Tips To Lower Your Cholesterol

Have you been gaining weight recently? Do you regularly eat fatty foods like pastries, pizzas, butter, cheese, ice creams, cakes, etc? If yes, then you may become the victim of high cholesterol. And if you have been informed by your doctor that you have high cholesterol and have been prescribed medicines, you will still need to make an effort yourself, to lower the levels of cholesterol.

Apart from taking prescribed medicines, you will also need to introduce some healthy changes in your lifestyle and diet to lower your cholesterol levels. Given below are some useful tips to lower your cholesterol.

Most people consume super-sized meals. The portion of their food is about double the size suggested for good health. This unhealthy eating habit can lead to high cholesterol and weight gain. Hence, eat small meals 6 times a day.

You should consume foods that contain high soluble fiber. Foods rich in soluble fiber help to keep your colon healthy and lower your bad cholesterol level significantly.

Are you a chain smoker? Are you addicted to chewing tobacco or consuming excessive alcohol regularly? If yes, then you are susceptible to several health hazards such as obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, etc. These bad habits can lower your HDL cholesterol. Hence, try to give up smoking, tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption gradually.

If you are a couch potato or do sedentary job then it could be dangerous for your health in the long run. So increase your physical activity. Start with a 10 minute brisk walk and then increase the duration to 30 minutes. Walking on a regular basis will help you to increase your good cholesterol and provide protection against man y diseases.

If you are overweight or obese, then you must lose your extra weight by exercising regularly. Physical activities like swimming, dancing, gardening, etc are also very effective in increasing your HDL level i.e. good cholesterol.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily. About 5-9 servings per day can help you to lower bad cholesterol level and maintain a healthy weight. Consume low-fat milk and yogurt, nuts, seeds, garlic, and olive oil. Avoid fried and fast foods and eat baked, steamed, boiled foodstuffs. Fried chicken, egg yolks, and fatty meats should be avoided.

Reduce your stress levels because it can increase your bad cholesterol. You can practice meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises for it.