Ever heard the saying “you have to accept the good with the bad”? In many ways this adage applies perfectly to cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance produced by the body to help it carry out its daily functions. In other words, without it your overall health and wellbeing will be seriously compromised. What is ironic however is the fact that impaired levels of cholesterol have also been shown to negatively impact structures throughout the body especially the smooth functioning of the heart and related systems. While the body produces much of the cholesterol found in the blood about twenty five percent comes from the animal based foods we eat.

There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Too little good cholesterol (High Density Lipoproteins HDL) and too much bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins LDL) could spell disaster for the body. Ideally, you should aim to keep your good cholesterol within the following range: men should aim for HDL levels above 40 mg/dL while women should target levels above 50 mg/dL. LDL is harmful to the body and should always be kept under 130 mg/dL. An overall combined cholesterol reading under 200 mg/dL is considered preferable.

Good cholesterol helps to regulate bad cholesterol and keeps the circulatory system of veins and arteries functioning smoothly; free from the impediments of bad cholesterol (LDL). The presence of high levels of LDL in the body has always been associated with various coronary maladies including high blood pressure. If you are not sure of your cholesterol levels a simple test at the pharmacy can give you this information. However, it is always advisable to have a more comprehensive and reliable test done at a medical lab at least once every five years. If your cholesterol levels are compromised a more vigorous regimen of testing would be necessary; perhaps every three to six month. Your physician can best advise you in this regard.

There is no argument with respect to the need to control cholesterol levels. We know that if we successfully control cholesterol levels we can effectively prevent and control many of the concomitant ailments such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Hence, no effort should be spared in making sure that our cholesterol levels are always in acceptable range.

Many persons have successfully controlled cholesterol levels through exercise and diet. Several studies and anecdotal reports have confirmed that by simply reducing or eliminating animal products in our diet cholesterol can be systematically managed. However, in some cases exercise and diet may not control cholesterol entirely. Under these circumstances your doctor may prescribe cholesterol controlling drugs such as Lipitor. Needless to say, these chemically based drugs come with a myriad of negative side effects. As a consequence, persons are increasingly turning to natural therapies in their quest to control cholesterol levels.

Garlic, turmeric, red yeast rice and flax seed are among the natural treatments that have shown some success in treating cholesterol problems. However, anyone considering using any of these natural therapies should first consult with their healthcare provider.