High cholesterol in children

We may think that it is only an adult thing. But children can also have high cholesterol. The problems that it entails are not manifested immediately, but in the long run. Hence the importance of controlling it from the beginning to avoid that over the years ending up in a major problem. In Guiainfa

We may think that it is only an adult thing. But children can also have high cholesterol.

The problems that it entails are not manifested immediately, but in the long run. Hence the importance of controlling it from the beginning to avoid that over the years ending up in a major problem.

In Guiainfantil.com we talk about the causes and consequences of high cholesterol in children.

What is high cholesterol in children

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liverand other organs such as the intestine. This substance is found in the lipids and fats that the blood carries. It is essential for the production of cell membranes and hormones. The liver makes about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol a day. But eye, there are two types of cholesterol:

- The 'good' cholesterol is known as HDL. It collects cholesterol from the tissues and carries them to the liver.

- The 'bad' cholesterol is called LDL. It is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body.

The problem comes when the body receives externally more fats than it needs, especially 'bad' fats. Then we talk about high cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia. In the case of children, high cholesterol occurs when it exceeds 170 mg / dl in blood.

Causes and consequences of high cholesterol in childhood

We tend to think that in most of the time, high cholesterol in children is produced by a poor diet, but the genetic factor is decisive. In fact, in almost all cases of children with high cholesterol, there is at least one family member who suffers from this same problem. That's why pediatricians have a greater vigilance con with children with parents who suffer high cholesterol, especially after 2 years. What is certain is that

food influences, and much, in the control of blood cholesterol . A menu based on high-fat foods (hamburgers, red meat ...) can increase our children's cholesterol.The first consequence, the most visible, is obesity. But in the long run, high cholesterol can also have non-visible and much more

dangerous consequences for our son's health. The main risk is that high cholesterol generates a heart problem , since an excess of cholesterol can block the walls of the coronary arteries. It is also related toan increased risk of suffering a brain accident .How to treat high cholesterol in children

High cholesterol

is diagnosed from a blood test . The pediatrician will assess if it is necessary to change the child's diet to try to control cholesterol levels. In any case, your diet should not include more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day and the intake of saturated fats can not be greater than 10%. Agood diet to fight against high blood cholesterol is based on the intake of fruits and vegetables, in the elimination of foods rich in saturated fats and in the decrease of carbohydrates in the child's menu. Here we leave some

tips of healthy eating for children with high blood cholesterol problems :- A breakfast based on cereals with semi-skimmed milk and fruit.

- Fruit at mid-morning break lunch.

- For food, include

vegetable and white meat (chicken, turkey ...). - Increase the child's activity.

Exercise is an effective weapon against overweight and cholesterol. - The sandwiches, better

of wholemeal bread .- Do not forget the defatted fish and dairy products such as yoghurts.