The Relationship Between Dyslipidemia and Cholesterol - A Simple Explanation of Diagnosis Criteria and Foods to Watch Out for

There are different types of dyslipidemia, depending on the type of lipid that causes it. Both types require treatment because they are factors that promote arteriosclerosis, the aging phenomenon of blood vessels.

In recent years, in addition to the above table, the LH ratio (*) has also come to be emphasized.

When it comes to improving dyslipidemia, people tend to focus only on lowering the level of bad cholesterol, but the balance with good cholesterol is also important.

Reasons why people are diagnosed with dyslipidemia even if they are thin

The diagnostic criteria for dyslipidemia refer only to the amount of lipids and not body size.

Therefore, many people are diagnosed with dyslipidemia even if they are thin.

In particular, people with "hidden obesity" such as visceral fat type obesity tend to have high levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

In particular, people who are "thin type" tend to be careless because many people think that they have nothing to do with dyslipidemia. Since dyslipidemia cannot be detected without a blood test, get regular checkups.

What is the difference between dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome?

Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the amount of lipids in the blood deviates from normal.

Abnormal lipids, hyperglycemia, and high blood pressure are factors that promote arteriosclerosis on their own, but when they are combined, the progression of arteriosclerosis is greatly accelerated.

Arteriosclerosis is a serious factor that leads to the onset of myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, which often leave some aftereffects even if they survive.

Improving lifestyle habits is very effective in preventing metabolic syndrome, so if you have been pointed out by a health checkup, take action immediately.

To improve dyslipidemia

In order to improve dyslipidemia, it is necessary to change bad lifestyle habits such as overeating and lack of exercise.

・Appropriate body weight

・Stop overeating

・Drink in moderation

・Eliminate lack of exercise

・No smoking

Let's improve your lifestyle habits, not just one of them.

Will treatment cure me?

Dyslipidemia is not a disease that can be judged as "curable" or "incurable".

This is because blood vessels that have been damaged due to lipid abnormalities will never recover.

Therefore, the goal of treatment for patients with dyslipidemia is not "complete cure" but "suppressing the progression of arteriosclerosis."

Treatment includes diet, exercise, and drug therapy, but the most important are diet and exercise. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle every day, even after starting medication.

However, if the cholesterol level is not normal, it is necessary to limit the amount of intake to prevent aggravation.

Daily Cholesterol Limit

The upper limit of cholesterol intake for healthy people has been abolished, but for those with high LDL cholesterol levels, it is desirable to limit their cholesterol intake to 200 mg/day or less from the viewpoint of preventing aggravation (*)

One chicken egg (approximately 60g) contains 230mg of cholesterol, so if a person with dyslipidemia eats one egg a day, they will quickly exceed the upper limit (200mg).

Cholesterol is also contained in common foods, so people with dyslipidemia should reduce the amount of eggs by about half.

Can I eat yogurt even if I have high bad cholesterol?

To tell you the answer first, there is no problem if you eat one small portion of unsweetened yogurt (about 100g).

However, since it is said that you should avoid eating fatty meat and dairy products, some people may wonder if it is really okay to eat it.

The reason why you should refrain from taking them is that meat fat and dairy products contain a lot of saturated fatty acids that easily affect bad cholesterol in the blood.

For reference, the recommended intake of saturated fatty acids for men and women aged 18 and over is 7% or less, which translates to 14.8g. (The average daily energy intake for people over the age of 20 is approximately 1,900 kcal.)

The saturated fatty acid contained in 100 g of sugar-free yogurt in small portions is about 1.8 g, so it seems to be an amount that does not have a bad effect.

Yogurt is a good source of protein and a treasure trove of calcium, so you don't have to stop eating it. Try not to eat it on the same day as meat or other dairy products, and try to incorporate it well.