How to Lower Your Cholesterol

There are several ways to lower your cholesterol; you can do this with a healthy diet, exercise, lifestyle change, and with the aid of medication therapy. All of these steps or a combination of steps can manage cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a thick waxy substance not too much unlike fat; the body produces cholesterol for several functions, to make certain hormones, also to protect the arteries, and to manufacture cell tissue. The human body produces cholesterol in the kidneys.

If you have high cholesterol, this can lead to heart attack and stroke, so you should be aware of your cholesterol level. Certain people are at risk, men aged 35 and older, as well as women aged 45 and older should have their cholesterol checked annually. After an initial examination and determining the risk factors your physician can better determine the measures to keep your cholesterol properly balanced.

In addition to the age, other factors may put one at risk of not having a healthy cholesterol level. Having previously had a heart attack, being a woman going through menopause, smoking cigarettes, or having an immediate family member with the condition, like a brother, sister, or parent puts you in a higher risk group. It would not hurt to be more active, studies show that living an active lifestyle reduces your risk of high cholesterol as well as losing body weight if you are carrying a few extra pounds.

What does high cholesterol mean exactly? There are two types of cholesterol used by the body. Cholesterol travels through the body in packages called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are responsible for carrying cholesterol to the body, and High-density Lipoproteins (HDL) is responsible for removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Therefore, it makes sense that if your HDL Is high it is better than your LDL being too high, it's the high level of LDL that puts you at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Easier said than done, I know, but if you are at risk, you will need to make some changes to get your cholesterol under control. Start by eating healthier, smokers, quit smoking! In addition, start an exercise regime, are some of the best ways to get control back without the use of medications. If you find that after 6 months or even a year of strictly sticking to your new changes, it may be necessary for your doctor to recommend a medication to assist you.

Before it comes to the need for medication, try eating a healthy diet of fruits, and plenty of vegetable, along with whole grains and fish. Also, try to stay away from fatty foods, which can increase your cholesterol levels. In addition, remember to exercise, if you find exercise boring, drag a friend or take the dog for a walk. Some activity is better than no activity.