by Sandra Quevedo

Created on: May 05, 2009

You just had your yearly physical, and your cholesterol levels are through the roof (Less than 100 points is considered optimal, between 130-159 is borderline high and 160 and over is very high.) The first step in managing your cholesterol, is understanding it. The next step obvious step, is treating it (with medication if prescribed by your doctor) or managing it (without medication through dietary therapy as prescribed by your doctor) and if you don't have it (yet) the third step is definitely preventing it.

Here are the "ABC's" of cholesterol. There are two types, the good cholesterol known as (HDL= High-density lipoprotein) and the bad one (LDL =Low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol is produced in the liver and it is found in foods containing high levels of saturated fat (for example meat, egg yolks, shellfish and dairy products.) If you have too much LDL traveling through your blood stream, build up can occur in your arteries - - most times causing blockages leading to many other related illnesses. Hypertension (High blood pressure) and diabetes (although both manageable in most cases) are amongst the most dangerous to acquire.

High levels of HDL (the good kind) on the other hand will protect the body from the risk of heart attacks. HDL in some odd way transports the cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver slowing down the buildup process of arterial plaque (by removing the excess) also known as atherosclerosis.

So where do you go from here how do you get healthy? First and foremost - - follow your doctor's directions. Some levels of cholesterol are just not manageable without medication. Do not substitute your medication with any foods that claim to have the capability to reduce or reverse your high cholesterol condition. Always use them in addition to or in combination with - - but never "in lieu of" anything your physician prescribes.

You should also contact your physician if you intend to add or switch any foods on a physician's recommended diet. Be aware that the intake of some foods, such as grapefruit can interfere with cholesterol medication (prescribed) sometimes raising the levels or even annulling the effect in your blood like Tilapia fish.

Here are the top five foods that will help you lower your cholesterol. Eating at least 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day - - preferably from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, and you will be on your way to a heart-healthy life.

1.- Oatmeal is known as the number one "healer"

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