Having high cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Although medications can help improve your cholesterol, it really shouldn’t be your immediate go to. Instead look to make some lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol. Here are four changes you can make.
EAT HEART HEALTHY FOODS
A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health. You should eliminate trans fats and reduce your saturated fats intake, so reduce how much red meat and dairy you consume. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds and increase you fiber intake as it reduces the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.
EXERCISE AND INCREASE YOU PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Exercise can improve your cholesterol so try to work out at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Adding physical activity, even in short intervals, can help you begin to lose weight.
LOSE WEIGHT
Carrying even a few extra pounds can contribute to high cholesterol. If you drink sugary beverages, switch to water. If you are a snacker, pick healthier snacks like air-popped popcorn. If you crave something sweet, try some sherbet.
DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION AND QUIT SMOKING
Moderate your use of alcohol as too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems, not only contribute to high cholesterol, but can cause high blood pressure, heart failure and strokes.
If you are a smoker, you definitely need to quit. If you stop smoking you can improve your HDL cholesterol level.
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