Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body needs and is produced in the body. There are basically two types: HDL-Cholesterol, known as "good or good cholesterol", and LDL-Cholesterol, known as "cursed or bad cholesterol". Although high cholesterol is more common in adults, it can also be found and is dangerous in children.
In childhood, the most common cause of high cholesterol levels is obesity. In overweight children, triglyceride levels are usually high and HDL-Cholesterol levels are low. They usually do not cause any complaints in children and are diagnosed late. However, rarely, symptoms such as hypertension and fatigue are detected.
Since most children do not have any symptoms, it is extremely important to measure blood cholesterol levels periodically starting from the age of 10. In addition, in order to prevent high cholesterol, children should have healthy eating habits and do sports and physical activity to reduce obesity.
It is very important to detect and successfully treat high cholesterol (lipid disorders) in children. That's because lipid disorders can, over time, cause cholesterol and fat to accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. This can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is a leading cause of heart and blood vessel disease.
High Cholesterol (Lipid Disorders) are closely related to childhood obesity, which is the problem of our age. Studies have found that 50% of children between the ages of 2 and 15 have changes related to vascular calcification (atherosclerosis).
In children Limits for High Cholesterol:
Total Cholesterol : 200 mg/dl and above
LDL-Cholesterol : 130 mg/dl and above
Triglyceride (0- 9 years old) : 100 mg/dl and above
Triglyceride (10-19 years) : 130 mg/dl and above
HDL-Cholesterol : 40 mg/dl and below
It is necessary to remove LDL cholesterol in children to lower LDL cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and even death. It is important to learn the important steps.
One of the most important points in the treatment of high cholesterol is the regulation of lifestyle. Healthy nutrition and physical activity are sufficient for treatment in most children.
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Daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 mg
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Be careful when consuming foods such as animal origin foods and oils, fast food, croissants and fries. It is important to reduce red meat consumption, consume skinless meat parts of animals such as turkey and chicken, and fish species. These foods should be prepared and consumed by grilling or boiling instead of frying.
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Processed foods rich in saturated fatty acids such as sausages, salami and soudjouk should not be consumed.
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Low-fat milk and yoghurt should be consumed
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In this case, in order to avoid deficiency in the protein intake necessary for our body, it does not contain cholesterol but has high content. Consumption of protein-rich legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils should not be neglected.
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Foods containing trans fat should be avoided
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Fast foods such as margarine, popcorn, ice cream, snacks, french fries, crispy chicken, and coffee creamer can be counted.
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Consumption of sugary drinks should be restricted
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Salt consumption should be reduced
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Fibrous food consumption should be increased
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Bread, pasta and breakfast cereals made from whole grain flour
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Barley, rye, oats and foods produced from them
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Vegetables such as broccoli, corn, cauliflower, carrots and apples and citrus fruits
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Legumes such as peas, chickpeas and beans
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20-60 minutes of exercise 2-5 days a week
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Television, tablet, phone and computer should not be used for more than 2 hours a day
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It is important to maintain and maintain a healthy weight.
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