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Endocrine & Hormonal Imbalances
Question #18409
70 days ago
138

reason for cholesterol - #18409

Swara

I am really confused about my cholesterol levels! Just a few months ago, I was told my cholesterol was fine, but then after a routine checkup last week, my doctor said it had shot up and now I'm freaking out. Like, what can be the reason for cholesterol suddenly spiking? I’ve been trying to eat healthy, maybe not perfect but generally better. But then I started feeling sluggish and tired all the time, and honestly, I thought it was just stress from work. I don’t get it! I mean, I've even cut down on junk food, but I sometimes snack on those protein bars - is that it? Could there be something else causing this, like maybe stress or lack of sleep? My family has a history of cholesterol issues, but I always thought I was eating good enough to prevent that. It feels like just when I think I’m doing the right stuff, something else pops up! Anyone know what could be the reason for cholesterol levels to change so quickly? I'm kind of overwhelmed here. Any insights would really help me out! Thanks!

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Doctors' responses

Cholesterol levels can fluctuate due to several reasons and it’s understandable to be confused with sudden changes. Even if you’ve been making efforts to eat healthier, there are other factors that could contribute to a spike. Stress, lack of sleep, and certain lifestyle changes can indeed influence your cholesterol. Stress might not directly raise your cholesterol, but it can trigger inflammation in the body which eventually influences your lipid levels. Lack of sleep can affect your metabolism, potentially causing an increase in cholesterol. Protein bars, while often marketed as health foods, can sometimes contain hidden sugars and saturated fats, which could affect your cholesterol. Family history plays a big role too—if high cholesterol runs in your family, you may have genetic predispositions that make you more susceptible, despite a healthy diet. It’s important to consider not only your diet, but also exercise, weight, and overall lifestyle. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular exercising, like brisk walking or cycling for 150 minutes a week, can help manage your cholesterol levels. You might also want to revisit your diet with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist—they can help identify sneaky sources of unhealthy fats or sugars that might be affecting your levels. Finally, ensure youre getting enough sleep (around 7-9 hours) and managing stress with mindful activities like yoga or meditation. If youre still concerned, a follow-up with your doctor might be warranted, particulary if you feel unusually tired or sluggish, to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your cholesterol and energy levels. This approach should give you a comprehensive strategy to manage your cholesterol more effectively.

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