The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
What are lipids and how do I reduce them?
You have two main kinds of lipids – cholesterol and triglycerides. The main one, in terms of cardiovascular risk, is cholesterol.
There are different types of cholesterol. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can be thought of as good while Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VDL) are bad.
High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can eventually build up within the walls of your blood vessels and narrow the passageways. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in the narrowed space, causing a heart attack or stroke. This is why LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver where it is broken down and removed from your body.
When you get your cholesterol checked you will get a breakdown of the different types, and that is how you work out the cardiovascular risk.
But if Lipid levels are too high, you can eat less fat generally and avoid saturated and trans fats. Generally, saturated fats are animal fats and unsaturated are plant fats. Trans fats are found in processed food usually described as hydrogenised fats or oils. Sticking to a diet of fish and plant-based food is best and exercise regularly and lose weight if necessary. If that doesn’t work you may need to have medication, like a statin.
I’m a healthy thirtysomething and suffer mild but persistent heartburn. How do I get rid of it?
You need first to look at your lifestyle. Do you eat too late in the evening? You shouldn’t eat within three or four hours before bed. Avoid spicy food like curries, excess alcohol and smoking. Clothes that are tight around the waist can also be a factor. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help, as can losing weight if you are overweight, or raising the head of your bed. If you need medications, an antacid should help. The stronger proton pump inhibitors can be prescribed by a doctor, but they can have side effects if taken longer term.
The Doc Replies
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