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Precautions to Take With Low Cholesterol Levels Below 180

Although high cholesterol levels correlate with increased risk for atherosclerosis, very low cholesterol levels can pose health dangers as well. Cholesterol plays an important role in healthy metabolism. It helps our bodies to produce hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and plays an important role in brain function. Cholesterol is also instrumental in the production of serotonin, and low serotonin levels may correlate with instances of depression, especially in men. If your total cholesterol is below 180, be aware of the risks associated with low cholesterol and speak to your doctor about any concerns.

  1. Watch Your Moods

    • Pay attention to your moods and mental states if your total cholesterol level is below 180. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a variety of studies have demonstrated a connection between low cholesterol levels and depression and anxiety. Having low cholesterol does not automatically mean that you will suffer from these conditions, but if you are experiencing symptoms, it is worth investigating the correlation. Seek counseling if you are experiencing severe depression, and speak to your health care practitioner about the possibility of a connection between your cholesterol levels and your mental health. Together you can evaluate whether it might be worth trying to elevate your cholesterol levels.

    Exercise

    • Pay attention to other indicators of cardiovascular health, and work to maintain a healthy heart. Cholesterol levels below 180, like high cholesterol levels, can increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Exercise regularly if your cholesterol is low (and even if it isn't.) Regular exercise can help to keep your heart healthy and mitigate the risks posed by low cholesterol levels. Monitor your blood pressure as well, and reduce your salt intake or consider medication if it is high.

    Healthy Fat

    • Add omega 3-fatty acids to your diet if your cholesterol level is below 180. Polyunsaturated fats are essential to healthy body function, and too low cholesterol levels can indicate that they are not present in sufficient amounts. Omega-3's can help to raise your HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as your total cholesterol level. Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, as are nuts such as walnuts. You can also buy fish oil or flax oil with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, or take supplements to increase your levels. According to the website of the Texas Heart Institute, researchers have observed a correlation between low cholesterol levels in men and low levels of essential fatty acids. In fact, the Texas Heart Institute site cites studies in which men with low cholesterol suffering from depression actually experienced a lessening of depression symptoms when they added omega-3 fatty acids to their diets.

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