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Copywriting丨Health Science Doctor Wang
Editor丨Health Science Doctor Wang
In the hot summer, a glass of cold beer or a sip of mellow liquor can always bring a touch of coolness and comfort to many people. However, behind this exuberance, there is a hidden health secret - there may be some mysterious connection between blood lipids and drinking.
Is it true or false? Is it a blessing or a curse? Don't worry, let's unravel this mystery today and hear what the doctor has to say.
"High blood lipids sound like a headache." Dr. Zhang humorously said, "Many people think that high blood lipids mean eating too much oil, exercising more and eating less meat.
But in fact, many small habits in life may become the 'invisible promoter' of high blood lipids, such as drinking. ”
Hearing this, do you have the impatience to ask: "Does drinking alcohol really increase blood lipids?" "Dr. Zhang will give us a detailed explanation next.
"Alcohol, this thing is really loved and hated." Dr. Zhang sighed, "Drinking a small amount of alcohol can indeed make people feel happy, and even have some benefits for the heart." This is because alcohol can raise levels of HDL, a lipoprotein thought to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
But overdo, that's another story. When alcohol enters the body, it is broken down into acetaldehyde by the liver. Acetaldehyde, which interferes with the normal process of fat metabolism, causes fatty acids to build up in the liver.
Over time, blood lipid levels go up. To make matters worse, long-term excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to serious diseases such as fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. ”
It seems that there is indeed a lot of connection between drinking alcohol and blood lipids. So, as a patient with hyperlipidemia, what should I pay attention to in my diet when summer comes? Dr. Zhang gave six points of advice, which can be described as a gem of words and a lot of benefits.
Point 1: Don't use alcohol as a "heat killer"
"It's hot in summer, and many people like to drink some cold beer and liquor to relieve the heat." Dr. Zhang shook his head, "But it's not a good habit. Although alcohol can bring temporary coolness, in the long run, it can have a great impact on blood lipids.
Alcohol also stimulates your appetite and makes it easier for you to consume high-calorie foods, which can further exacerbate your blood lipid problems. It is best for patients with hyperlipidemia to stay away from alcohol and choose some healthier ways to beat the heat, such as drinking some mung bean soup and eating some watermelon.
If you really want to drink, you should also limit the amount of alcohol you drink, no more than two standard drinks per day for men (one standard drink is equivalent to 10 grams of pure alcohol) and no more than one standard drink for women. ”
The second point: greasy meals, just try them once in a while
"In summer, the temptation of greasy delicacies such as barbecue, crayfish, and skewers of incense is too great." Dr. Zhang said with a smile, "But patients with hyperlipidemia can endure it." If you eat too much of these greasy foods, your blood lipids will definitely rise. It's okay to try something fresh once in a while, but don't eat too often or in large quantities.
Usually you should still eat a light, less oily diet. For example, you can choose cooking methods such as steaming and stewing, and try to avoid high-fat cooking methods such as frying and frying. ”
Point 3: Eat more fruits and vegetables and give your blood vessels a "bath"
"Summer is a feast of fruits and vegetables, watermelons, cucumbers, peaches, plums...... The whole nine yards. Dr. Zhang emphasized, "Patients with hyperlipidemia should eat more fruits and vegetables. They are rich in fiber and vitamins, which can help clear blood vessels and lower blood lipids.
In particular, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, etc., are beneficial to vascular health. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day (equivalent to about 500 grams) is good for blood vessels. ”
Point 4: Exercise, don't let your body "idle"
"It's hot in summer, and many people don't want to move." Dr. Zhang waved his hand, "But that's not going to work.
Exercise is a good helper for lowering blood lipids. Patients with hyperlipidemia should do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, etc. Exercise can help increase the body's metabolic rate and promote fat burning and excretion.
Exercise can also enhance cardiopulmonary function, improve blood circulation, and is very helpful in lowering blood lipids. So, don't let your body "idle" and get moving! ”
Point 5: Quit smoking and limit alcohol to "decompress" blood vessels
"Tobacco and alcohol are 'difficult brothers', and the damage to blood vessels is not ordinary." Dr. Zhang said solemnly, "Patients with hyperlipidemia must quit smoking and limit alcohol.
The nicotine in smoke can damage the endothelium of blood vessels, making it easier for blood lipids to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels; The alcohol in wine, on the other hand, interferes with fat metabolism. For the health of blood vessels, it is better to stay away from smoking bars. If you really can't quit smoking, try to minimize the amount of cigarettes you smoke and seek help from your doctor to quit. ”
Point 6: Have regular physical examinations and don't let blood lipids rise "silently".
"A lot of people wait until they're not feeling well before they go to the hospital for a check-up." "But in fact, regular check-ups are the key. Hyperlipidemia is an 'invisible killer', and many patients usually don't feel it, only to find that the blood lipids are already very high.
Patients with hyperlipidemia must have regular physical examinations to detect changes in blood lipids in time so as to adjust their diet and lifestyle habits. It is recommended that patients with hyperlipidemia have a comprehensive physical examination at least once a year, including the examination of blood lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and other indicators. ”
In addition to the above six suggestions, Dr. Zhang also reminds patients with hyperlipidemia to pay attention to hydration in the summer. "Sweating a lot in summer can easily lead to dehydration." "Dehydration can make the blood thicker, which can exacerbate lipid problems." Patients with hyperlipidemia must drink more water in summer to maintain the body's water balance. ”
In addition, Dr. Zhang emphasized the importance of psychological adjustment. "Patients with hyperlipidemia often feel anxious and depressed because of their condition." "But this negative emotion is not good for the condition."
Maintaining an optimistic, positive mindset can help you better control your blood lipids. Therefore, patients with hyperlipidemia may wish to participate in more outdoor activities and gatherings with friends in summer to make their mood more happy. ”
After listening to Dr. Zhang's six suggestions and other precautions, do you have a clearer understanding of the summer diet and lifestyle habits of hyperlipidemia patients?
High blood lipids are not terrible, as long as we pay more attention in life, eat reasonably, exercise moderately, quit smoking and limit alcohol, have regular physical examinations and maintain an optimistic attitude, we can effectively control blood lipids and enjoy a healthy and happy summer.
"Summer is coming, don't let high blood cholesterol become your 'invisible burden'. Keep these six tips and other tips in mind to keep your blood lipids obedient and you can become a 'health expert' in the summer! When the time comes, whether it's a swim at the beach or a hike in the mountains, you'll be able to show off your health with confidence! ”
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!