Let’s talk about cholesterol
Your body needs cholesterol. (For: Hormones, cell membranes, bile production, creating Vit D).
In fact, our body makes 75% of its total cholesterol requirement.
Total cholesterol is not significantly associated with heart disease. (Latest findings)
Cholesterol is made up of 3 things:
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
Triglycerides (Group of lipids)
When you get a cholesterol check at the doctors they will likely only give you a breakdown as far as total cholesterol, LDL & HDL.
If your Total and LDL is high (with HDL low) but you’re following a ketogenic diet ask for an advanced lipid profile test. This breaks down the LDL figures further.
There are 2 types of LDL.
1. Large buoyant LDL (you are likely to get more of following a Keto diet which does not cause damage)
2. Small density LDL (this is the one that creates the damage, and is a better marker for identifying heart problems and inflammation inside the arteries.
Now I’m not a doctor of course but before you just accept statins (which can cause more problems than they manage) ask for more information.
This is only dietary advice. High cholesterol can be a genetic thing and affect you no matter what diet you have but knowledge is power so hopefully you can go in to your next blood test results armed with more information to help you help your GP help you.