Have you ever wondered why the world is so concerned about high cholesterol levels? For one, it increases your risk of having heart disease and heart attacks. You may not know it, but your current cholesterol levels may already be jump-starting a disease process in your heart. Better have yourself checked. There are many ways to manage cholesterol levels. One such option is taking anti-cholesterol medications, which are usually synthesized in the liver. This is the most convenient way, but depending on your overall health, you could see various side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar, and some neurological symptoms.
The other way is to make modifications to your lifestyle. But before doing that, make sure you have the appropriate clearance from your doctor. Here are some things you may want to change in your lifestyle that could help manage your cholesterol. If you’re already under medication, these changes could make the outcome a better one.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Food
Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, spinach, oysters, and tofu, to name a few, help reduce blood pressure and plasma triglyceride levels. It is also recommended to increase the intake of soluble fiber to help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your bloodstream. Food such as oatmeal, apples, beans, avocados, and sweet potatoes are good sources of soluble fibers. Whey protein is another food that can help you manage your cholesterol. Studies have suggested that whey protein has beneficial effects on lipid profiles by lowering triglyceride levels.
- Exercise
Countless trials and studies have shown that the right amount and frequency of exercise can do wonders to your body. One of which is increasing your HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or the “good cholesterol” in your body, through moderate physical activity such as brisk walking.
- Stop Smoking
A former colleague, during his motivational talk about quitting smoking, once said, “Don’t quit, quitting”. And that’s absolutely right. Don’t quit trying to quit smoking because the benefits of not smoking far outweigh the brief pleasure it brings. Higher concentrations of good cholesterols have consistently been observed in people who stopped smoking. Quitting smoking also helps lower your blood pressure, while blood circulation improves. As a result, you lessen your risk of heart disease/ attack.
- Lose weight
Carrying even an extra load on your body can contribute to your day-to-day struggles. You’ll feel down. You don’t want to move. Your overall physical strength will diminish over time. Being overweight or obese tends to increase your bad cholesterol. Appropriate diet and exercise can help you achieve the ideal weight that is fit for your lifestyle and body.
Before going through lifestyle changes or modifications, please consult a doctor first to determine if it is right for your needs. Medgate’s doctors are available for you 24/7 should you have any healthcare or wellness questions.