Reduce Your Cholesterol with These 5 Tips
Your primary care physician may order blood tests as part of a routine checkup. These tests provide vital information to your doctor about your immune system, organs and arteries.
A lipid panel is one of the most common blood tests. This test measures your blood’s levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. This information will be used by your doctor to assess the risk of heart disease.
What Is Cholesterol
You need cholesterol for healthy cell membranes, hormones of all types and vitamin D.
It is difficult for cholesterol to dissolve in the bloodstream because it is waxy. Lipoproteins are needed to transport cholesterol through the blood.
The two types of lipoproteins are low-density (LDL) lipoprotein and high-density (HDL).
LDL cholesterol is sometimes referred to “bad” because it can deposit on your arteries and cause them to become stiffer. Atherosclerosis is a condition that can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is good because it removes LDL from the arteries, and takes it to the liver where it can safely be dealt with.
Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can damage your lungs and heart.
Cigarette smoking contains high levels Acrolein , a substance which has been shown interferes with HDL cholesterol transportation.
Quitting smoking is the best choice for your heart health and overall well-being.
Exercise More
Sedentary behavior, or not engaging in physical activity can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol. Exercise improves heart health because it increases HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and remove it from arteries.
Exercises like running, cycling, and lifting weights are effective in reducing LDL levels of cholesterol, while improving HDL levels. Any type of activity and movement is better than nothing.
Eat Less Saturated Fats
Animal products such as dairy and meat are the main source of saturated fats. These fatty acid clog up the receptor sites for cholesterol in the liver and make it hard for the body to regulate cholesterol levels.
High saturated fat diets (with lots red meat, processed foods, butter and milk for example) have been linked to unhealthy cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.
Limiting the amount of saturated fats in your diet will help you improve your cholesterol level.
Eat More Vegetables
All vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains contain antioxidants, minerals and fiber. These nutrients are essential to maintaining a healthy heart and can break down cholesterol and clear those clogged receptor sites.
Eat a variety of healthy foods at every meal to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cholesterol.
You May Need Prescription Medications
Your doctor may prescribe prescription medication to control your cholesterol if you’ve tried making lifestyle changes but your levels remain high.
Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications to lower cholesterol. These drugs inhibit an enzyme that produces LDL cholesterol in the liver. These drugs may also reduce inflammation and plaque accumulation in your arteries.
Talk to your doctor about how you can lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Do not underestimate the severity of high cholesterol; do not wait until it is too late to improve.
