Having high cholesterol can lead to some serious health problems down the road, so it’s important to do what you can to keep your levels in check. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your high cholesterol:
1. Eat a healthy diet. This means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoiding saturated and trans fats as much as possible. Eating fish a few times per week can also help lower cholesterol levels.
2. Get regular exercise. Exercise helps boost “good” HDL cholesterol while also helping to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can make a big difference.
3. Lose weight if necessary. Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for high cholesterol, so losing even a few pounds can have a positive impact on your numbers.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, which can lead to plaque buildup and higher cholesterol levels over time. So if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health overall