cholesterol what should it be

[choclab]

had FBC etc done said cholesterol was little raised but not a concern 5.3

should i worry and how do you get it down ?

i do eat ok but could improve ....is it the fat you eat that raises cholesterol ?

Normal is less than 5, but yours is only a bit higher than that, not worryingly so. It is also more important that the ratios of high density lipoproteins - HDL and low density lipoproteins - LDL are decent, (the HDL is 'good' whilst the LDL is best to keep modest).

Your cholesterol is more influenced by the amount of saturated animal fats (eg: lard), than it is by eating actual cholesterol, such as that in prawns.

Most cholesterol is made inside your liver when your fat and calorie intake, and/or sugar intake is too high for your needs. The LDL cholesterol is how the fats made from the excess calories get to your fat storing cells. You do need some cholesterol in order for cells to function and repair themselves, but beyond a certain amount, they will stop taking the LDL from your blood and your blood concentration of LDL will rise.

Basically eating a diet which contains enough fats and calories and carbohydrates will, in theory keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. Some people do just have natural tendency to have a higher level no matter what they do, but this is uncommon.

Hope that helps, try not to stress too much but have a look at your diet and exercise to see if there's anything you could change a bit :-)

thanks for advice smash09

i could def cut back on some things sugar/cheese/ crisps/butter on bread oops i guess .... increase the fruite veg ...

iv just joined a gym and aim to get there at least twice a week ....

would theses sort of changes help ?

im 38 size 10/12 , weight 9/12 sto

i ment 9 and a half stone

Yes they would definately help alot! Just cut back small amounts at a time, it's all about moderation isn't it!

Your weight sounds healthy but you don't have to be overweight to have high cholesterol. Certainly go for it in terms of exercising and increasing the fruit and veg - especially veg like beans and pulses, as well as salads and broccoli ect.

Oats help bind fats in your intestine, as does most soluble fibre, so that's worth a go too.

Good luck and weldone for all the effort x

i wouldnt worry about 5.3
the docs are saying 4.8 for norm now and lower if diabetic.

If you had something creamy the day before your test it can affect the result.
but just stick to a healthy diet.

I believe a healthy diet means no more than 70g of fat a day and beware of saturated fats LDL and HDL.
A glass of red wine and avocado is supposed to help

thanks , i will try that , not really sure what it means and which foods to avoid really , need to look up and find out i guess .
Doc said slightly raised but not a concern , but just wanted to chech what is normal and what is scary ...if u know what i mean

you are no where near scary,my friend is 9 and has had to go on statins......that is a worrying level. I would be happy with 5.5 and below. Just cut out saturated fats....cream,animal fats,chocolate,custard,eggs,butter,desserts,
use semi or skimmed milk......

You have the same levels as DD (4) - she has inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia from DH. His is a little higher at 5.8 (I think).

Have a look here for some good information on managing levels.

this is interesting. I had my levels checked about 8 months ago & my results were the same.

I was surprised because I am essentially a vegetarian (or pescatarian for the purists). This effectively cuts out the saturated fat option - although I do have butter on 2 slices of bread most days.

I haven't been back to the dr for advice which I am ssuming will be no good) but have been trying to get to grips with the causes.

Since that result I cycle with my DD to school, have cut back on percolated coffee (studies have shown effects on cholestrol from oils in coffee grounds)& am trying to do more exercise.

I'm also trying (keep forgetting) to take a good omega 3 supplement (reduces inflammation) each day & increase my fruit uptake - I'm ok with veg, I just don't seem to manage the fruit so well.

I don't smoke, am 5ft 3 & about 8st 6lb, so about 1/2 stone over my usual weight.

My downfall is a nibble of choc & cakes seem to keep appearing...I'm not a crisp or a biscuit eater.

Am about to ask for a retest..so will report back if any of this has made a difference.

BTW I think it's absolutely the right thing to address it now.

thank you , will have a look at site LilRedWG in more detail later when got kids to school looks good .

i really want to get a bit fitter and eat healthy but not sure where to start .... it does et confusing to with labels on things to ..

Trans fats / Polly sat fats /im at a loss there

i obviously know to increase more fruite and veg but can give me a upset tumm if to much change as i have IBS