Dr Chris reveals how eyes can indicate high cholesterol levels
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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk is Dr Charlotte Norton, who says lifestyle changes – including dietary considerations –can be made to reduce harmful consequences. If cholesterol levels keep on mounting then, eventually, individuals are left with atherosclerosis. “Atherosclerosis is a potentially dangerous condition where arteries become congested with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma,” Dr Norton explains.
“Once atherosclerosis occurs from the hardening of cholesterol along the walls of your arteries, blood flow decreases due to the narrowing of passages.
“This can in effect make the arteries and veins less flexible, which as a result can affect blood flow too.”
Shining a light on eating and drinking habits, there are six “high cholesterol foods to avoid”.
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Red meat
- Processed meat
- Fried foods
- Cheese.
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Fatty, processed meat and cheese are high in saturated fats, which are known to raise cholesterol levels.
“Saturated fats on a whole should be avoided,” Dr Norton emphasises.
“With that being said, foods high in unsaturated fats – such as salmon, almonds, avocados and seeds – are actually known to have the opposite effect, by reducing cholesterol levels.”
Dr Norton recommends switching coconut oil (high in saturated fat) to rapeseed oil (high in unsaturated fat).
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Such a “small, achievable swap” will help to improve your health.
“As well as monitoring your fat consumption, it’s important to increase fibre intake,” Dr Norton continues.
“Examples of great fibre-rich foods include beans, fruit, vegetables and whole grains.”
How do I know if I have high cholesterol?
People aged 40 and older can have a free NHS health check that includes a cholesterol blood test.
“As people age, their bodies tend to produce more cholesterol, so it is always wise to attend your health screenings,” says Dr Norton.
If, however, you lead a particularly unhealthy lifestyle that has lead to weight gain, Dr Norton recommends getting your cholesterol levels checked out.
“Being overweight can raise blood pressure, which is also heavily linked to high cholesterol,” Dr Norton explains.
To help tackle excess weight, Dr Norton mentions that people can join The Slimming Clinic, where she is the Medical Director.
“In order to truly live a healthy lifestyle, it goes without saying that any unhealthy habits in your life should be avoided, such as smoking and drinking alcohol,” Dr Norton adds.
“Smoking particularly is known to raise cholesterol but also lead to a string of other serious conditions.
“At The Slimming Clinic, we know that losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy.
“That is why we develop our medical weight loss programmes around you, your needs and lifestyle.”
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