In recent times, a lot of young and elderly people tend to suffer from high cholesterol owing to certain changes in their lifestyle, food and drink habits, and more which in the long run if not treated can be dangerous and even lead to a lot of complications. Not all cholesterol is the same and bad types of cholesterol can put a lot of strain on your heart, harden your arteries and even lead to a range of cardiovascular diseases.
If you think you have cholesterol then the first thing you need to do is see a cholesterol specialist doctor that along with medication, will advise you to lead a healthy life, a strict diet, and lots of exercise. Here are some ways how leading a healthy lifestyle can help lower your cholesterol or prevent you from getting it in the first place.
- Always read your ingredient labels
A lot of foods and drinks you consume can be very harmful to you and one of the best ways to regulate your diet is to always read your nutrition labels. Avoid foods that are processed, and contain a lot of trans fats or even hydrogenated oils as they will not only increase your cholesterol levels but can be harmful to you in the long run. Foods with additives, chemicals, or even margarine and more add to your bad cholesterol levels and lower the good ones. This is why your doctor will always tell you to opt for natural foods, organic ingredients, and labels that are short – because if you can’t understand what’s on the label, it’s best not to buy it.
- Go easy on red meats
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to lowering your bad cholesterol is to make some easy switches, like switching red meats that are high in saturated fats for healthier alternatives like seafood, turkey, chicken, or just vegetarian food. A lot of seafood like fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as shellfish like shrimp and crab which can help boost your good cholesterol and lower your bad one. Moderation is the key when it comes to these foods always opt for leaner cuts of meats and fish and try to avoid canned food as much as possible, instead opt for freshly caught fish and chicken.
- Look for more soluble fiber
Your cholesterol specialist near me will tell you that fiber is something that can help regulate and maintain not only your digestive system but your heart health as well. A diet rich in fiber can help push cholesterol through your system before it gets to your bloodstream, keeps you active, energetic, and healthy, and helps keep you full for a longer time. Breakfast foods like oats, barley, and even kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils make a great addition to your diet and will keep you satiated for a longer time so that you don’t excessively eat and gain weight. Plus, being on the healthier side, they fill you with nutritional value and energy.
- Add healthier habits into your life
Stress and poor eating habits are one of the main causes of cholesterol and so making small changes in your life can help you combat this. Look for healthier oils like olive, oil, grapeseed oil, and healthier fats like ghee instead of using butter, margarine, or animal and vegetable fat. You can also use certain aromatherapy oils to help you relax, de-stress and lower your anxiety levels which can help you recover in the long run. Most cholesterol doctors near me will advise you to take up habits like yoga, meditation, exercise, and other creative outlets to lower your stress.
- Work some exercise into your day
Keeping your body moving, especially if you have a desk job is very important as a lot of people tend to eat and sit for hours on end which can lead to fats and other foods getting converted into cholesterol and raising your blood pressure as well as affecting your heart which can also lead to other illnesses like diabetes. Certain small swaps like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to your local store instead of taking your car can work wonders for you. You can also join an exercise program or your local gym and ask your friends or partner to help give you a boost.
- Pick up an extra activity
A cholesterol testing specialist will tell you that while medicine can help to some extent, you will also need to focus on getting yourself up and out of the house. Tasks like exercising or playing sports or even heading for a walk outside instead of sitting and watching TV can help you bring some motion to your life. This can help you lose weight, de-stress and regulate your eating habits which is beneficial for you. This in the long run can help get you on a healthier and happier path and lower your cholesterol levels as well as keep you feeling fit and switch you on to a nutritional diet and exercise regime.
The Bottom Line
Lowering your cholesterol doesn’t mean facing it alone, your cholesterol specialist in California will be by your side each step of the way. These professionals will call you for regular checkups, make a proper exercise and diet plan for you as well as monitor your medication and advise you to get rid of any bad habits you have. Certain habits like smoking, drinking, and eating fast foods can affect you and so your doctor will narrow down the dos and don’ts as well as check your progress, make adjustments based on the results and even answer any questions you may have. Always check for a reliable and trusted doctor whom you feel comfortable with and you can ask any query. A good doctor will advise you in the right way while listening to what you have to say which can make the journey better for you.