4 Choices for Changing Cholesterol
By Brandi Goodman
Cholesterol Education Month in September encourages everyone to learn more about good and bad cholesterol. Certain things you do or don't do can have an impact on your levels and your health. With these four choices for changing cholesterol, you can begin to make enhancements to your health that will have your levels improved and your heart stronger because of it.
Improve Your Diet
The foods you eat play a major role in your cholesterol levels. Certain foods raise your bad cholesterol levels, which can cause your blood vessels to narrow and your heart to suffer. Other foods help to lower these LDL levels and raise HDL levels, the good cholesterol. Vegetables that are high in fiber are some of the most beneficial for doing so. Whole grains are also a solid choice. You also want to keep your fat content low, such as choosing leaner meats rather than beef.
Get More Exercise
Reduce your risk of heart disease by getting more exercise. Your LDL levels will decrease while our HDL levels rise. It's important to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. You can break it up into three 10-minute sessions if needed to fit it into your schedule. Wake up 10 minutes earlier to follow a quick workout video. Take 10 minutes to walk down the block on your lunch break. Use the treadmill for 10 minutes while you watch a show in the evening. There are plenty of ways to fit exercise in if you try.
Lose Weight
Losing weight typically consists of drinking more water, eating healthier, and exercising. These are all individual things you can do to raise your good cholesterol levels. Combine them together and you greatly increase your chances of improving your health.
Quit Smoking
Though smoking isn't something you can easily quit overnight, it is something you can quit if you put in effort. Take your time, but slowly start to cut back on your smoking habit until you no longer need it. Quitting can drastically improve your cholesterol levels. The toxins in cigarettes make it difficult for your body to transport cholesterol through the blood to the liver. They also clog your arteries. It will take some time after you quit to reverse the damage.
Consider starting with one of these choices and change your cholesterol for the better. The more changes you make over time, the more likely you are to have a healthier heart and body overall. You just have to start somewhere.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission, Tex.