Written by Carin Mangimeli

Tips for Lowering your Cholesterol

So you just came back from the doctor and heard the words, “high cholesterol” during your visit? No doubt, your doctor talked to you about the different ways to lower your cholesterol, but your head was spinning with shock and fear and you barely heard a word the doctor said, right? Here are a few tips to get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle:

1. Get Up and Out! Exercising is one of the most important things you can do to increase your overall health, including your cholesterol. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout, just go for a daily walk after lunch or dinner with your spouse or child. A few turns around the block can work wonders. Start in small 10-minute increments and work your way up, if needed.
2. Get your Head Out of the Smoke! Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are two very easy ways to lower your cholesterol. Consult https://www.quitnow.net/quitplan/ or other websites for step-by-step information on how to quit and support for when you do quit.
3. You Are What You Eat! If you only put junk into your body, your body won’t have the fuel it needs to maintain itself. The body needs 25-30 grams of fiber a day to sustain a healthy heart. Saturated fats and trans fats increase your cholesterol count, so keep your intake as low as you can. Eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats and low-fat dairy.
4. Let’s Chat! Talk with your doctor, family and friends about other ways to lower your cholesterol and make healthy lifestyle changes that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Also discuss possible medications or supplements you can add to your diet.

High cholesterol can be a scary precursor to heart disease or it can be a wake-up call that you need to make some changes in your life to increase your life span. Make some small modifications and you should get that number back under control.