Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also to share more professional health knowledge with you, so as to escort your health, thank you for your support.
That day, Zhang Huarong stood in the corridor of the hospital, looking at her test sheet, her brows furrowed. She is 61 years old and has been engaged in domestic service for many years, and although she is busy on weekdays, she has always been physically strong.
But two years ago, she was surprised when she was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia during a routine check-up. At that moment, Zhang Huarong made up her mind to completely change her diet.
She promised herself that she would cut off meat and oil completely, and her diet began to be rich in leafy greens and fresh fruits. She insisted on such a dietary adjustment for two years.
Two years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Zhang Huarong is once again standing in the same hospital, waiting for the results of a new blood lipid test. When the doctor walked up to her with the results, she was unusually nervous.
The results showed a significant decrease in her total cholesterol and LDL levels, but there was an unexpected finding – her HDL levels also dropped slightly.
This result made Zhang Huarong a little confused. Puzzled, she asked the doctor, "Haven't I already made a big change, and why does good cholesterol go down?" The doctor patiently explained that completely removing fats from the diet is not ideal, because a certain amount of healthy fats is necessary to maintain good cholesterol levels.
He suggested that Zhang Huarong could add some foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil and nuts, which are good sources of fat to promote cardiovascular health.
Instead of absolutely forbidding herself to eat oil, she opted for some healthy sources of fat, such as adding some olive oil to her salads and occasionally eating some walnuts and almonds.
In the blink of an eye, it was another year, in which Zhang Huarong not only made adjustments in her diet, but also joined the local square dance team, dancing and walking regularly. She noticed a noticeable improvement in her stamina and felt better overall.
Coming to the hospital again for the annual physical examination, Zhang Huarong was full of expectations. The results of this examination were unexpected: her total cholesterol and LDL levels continued to remain low, while her HDL levels also increased significantly.
The doctor applauded her change and emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing blood lipids. An important point can be seen from Zhang's experience: a single dietary change, such as the complete removal of meat and fat, can reduce some unhealthy factors, but may unintentionally affect other important health indicators.
A proper diet should be balanced and varied, including moderate amounts of healthy fats, which is essential for maintaining an overall blood lipid balance.
In Zhang's case, she not only improved her overall blood lipid profile but also her quality of life by adding a healthy source of fat and combining it with proper exercise.
This suggests that when faced with health problems such as hyperlipidemia, comprehensive lifestyle modifications should be adopted rather than simple dietary restrictions. For example, a patient of the same age who took a similar diet did not see as much improvement as Zhang Huarong because he neglected exercise and a moderate amount of healthy fats.
This underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans, which must be taken into account when developing a lipid management program, as each person's physical condition and lifestyle habits are different.
Doctors also mentioned that although blood lipids can be effectively managed through diet and lifestyle modifications, medication may be needed in some cases. Doctors recommend that patients have regular lipid profiles and work closely with their doctors to adjust their treatment strategies based on the results.
A comprehensive and balanced lifestyle modification is more effective than diet or exercise alone. Her experience tells us that healthy fats are key to maintaining good blood lipid levels, and that moderate exercise can further promote good health.
This is not only a recommendation for patients, but also a challenge for all those who pursue a healthy lifestyle. Zhang's story not only provides us with an effective way to control blood lipids, but also suggests the complexity and challenges of achieving this approach.
What do you think about hyperlipidemia? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!