Cholesterol levels can affect your health and may determine the risk you have for stroke or heart attack. In fact, high levels of bad cholesterol can even shorten your life. When you first find out that you have high cholesterol, the time to take control of this is now. You cannot afford to go on with high cholesterol, since it can cause many severe health problems if left untreated.
Most people should have levels of cholesterol that are less than 200, but a healthier goal is 150-160 mg/dl. If you are worried about your cholesterol, there are a variety of simple lifestyle changes that you can make that will help you lower cholesterol fast. Here is a look at easy changes you can make in your life that will help you to lower cholesterol for a healthier you.
Lifestyle Change #1 - Limit Fats and meats
One lifestyle change you will want to make to reduce bad cholesterol levels is limiting fats and meats in your diet. Foods that come from animals have a lot of saturated fats, which can make cholesterol even higher. Some of the foods to reduce in your diet include poultry skin, eggs, beef products, and whole dairy products. When you do eat meat, limit the portion size.
Lifestyle Change #2 - Eat More Fiber
Eating more fiber can help to lower levels of cholesterol as well. Many people do not get enough fiber in their diet. In fact, many people only take in 10 grams or less every day. If you start taking in about 20-35 grams of fiber each day, you can effectively lower cholesterol. Some great foods that include fiber that you can add to your diet include berries, whole grains, apples, brown rice, and legumes.
Lifestyle Change #3 - Get More Exercise
Exercise can be extremely helpful with lowering cholesterol levels as well. When you exercise, you raise the level of good cholesterol within the body, which helps to eliminate more of the bad cholesterol from the body. Simply walking for 20-30 minutes several times a week can make a huge difference.
Lifestyle Change #4 - Stop Smoking
Smoking has been proven to raise bad cholesterol and it also can reduce your good cholesterol as well. Smokers that have high cholesterol are at greater risk for strokes and heart attacks as well, so it is definitely a good idea to stop smoking.
Lifestyle Change #5 - Add Natural Supplements
Add natural supplements to your life. Look for supplements that include natural ingredients that are well known for helping to lower cholesterol. They are usually reasonably priced and easy to take on a daily basis. Many times simply taking natural supplements can do a better job than taking prescription cholesterol medications when it comes to lowering bad cholesterol levels.
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