Purdue University researchers conducted a study to evaluate the impact of weight discrimination on health declines for obese individuals. The purpose of the study was to show that extra pounds alone don’t account for all the health problems and overweight or obese individual lives with. It is theorized that individuals with a higher body mass index are more likely to feel discriminated against due to their weight. The more an individual believes they are a victim of weight discrimination the more their health is impacted.
Cholesterol lowering drugs, such as statin medications, are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol and are many times effective.
HOWEVER, it takes more than a medication alone to improve overall health and control cholesterol. Lifestyle changes are necessary.
Other risks to consider
Individuals with high cholesterol are often overweight. If you simply pop a pill to correct the cholesterol problem and do nothing to address being overweight you leave yourself at risk for other weight related health conditions, such as diabetes, joint problems, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Unknown risks
Tuna is a fatty fish providing high quality protein, B-vitamins, and selenium. The nutrients help the body produce red blood cells, reduce heart disease risk and macular degeneration, and promote brain growth. The protein provides essential amino acids used for body growth and maintenance, while the fat provides a rich source of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
Many organizations, such as the USDA, American Heart Association, and American Dietetic Association have been encouraging people to eat more fish. This includes eating more tuna. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce heart disease risk, blood clots, and stroke, relieve depression, and help fight certain cancers.
How Much Tuna
Are you looking for a supplement to promote heart health? If so I recommend you consider Dr. Sinatra’s supplement Omega Q Plus. This supplement has recently been revised to provide higher levels of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA via calamarine.
Limiting sugar intake is essential if you are working to lower triglycerides. Sugar has a direct impact on triglyceride levels.
Here are 5 tips to cut back your daily sugar intake:
1. Gradually cut back.
If you eat a high level of sweets daily it’ll be very difficult to cut them out “cold turkey”. Gradually wean yourself off the sugar. If you have 2 cans of soda daily, cut back to 1. If you enjoy dessert with lunch and dessert, cut back and limit dessert to one meal only. Continue to wean yourself down until the sweets are an occasional treat.
2. Use sugar substitutes when baking.
Apples are a great source of pectin. Pectin is another type of soluble fiber and soluble fibers are especially beneficial for lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
Soluble fibers work in two ways:
1. Decrease cholesterol absorption
2. Slow bile acid recycling