Tips To Help Manage Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol helps build cell membranes, produces hormones such as testosterone, aids metabolism, and helps the body digest and absorb nutrients. However, for those who have high cholesterol, it can build up in the arteries, harden the blood vessels, and can leave you at risk for developing heart disease or strokes. Most of the time, high cholesterol is caused by a diet too high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. In other cases, it’s caused by more inherited conditions. Blood tests will give you an informed amount of how much cholesterol is in your body, and your doctor will give you dietary recommendations that can help lower cholesterol over time. In this article, we’ll help reinforce and inform you of some of the best tips out there for lowering cholesterol.

Stay Active

One of the most competitive ways to help reduce the effects of cholesterol is by regularly exercising. Exercise can improve your good cholesterol by removing the excess from the bloodstream and return it to the liver to be broken down. At least 30 minutes of exercises, such as a brisk walk, five times a week, will help protect your arteries from clogging and your heart from heart disease.

Use Healthier Cooking Methods

If you have a meal planned out, try different methods of cooking, such as grilling, steaming, and broiling. These methods use less fat than frying and can help you cut back on saturated fats. You can also replace the types of cooking oils and ingredients in your cooking, such as low sodium butter, grapeseed oil, and wheat flour.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Adding more vegetables and fruits to your eating habits can increase your intake of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to process foods and turn them into energy properly. Look for fruits and vegetables that contain soluble fiber, such as barley, citrus fruits, strawberries, and potatoes into your diet to help your body process.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

While having a drink now and then won’t hurt, having too much alcohol at more consistent rates can dehydrate your body and cause significant damage. However, if you do drink, drink in moderation. The recommended amount for drinking is no more than three units a day for women and four units a day for men.

Remove Saturated Fats

Saturated fats, usually found in dairy products such as cream, milk, cheese, and butter, are one of the biggest causes of high cholesterol. Unsaturated fats have better heart health benefits, and are typically found in fishes such as salmon and herring, and can also be found in nuts, seeds, and oils such as olive and sunflower oil.

Any of these changes will help improve your overall cholesterol and keep you healthy. If you need a health clinic that will work with you to improve your health, then contact Dr. Sam Olu Faleye at Primehealth Medical Center. Located in Memphis, TN, Dr. Faleye has a high reputation with his patients as a compassionate doctor who works hard to provide excellent service.