Cholesterol levels

What is cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. There are two types:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries


• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

Understanding Cholesterol Readings

When you get your cholesterol tested, you will receive a lipid profile that shows your:

• Total cholesterol level


• LDL cholesterol level


• HDL cholesterol level


• Triglycerides level

Healthy lipid profile numbers are:

• Total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dL


• LDL cholesterol - less than 100 mg/dL


• HDL cholesterol - 60 mg/dL or higher


• Triglycerides - less than 150 mg/dL

High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the U.S.

Tips to Improve Cholesterol

Here are some ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels:

• Eat a diet low in saturated fats


• Include foods with soluble fiber like oats, beans, and apples


• Exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week


• Reach or maintain a healthy body weight


• Limit alcohol intake


• Quit smoking cigarettes

Managing cholesterol levels takes commitment but is worthwhile to live an energized, healthy life! Reach out to your doctor if lifestyle changes don't improve high cholesterol. Medication or our holistic hormone optimization programs could get your numbers back on track.