High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the liver produces. It’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Eating too many foods that contain high amounts of fat increases the level of LDL cholesterol in a person’s blood. This is known as high cholesterol, also called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Can your mouth determine your risk of high cholesterol?
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Research suggests there is an association between a severe gum infection and elevated cholesterol levels.
One study looked at the association between periodontitis and hyperlipidemia.
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications.
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For the study, levels of serum lipids in 45 subjects with periodontitis were measured and compared with 45 controls whose age, gender and body mass index (BMI) matched the periodontitis group.
Serum lipids essentially means fatty substances found in the blood, including cholesterol.
After analysing the data, LDL cholesterol levels were higher in the group with periodontitis.
"This study indicates that hyperlipidemia may be associated with periodontal disease," the researchers concluded.
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