subject: How to Accurately Interpret Your Cholesterol Numbers [print this page] Author: Reuben Hopkins Author: Reuben Hopkins
It seems that high cholesterol is the latest buzz word today but it's important to understand what makes up your test results and the significance of not just the overall figure but the relationship between them. This is where most people go wrong. When you have a test done, you want three lots of cholesterol numbers: LDL or bad cholesterol, HDL or the good type and also blood triglycerides. Without all of these you cannot get an accurate diagnosis. A good or optimal set of levels should look like this. Total Cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dl LDL: Less than 100 mg/dl HDL: At least 40 mg/dl Trig: Less than 150 mg/dl Now it is possible to have a total figure that is higher than 200 but still remain healthy if you have enough good cholesterol (HDL). If your ratio between LDL and HDL is 3:1 or 2:1 there is no cause for alarm, although it is always good advice to discuss it with your doctor. The reason for the importance of the ratio is that while the bad cholesterol can clog up your arteries and lead to heart disease and premature death, the good type will travel through your system and remove excess bad cholesterol. So the more HDL you have, the better it is for your health and well-being. So before you get too hung up on your total cholesterol numbers, ensure you check the ratio to see if it is healthy or not! One of the best ways to lower your triglyceride levels is to take a quality DHA omega 3 fish oil. These help to significantly reduce these fats related to cholesterol and improve circulation and heart function as well. One of the best solutions to balance your cholesterol levels is to use a blend of natural extracts proven to work. Statin drugs can have harmful side effects and are best avoided as your first line of defence. The most effective ingredients are Policosanol from sugar cane, D-Limonene from citrus peel, Theaflavins from fermenting green tea, Inositol from rice and Phytosterols like Beta Sitosterol from plants. It is recommended to check your cholesterol numbers every five years and if you look for these natural nutrients to help, you can potentially avoid heart disease and premature death by maintaining the right and healthiest balance. If you would like to learn more about the high quality cholesterol balancing supplements I personally take, visit my website today.About the Author:
Reuben Hopkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of natural cholesterol balancing supplements. Take a moment to visit his site now at http://www.balanced-cholesterol.com and discover the latest supplements he recommends after extensive research.
