might help you lower your cholesterol.
In one study, subjects that got muscular pain while on statins were able to take 1800 mg of red yeast rice twice a day for 24 weeks. The average drop in LDL-C was 35 mg/dl. In China, one study showed a 30 percent reduction in cardiovascular risk with long term use of red yeast rice. In the US, its a supplement so its not FDA regulated. Keep that in mind when taking any supplements in the US.
Always talk with your doctor, and have him or her to check your liver enzymes before starting red yeast rice supplements.
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Whats The Importance Of Normal Cholesterol Levels
Lowering your blood sugar can help you lower high cholesterol numbers. Not going to get too technical here, but I just wanted to give the actual definition of what Im talking about here.
Cholesterol definition: a compound of the sterol type found in most body tissues. Cholesteroland its derivatives are important constituents of cell membranes and precursors of other steroid compounds, but a high proportion in the blood of low-density lipoprotein is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
How Does Diabetes Affect Cholesterol
Diabetes tends to lower “good” cholesterol levels and raise triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. This condition is called diabetic dyslipidemia.
Diabetic dyslipidemia means your lipid profile is going in the wrong direction. It’s a combination that puts people at risk for premature coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Studies show a link between insulin resistance, which is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, and diabetic dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and blood vessel disease. These conditions can develop even before diabetes is diagnosed.
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The First Sign: Insulin Resistance
High triglycerides dont cause diabetes. Instead, their levels indicate that your system for turning food into energy isnt working properly.
Normally, your body makes insulin, which escorts glucose the type of sugar in your bloodinside your cells. There, your body turns glucose into energy. Insulin also allows your body to use triglycerides for energy.
A common cause of high triglycerides is excess carbohydrates in your diet. High TGs signals insulin resistance thats when the cells that normally respond to insulin are resistant to it. This keeps the insulin from allowing the cells to absorb glucose uptake, requiring higher and higher levels of insulin. This results in higher than normal blood sugar levels.
If you have insulin resistance, youre one step closer to type 2 diabetes.
If you also are overweight, eat a lot of sugary and starchy foods, or dont exercise, your insulin resistance can be worse.
You can reverse your tracks by following the exercise and meal plan your doctor recommends to lower your triglycerides and by taking prescribed medicine.
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Are Thyroid And Diabetes Related
Now that you know most of what there is to know about thyroid disease, lets talk about the link that exist between thyroid disease and diabetes. The pancreas and the thyroid are both in the endocrine system. The following is the prevalence of thyroid disease in people with diabetes, and breaks the numbers down by the type of thyroid disorder:
Thyroid disease in diabetes:
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The Health Plan For A Healthy Heart
- Foods rich in fiber, both insoluble and soluble coming from whole grains, cereals, beans, vegetables, and fruits.
- Healthy fats for the heart, omega-3 fatty acids
- Oils such as: canola, corn, peanut and olive
- Limiting fats including: Whole milk, fast food, red meat, lard, margarine, and cheese
- Watch the sodium! Canned or processed foods or soups, frozen dinners, and processed lunch meats, to name a few
Symptoms Of High Cholesterol And Diabetes
There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, whether or not you have diabetes along with it. The only way that you can know that you have high cholesterol numbers, is to have your doctor perform a laboratory test once a year. The test is called a Cholesterol Panel, or a Lipid Panel, and it shows your total cholesterol number, along with values for your LDL-C, HDL-C, and Triglycerides. Some tests further break down cholesterol to VLDL , but some tests do not. Generally, keeping triglycerides down will control VLDL-C, as it is composed of fifty percent triglycerides.
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Does Sugar Cause Diabetes Fact Vs Fiction
Since diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, many people wonder whether eating sugar can cause it.
While its true that eating large amounts of added sugar may increase your risk of diabetes, sugar intake is just one piece of the puzzle.
Many other factors including overall diet, lifestyle and genetics also impact your risk.
This article reviews sugars role in developing diabetes and provides tips for preventing the disease.
Find Out If You’re At Risk
To find out your risk, speak to your doctor, use Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool, or have an NHS Health Check.If you’re at moderate to high risk, speak to your GP about a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. This means you can take action now to prevent diabetes from developing and avoid and complications and medications.
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How Can I Lower My Cholesterol Level
The first step in reducing your cholesterol is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Its important to keep your diet low in fatty food.
You can swap food containing saturated fat for fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. This will also help prevent high cholesterol returning.
Other lifestyle changes, such as taking regular exercise and giving up smoking, can also make a big difference in helping to lower your cholesterol.
If these measures dont reduce your cholesterol and you continue to have a high risk of developing heart disease, your GP may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins.
Your GP will take into account the risk of any side effects from statins. The benefit of lowering your cholesterol must outweigh any risks.
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