Hyperlipidemia


What to eat for hyperlipidemia?
The definition of hyperlipidemia mainly depends on which type of lipid is elevated in the blood, the most common being hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hypercholesterolemia is generally caused by abnormal metabolism in the body, and at this time, it is mainly necessary to take statin drugs to ensure that the blood lipids reach a normal value range. Because hypercholesterolemia usually accompanies hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia, the increase in low-density lipoprotein is damaging to the cardiovascular system. Another type of lipid disorder is hypertriglyceridemia, which in most cases is related to diet. Therefore, at this time, it is necessary to advise the patient to follow a low-fat diet, and if the triglycerides are greater than 4.5 mmol/L, it is advisable for the patient to take fibrate drugs to reduce lipids. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)


What medicine should I take for hyperlipidemia?
In clinical practice, the basic tests for blood lipids include total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. When hyperlipidemia is diagnosed, the first approach is to implement comprehensive treatment measures, starting with therapeutic lifestyle changes, which are fundamental and primary measures for controlling abnormal blood lipids. Medication should be used when necessary, strictly according to indications, and with careful monitoring of adverse drug reactions. The main categories of lipid-lowering drugs include: first, statins, such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, and pitavastatin; second, fibrates, such as fenofibrate and bezafibrate; third, niacin; and fourth, bile acid sequestrants. (The use of these drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor.)


The causes of hyperlipidemia
Regarding the causes of hyperlipidemia, it is generally categorized into primary and secondary types based on the causes. Primary hyperlipidemia is mainly due to genetic defects, such as certain familial hypercholesterolemia and familial mixed dyslipidemia, which are often caused by genetic defects. Secondary hyperlipidemia generally involves some acquired factors, including, for example, high fat content in the diet, which is a common cause of lipid abnormalities. Additionally, obesity can lead to increased plasma cholesterol. Long-term heavy drinking can also increase triglycerides in the blood. Smoking can also cause some drugs, such as estrogen, to raise blood triglycerides. Some glucocorticoids can also increase the synthesis of low-density lipoproteins, and so on. Other causes include diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, estrogen deficiency, hypothyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, glycogen storage diseases, and certain types of malnutrition, which can also lead to secondary lipid abnormalities. Therefore, the causes of hyperlipidemia are multifaceted.


Can people with hyperlipidemia drink alcohol?
If hyperlipidemia can exclude some secondary causes or diseases, moderate alcohol consumption is permissible, because alcohol can increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the plasma. However, research has confirmed that long-term excessive drinking can inhibit the oxidation of fatty acids in the liver and increase the synthesis of fatty acids, leading to excessive production of triglycerides and raising the level of triglycerides in the plasma. Therefore, it is recommended that alcohol intake be generally less than 30 grams per day, and for spirits, not exceed 50 grams per day. Moderate drinking is acceptable, but of course, this excludes cases where alcohol consumption is not permissible, such as in patients with liver or kidney failure or acute complications of diabetes. If the overall physical function is stable and it is merely a case of hyperlipidemia, moderate alcohol intake is permissible.


What should you not eat if you have hyperlipidemia?
Firstly, for hyperlipidemia, we must follow a light diet. First, we need to control the amount of oil used in cooking daily, and not use too much oil. Second, foods such as animal organs and fried or braised dishes, as well as chicken skin and duck skin, are not recommended. Third, foods containing a higher amount of fats, such as nuts, should also be consumed in reduced quantities. Fourth, it is advised to eat out at restaurants and hotels less frequently and to cook at home instead, as this may also reduce the amount of oil consumed.


Does hyperlipidemia cause dizziness?
Hyperlipidemia can cause dizziness. Hyperlipidemia involves the deposition of lipids on the endothelial lining of blood vessels, which is a primary consequence of abnormal blood lipids. This can lead to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. For instance, low-density lipoproteins tend to deposit on arterial walls and are ingested by mononuclear giant cells. This situation can lead to arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis of the cervical and intracranial arteries. This condition can result in insufficient blood supply to the brain, thereby causing dizziness. Therefore, hyperlipidemia can indeed cause dizziness.


Can people with hyperlipidemia eat peanuts?
People with high blood lipids can eat peanuts. Peanuts contain a rich amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to the human body in proper amounts. Firstly, they can regulate blood lipids, reduce some harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, effectively control the concentration of blood lipids, and can increase the content of beneficial high-density lipoproteins. Secondly, they can help clear blood clots, remove or alleviate the harm caused by animal fats from food, especially visceral fats, and prevent these lipid components from depositing on the walls of blood vessels to combat the formation and development of arteriosclerosis. Additionally, studies have shown that supplementing with DHA (an unsaturated fatty acid) can also enhance some of the body's immunity and improve self-immune function. Furthermore, it has some effects on improving arthritis or alleviating pain. Therefore, consuming peanuts in moderation is beneficial to the human body. However, peanuts are also high in calories, and excessive intake can lead to overweight or obesity, so they should not be consumed in excess and should be eaten in moderation.


Can people with hyperlipidemia eat sunflower seeds?
People with hyperlipidemia can eat sunflower seeds. We know that sunflower seeds contain some unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for the human body. For example, they can regulate blood lipids, lower harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, and effectively control the concentration of blood lipids. Secondly, they can help clear blood clots, reduce and clear visceral fat from food, especially the harm of visceral fat to the human body, and prevent these fats from depositing on the walls of blood vessels, thereby combating atherosclerosis. Some believe that an appropriate supplement of DHA can properly adjust the body's immunity. However, because unsaturated fatty acids are relatively high in calories, excessive intake can also lead to overweight or obesity, so unsaturated fatty acids in the diet should not be excessive. Thus, people with hyperlipidemia can eat sunflower seeds, but should not consume them excessively.


What department should I go to for hyperlipidemia?
Patients with hyperlipidemia should visit the endocrinology department, as hyperlipidemia is a manifestation of lipid metabolism disorder and is classified as a metabolic disease. Therefore, it falls under the purview of the endocrinology department. Moreover, hyperlipidemia is typically divided into secondary and primary types. Many cases of secondary hyperlipidemia are associated with endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome, which are primary diseases of the endocrine system that can lead to lipid abnormalities. Therefore, patients with hyperlipidemia should seek treatment in endocrinology to identify the underlying causes of the condition.


What fruits to eat for hyperlipidemia?
First, in adjusting the dietary structure for blood lipids, it is generally necessary to increase the intake of high-fiber foods. This is because it can increase the excretion of cholesterol in the intestines, reduce the absorption of cholesterol, and enhance the clearance of low-density lipoprotein, as well as reduce the synthesis of lipoproteins. Therefore, it can lower plasma cholesterol, especially the levels of low-density lipoprotein. Fruits contain abundant plant fibers, so it is advisable to consume a moderate amount of these fresh fruits in the diet. Of course, some cases of hyperlipidemia are related to obesity. Thus, for some high-calorie fruits such as grapes and watermelon, it is advised to limit their consumption. For example, consuming fruits like apples, cherries, and strawberries, which have relatively lower sugar content, might be better. Generally, all fruits can be eaten with hyperlipidemia, but the intake of fruits with high sugar content should be appropriately limited.