High cholesterol levels in our bodies can put us at risk of some severe conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, among others. It is, therefore, important for us to keep our cholesterol levels within healthy limits. If your cholesterol levels are too high, here are some practical things you could do.
1. Become More Active
Obesity is a significant risk factor for high cholesterol levels in the blood. So, getting more active by regular exercise is key to reducing your cholesterol levels. Select exercise regimens that are a good fit for you and follow it consistently. Exercising has a dual benefit. It reduces LDL cholesterol (aka the “bad cholesterol ” that puts us at risk of cardiovascular conditions) while improving the levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good cholesterol” that protects us from cardiovascular diseases.
2. Be More Intentional With Your Diet
The culprit responsible for your high cholesterol levels might be lurking on your plate! In trying to reduce high cholesterol levels, an instrumental step is getting more deliberate about what we consume. A diet aimed at lowering high cholesterol levels should:
a. Contain Food Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While this may sound a bit ironical (after all, we should be looking to cut down on fat, right?), omega-3 fatty acids such as are found in salmon, herring, walnuts, etc. don’t increase LDL levels, and they have cardioprotective properties which are what we are looking out for
b. Contain Adequate Amounts Of Soluble Fiber
The rationale behind this is that soluble fiber helps speed up the digestive process and reduce cholesterol absorption in the process. This eventually lowers LDL levels in the blood.
c. Restrict The Content Of Saturated Fats
Saturated fats such as are found in servings like red meat, butter, palm oil, and full-fat dairy products. They are implicated in increased cholesterol levels, so you should restrict your intake of them. Also, steer clear of trans fat as it is found in many kinds of margarine and cookies.
3. Step Away From Smoking
If you are trying to reduce your cholesterol levels, it helps to avoid or minimize your exposure to smoking activities. Ditching cigarettes gives your metabolism and cardiovascular profile a healthy boost. So, take a step (away) that not only improves your cholesterol profile but also reduces your risk of getting any of the several cancers smoking is a risk factor for.
4. Use Cholesterol-lowering Medication
A range of medications, including statins, are available to help lower your cholesterol levels. These medications work by different mechanisms and have various indications and contraindications. You should therefore consult your doctor as to which of them is the best fit for you.
5. Boost Your Body’s Metabolism With Supplements
A reason for high cholesterol levels is inefficient metabolism. Some supplements are available to give your body metabolism a boost and make it better able to function correctly. This, in turn, can help in reducing your cholesterol levels and making you healthier. A supplement I would recommend in this regard is the Shiruto vitamin supplement, Which contains many vitamins involved in the body’s metabolism.
