How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
It is important to maintain HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) in order to prevent heart disease and heart attack. There are certain lifestyle changes that can help you maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. As always, I put a strong emphasis on weight loss and working out.
l Routine health checkups and cholesterol screenings – There are no real visible symptoms to high cholesterol; therefore it is important to get a cholesterol test and routine doctors checkups to prevent heart disease and heart stroke. Routine checkups are especially important for individuals who are at a higher risk of getting high cholesterol levels. High risk individuals include those with a family history of high cholesterol, and those who have been diagnosed wit a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes. High risk individuals also include those who have a poor diet and lead sedentary lifestyle.
l Eat foods low in saturated fat – Saturated fats are exceptionally detrimental to your health, because consuming a high saturated fat diet is correlated to heart disease. Foods that include saturated fats include dairy products, cheeses, processed foods and meats. To ensure a proper nutrition, reduce the consumption of these products and take a multivitamin.
l Exercise regularly – Exercise not only helps with weight loss, blood pressure and strengthens your heart and blood vessels; exercise also helps raise your HDL cholesterol levels while lowering total LDL (bad) cholesterol.
l Lose weight if you are overweight – Overweight people tend to have higher cholesterol levels than people who maintain a healthy weight. When excess weight is concentrated in the abdominal area, there is a significant increase risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Losing 10% of your weight may improve and help lower your cholesterol levels. Keep in mind that you don’t have to drastically lose all the weight at once. In fact, the losing 1-2 pounds a week is the healthiest and long lasting weight loss.
Working out, and perhaps taking medication if you need it (generic Lipitor for lowering high cholesterol and Acai Effect for weight loss are treatments I recommend) will help you lose weight, build muscle, and regain strength and health in your heart.