If you have a high blood cholesterol level, lowering your cholesterol doesn’t have to be hard and it is one of the best things you can do for your heart and health.
High cholesterol levels can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, which increases your risk for heart attack or stroke. But 5 simple steps can help you lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart attacks or stroke.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy foods is one of the easiest ways to lower blood cholesterol. Eating well means dining on a variety of foods, such as fruits and vegetables; cereals, breads, pasta and other whole-grain products; and lean proteins such as fish, poultry (without skin) and leaner cuts of red meats. Include low-fat dairy in your diet too.
Start exercising
Get up and get moving! Exercise is essential to good health. It is necessary for good circulation which benefits your heart, lungs, muscles and energy levels, to name only a few. You’ll live longer if you add exercise to your daily routine.
Quit smoking
Smoking accelerates the rate at which dangerous plaques build up in your arteries. This plaque blocks the flow of blood causing your heart to work harder and raising your blood pressure. This can cause a heart attack or if a plaque breaks loose it can cause a clot and a stroke.
Reduce stress
Learning to relax can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Stress can contribute to high levels of cholesterol even when you are eating a low fat low cholesterol diet.
Visit with your doctor
According to the National Cholesterol Education program, all adults should have their cholesterol levels tested every five years. If you have other risk factors such as heart disease, you may need to be tested more often. Ask your doctor how frequently you should be tested. Most doctors will recommend changes to your diet and exercise before they prescribe medications. In more extreme cases, drugs may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes.
Fortunately there are several steps you can take to lower your levels and improve your overall health. And many of the strategies don’t require a prescription. If you are looking for a natural way to maintain your cholesterol levels, try our Cholesterol Care Formula which contains several natural nutrients to support healthy cholesterol levels.
