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Essay On Hyperlipidemia

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Hyperlipidemia affects nearly 30% of Americans (CDC, 2012). Hyperlipidemia may be better known as high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance that is naturally produced in the body (NLM, 2013). People with high cholesterol may never even know they have the condition. But when they become aware, they have to make immediate changes in relation to adhering to specific diets, exercising regularly, and undergoing prescribed treatment or alternative therapies. Incorporating more fruits and vegetable in the diet, and less fried and processed foods should be one of the first steps taken after diagnosis. Exercising at least 3 days a week can serve as a fun and healthy way to reduce blood cholesterol levels. And taking natural …show more content…

This may be a difficult feat to undertake. More people are working longer hours, and it may seem as though there is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done. On top of this, there are ample fast food restaurants available with 24 hour supplies of food that may not be the best option for perfectly healthy individuals, let alone individuals with high cholesterol. Eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables; consuming fish, such as salmon; and increasing fiber intake can all help to lower cholesterol levels. Even drinking 1 to 2 glasses of red wine a night can serve to reduce cholesterol levels. People affected by high cholesterol have to be mindful of how much red meat they consume; they should limit the amount of eggs eaten, fried foods, and dairy products. Total cholesterol intake should be between 250 and 300 mg/day (heart.org, 2013). Eating processed and fast food only exacerbates hyperlipidemia, so making an effort to devise a diet plan and cook the necessary foods, would serve to decrease cholesterol levels. Increasing physical activity is also a necessity that can contribute to having good cholesterol levels. “Enjoy at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity more days than not for a total of at least 50 minutes per week” (heart.org, 2013). That equates to working out for about 45 minutes at least 3 days a week. Those individuals with high cholesterol need to walk, run, dance,

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