How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally, High Cholesterol in Children
submitted: 2008-04-08 11:22:39 |
by: Meng
Total views: 15 |
Word Count: 622 |
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Children with high cholesterol is getting common and is a raising concern. In this article we look at what it is can what can be done
What is high cholesterol? When you have excess amount of cholesterol in the blood, you have high cholesterol. There are multiple factors that can influence cholesterol level, these includes gene, lifestyles and diseases, these will potentially increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. What happens is that the excessive amount of cholesterol if not metabolized by the liver, will form a layer of plaque on the walls of arteries. These will eventually stop or slowed the flow of blood to the brain, heart and other organs.
Why have cholesterol? Cholesterol is made naturally in our bodies and is used to create hormones and cells. It is also found in all animal products that we eat, such as fish, eggs, and dairy products. You cannot survive without cholesterol, but you need to make sure that your different cholesterol levels are in balance. Too much of one type or too little of another can put you at an increased risk for heart disease.
Children's cholesterol Children cholesterol level are measured differently from that of an adult. For age 2 to 19 years old, total cholesterol level should be under 170 with LDL cholesterol below 100. Total cholesterol at 170 to 200 and LDL between 100 and 130 is considered borderline risk. For children with cholesterol of more then 200 level and LDL level of more then 130 are considered high risk, more so for girls with HDL levels of under 50 and boys at levels below 45. Children with LDL levels over 100 will most likely be treated for high cholesterol especially if they have a family history of heart problems, more so if the child have previous heart problems.
Treatment of Children There are 2 main reasons why children with high cholesterol need to be treated. Plaque can build up as long as the LDL level is excessive despite the age, so damage to the arteries can starts even when they are young, these build up will pose a greater risk when they grow up as LDL find these the easier spot to start building up. Secondly, the good lifestyle habit can be build up to help them protect themselves against high cholesterol level when they are adult.
What are the treatment ? Dietary change is the prime consideration for children with high cholesterol. Healthy dietary changes can benefit not just the child with high cholesterol but the whole family too. Fat intake should be limited to below 30% of the calories a day. Calories count should be between 1500 and 2400 per day, depending on child's age and activity levels. Reduced the saturated fats intake, choose lean cut meats and low fat dairy products and healthier cooking oil. Children need fat as part of brain formation, so don't remove fat from diet completely. Fiber intake should be increase to about 25 grams per day from the consumption of whole grains, vegetables and cereals. Avoid sugar rich snacks like candy bar and sodas.
Other ways to keep down cholesterol levels Your child will be more successful if the entire family participates in the program. Children learn by example, and this will also prevent them from feeling "singled out". Make foods appealing and try to eat at home as much as possible. Allow kids to participate in meal planning and encourage physical activities. Above all, be realistic. It is next to impossible to avoid the temptation of sugary sweets or a day of video games 100% of the time. By keeping all things in moderation your child can be happy and healthy.
About the Author
I written a book on how I lower my cholesterol level from 301 level to normal level in 60 days. All by naturally means without medications. The book is "How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally". You can buy it at my site How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
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