Cholesterol is a very vital component of our cell membrane and helps establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. It is not very clear if a lower than normal level of cholesterol is directly dangerous to health; however, it is often encountered in certain disorders and illnesses.
Low cholesterol level has been frequently linked to respiratory disorders, depression, hemorrhagic stroke and cancer.
Causes Of And Symptoms Of Low Cholesterol Levels
Common causes for low levels of cholesterol are:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Liver disorder
- Celiac disease
- Statins
- Malnutrition
- Hypobetalipoproteinemia – A rare genetic disorder which manifests as serum cholesterol readings below 50 mg/dl.
Signs and symptoms low cholesterol level
- Poor memory, outbursts of anger, depression, emotional instability, and schizophrenia.
- Impaired immune system functioning; thus making you more susceptible to a multitude of microbes.
- Impaired brain and nerve development in children, which results in a host of developmental and health issues.
- Reproductive system related disorders and infertility.
- Poor absorption of fat soluble vitamins i.e. – vitamins A, D, E, K. The bile comprises of cholesterol; and it helps emulsify and digest fats. When you have low levels of cholesterol, there will be a fat vitamin deficiency in the body which in turn will set off a cascade of other health problems.
- Low levels of cholesterol may also trigger multiple sclerosis in some people.
Foods That Increase Low Cholesterol Levels
Here are a few tips and guidelines which will help raise your cholesterol level to an acceptable range; nonetheless, it is very essential that you confer with your health care provider and nutritionist before embarking on to any diet. Also, you should get your lipid profile assessed every 3 to 6 months.
- A quick way to raise cholesterol levels is to eat a diet loaded in sugar and refined carbohydrates. On the other hand, you may end up raising the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides too. Hence, consume less of refined carbohydrates and plenty of complex carbohydrates in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grains.
- The fat in your diet has a huge impact on your cholesterol levels. A diet that is loaded in polyunsaturated fat, (found in seeds, nuts and vegetable oils), helps reduce both HDL and LDL cholesterol. A diet that is high in saturated fat, (found in dairy products, meat and palm oils) raises both types of cholesterol. Experts recommend having a diet which is a little bit higher in fat than one which is high in carbohydrates. There are considerable advantages to including both saturated and unsaturated fats in your diet.
- However, you need to be watchful about steering clear of foods that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. These are the trans fats, and they tend to lower the level of good HDL cholesterol and raise the bad LDL levels.
- Incorporate foods which are high in soluble fiber, – apples, oranges, flax seeds, kidney beans and soybeans; they perk up HDL levels.
- Experts also advocate having a glass of wine with dinner; it appears to help as well.
- Olive oil and fish are also important foods which you need to integrate in to your diet, given that, they help raise HDL levels.