Embrace Healthy Habits To help Lower Your Cholesterol

Human beings need cholesterol to live, but did you know there are two kinds of cholesterol? There's HDL, considered "good" cholesterol, and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.

Too much bad cholesterol can lead to numerous health issues, which is why you should reduce the amount of bad cholesterol you consume while working to increase your good cholesterol.

The primary care team at Summit Primary Care in Colorado offers the following tips for lowering your cholesterol:

1. Exercise regularly

Be more active, and exercise regularly. Even moderate physical activity can increase the amount of good cholesterol in your body. Our team recommends doing 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week or 20 minutes of intense aerobic activity three times a week.

In addition to increasing the level of good cholesterol in the body, regular exercise can help you lose weight, lowering your overall cholesterol. 

Here are some exercises that can help:

• Go on a short walk or run before or after work
• Ride your bike to places you'd usually drive
• Participate in a favorite sport or physical activity regularly

Don't underestimate the power of having a fitness partner! They can help you stay motivated. Belonging to a fitness group is also beneficial.

2. Eat better

Lowering your cholesterol and watching what you eat go hand in hand. If you reduce foods that raise your LDL cholesterol in your body, while increasing the consumption of healthy foods, you can do a world of good for your heart and other vital organs. 

You should avoid or limit saturated and trans fats, including butter, palm and coconut oils, cheese, and red meat.

Increase your consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and whey protein.

3. Quit smoking and only consume alcohol in moderation

Give up smoking to help lower your cholesterol. Quitting smoking boosts the amount of good cholesterol in your body while improving your circulation and lung function. Plus, you will decrease your risk of getting heart disease.

Similarly, you should refrain from having excessive amounst of alcohol. Drinking alcohol in moderation can boost the amount of good cholesterol in your body. Women of all ages and men over 65 should limit their intake to one drink per day, whereas men younger than 65 are fine having two drinks a day.

When to see a doctor

If you've taken steps to lower your cholesterol using these suggestions and you still don’t see results, it's wise to seek our professional medical advice.

Schedule an appointment online with our team at Summit Primary Care when you’re ready to learn more about what can be done to lower your cholesterol and to receive proper treatment as needed.