I find it ironic how, after the day that I wrote several LiveStrong.com articles about heart-healthy diets, I receive my life insurance blood test results with a heart-healthy flag.

While my HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels are normal, my overall cholesterol is 16 points too high. This is most likely due to the fact that my LDL (bad) cholesterol is four points less than the high limit for normal. It’s a good thing that I have been eating well this past week.

You see, I gained a ton of weight, this fall, and it needs to come off. I have been quite good, this week. I have been drinking a lot of water and my fair share of coffee. The one thing I have been consuming that is a cholesterol no-no is creamer. I am not sure if they are non-dairy creamers, which are a BIG no-no, but creamer is bad, nonetheless. I am switching to milk.

A couple of my liver function tests, while normal, were higher than I would like to see. AST (SGOT), or aspartate aminotransferase (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), if elevated, can be a sign of liver cell damage. It is also important to note that AST is not the best indicator for liver damage because those with liver damage can have a normal AST.

Elevated AST can also be a sign of cell damage to the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. In other words, strenuous exercise can lead to elevated AST. What that means, boys and girls, is that MOUNTAIN BIKING should be avoided if you are going to have blood testing done within a couple of days.

ALT (SGPT), alanine aminotransferase (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) is a much better indicator of liver damage. I personally feel that my ALT is slightly better than my AST, although, again, I would like to see better numbers. Hey, I have high expectations of my body and its processes.

AST (SGPT) is only made by liver cells, and abnormal levels are an indicator of damaged liver cells, although it is not an indicator of the extent of damage. In other words, even though my ALT (SGPT) is at the higher range of normal, that does not mean that anything is wrong with my liver or that decreased levels are better.

Now that you are all completely bored, what does this all mean? It means that my liver function tests are normal, and my overall cholesterol is a little high. This is most likely due to my weight gain and possibly to too much beer consumption. I have cut way back on my alcohol consumption since Saturday, and have chosen smaller, healthier food portions. This also means that regular exercise is in order.

This also means that I will be enjoying an Ambassador Chef salad, tomorrow, instead of a Library Caprese burger.

Related Articles to Eating a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Antioxidants: Cancer Prevention and Slowing the Aging Process

• Free Radicals: Molecules that Contribute to Aging and Cancer
• Health Benefits of Coffee: Coffee’s Role in Disease Prevention
• Exercise and Weight Loss: Regular Activity is Necessary for Losing Fat

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References

• ALT (SGPT): Liver Function Test (United States Department of Veteran Affairs)

• AST (SGOT): Liver Function Test (United States Department of Veteran Affairs)