HIGH LDL? DON'T BLAME IT ALL ON GENES

High LDL? Don't blame it all on genes

Some people do have the unfortunate luck of inheriting a genetic predisposition to make truckloads of cholesterol internally. Most LDL is removed from the circulation by LDL receptors on the liver. Certain individuals inherit a tendency to produce fewer receptors, resulting in less LDL removal from the blood (predisposing them to excess LDL and atherosclerosis). With regard to receptors, we can't blame it all on the genes. The food you eat can greatly affect the density of the receptors on the liver. Ingestion of dietary cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat has unhealthy consequences. These foods suppress the manufacturing of cholesterol - clearing liver receptors and raise your "bad" cholesterol level. For a one-two punch against heart disease, eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat and cholesterol and devoid of trans fat) and follow the Cholesterol Down Plan, which includes foods that help augment the number of LDL receptors.