Diet for high cholesterol

A high cholesterol diet is prescribed to absolutely all patients who have been diagnosed with such a disease. The main reason for high cholesterol is malnutrition. Therefore, first of all, it is important to adjust the diet by excluding from the diet foods and dishes that increase the level of NSAIDs. By following the rules of a healthy diet, a person will immediately feel a surge of strength, energy and health, and will also avoid serious complications that develop against the background of high blood cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an organic substance, part of which is produced by the liver, and part enters the body with food. Cholesterol is part of the plasma of animals, so doctors insist on the reasonable use of meat and meat products.

Cholesterol is involved in such vital processes:

• cell membrane formation;
• production of hormones;
• bile production;
• vitamin D conversion;
• metabolism.

There are 2 types of cholesterol:

• LDL. Low-density lipoprotein, also known as bad cholesterol, is a poorly soluble substance prone to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• HDL. High-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol, which is easily broken down by the liver and excreted from the body naturally.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

To determine that a person has high cholesterol is possible only with the help of a blood test for cholesterol. If we take the average value for men and women of all ages , then the norm of total cholesterol is 5 mmol / l.

But there are general signs by which it will be possible to understand that not everything is in order with the body and medical consultation is required.

The symptoms of high cholesterol are:

• heaviness, pain in the upper and lower extremities, aggravated after exercise;
• the formation of yellow spots on the eyelids;
• chest pain, shortness of breath;
• bright fatty inflammations on the skin.

Consequences of high cholesterol

If treatment is not carried out in a timely manner and the level of bad cholesterol continues to rise, the risk of developing such disorders increases:

• hepatosis;
• pancreatitis;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• arterial hypertension;
• myocardial infarction;
• stroke.

Diet for high cholesterol: basic rules

To reduce high cholesterol, it is important not only to choose a healthy product, but also to be able to cook it correctly. During the preparation of main dishes, the amount of animal fats, which contain a lot of low-density lipids, should be limited.

To combat the disease, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• Limit the amount of salt in your diet. It is permissible to consume no more than 5 g per day. An abundance of salt leads to the retention of excess fluid in the body and the accumulation of harmful substances.
• Establish fractional nutrition. The optimal number of meals per day is 4 - 5. A serving should not exceed 250 grams. Overeating is prohibited.
• Normalize the water regime. Water helps to quickly remove toxic substances from the body, normalize metabolism, saturate tissues with oxygen.
• Add fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet. Products saturate the body with useful vitamins and other substances, actively remove harmful cholesterol.
• Connect physical activity. Regular exercise, walks in the fresh air have a positive effect on metabolism and contribute to the active removal of LDL.

What foods should be completely eliminated from the diet?

With high cholesterol, it is first necessary to abandon animal fats, since it is with them that bad cholesterol enters the human body. It is important to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, because they are quickly digested and turn into fat.

The list of prohibited products includes:

• white bread, muffin, yeast dough products;
• soft wheat pasta;
• fatty milk, sour cream, cream, hard cheeses;
• eggs in any form;
• sausage, sausages, smoked meats;
• soups cooked in fatty, rich broth;
• fatty meat - lamb, pork, goose. duck;
• canned food, marinades;
• spicy sauces, seasonings;
• semi-finished products;
• fast food;
• mayonnaise and other fatty sauces;
• ice cream, desserts with fatty cream fillings, milk chocolate.

Approved Products

A diet with high cholesterol does not at all exclude the use of fats, however, polyunsaturated fatty acids, the main source of good cholesterol, should be included in the diet.

Fish will help saturate the body with omega-3 fats and other beneficial substances. It is better to choose sea fish - salmon, tuna, trout, sea bream, mackerel.

The list of other allowed products is large:

• fresh vegetables and fruits;
• cereals - buckwheat, oatmeal, rice;
• wholemeal bread;
• vegetable oils - sunflower, olive, linseed, amaranth;
• seafood;
• lean meats - poultry, veal rabbit meat;
• legumes;
• nuts, dried fruits;
• low-fat milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, fermented baked milk, kefir, natural yogurt;
• freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices;
• green tea, rosehip infusion.

Why is it important to follow a high cholesterol diet?

By following a sparing diet for such a disease, it will be possible to normalize the level of low lipoprotein in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of developing dangerous complications. In addition, in people who strictly follow the diet, blood vessels, the heart are strengthened, blood pressure and blood sugar levels are normalized. Allowed products contain many useful vitamins, antioxidants, which slow down the premature aging of the body, help prevent diseases of internal organs, give vigor, strength, and vitality.