Post by Your Home Companion on Apr 17, 2015 13:55:19 GMT
Improving and/or Preventing High Cholesterol
When too much cholesterol in the blood builds along the walls of arteries, the arteries become hard and narrow, thus making it difficult for blood and oxygen to get to the heart. This can cause damage to the heart causing heart disease. The build up of cholesterol can, in some cases, can completely cut off blood flow, resulting in a heart attack.
There are ways to prevent high cholesterol:
1. Watch your diet and the types of fat you consume.
a. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products
b. Choose lean meats, such as skinless chicken or fish, such as mackerel, salmon or tuna.
c. Eat heart-healthy fats, such as olive oil, and canola oil, almonds, avocados and walnuts.
2. Eat high fiber foods, about 20 - 25 grams a day.
a. High fiber foods can include beans, barley, oats and some fruits and vegetables.
3. If you smoke, QUIT!
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Isn't this the key to better everything. Exercise can lower your LDL levels and raise your HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
5. If you are overweight, lose weight. Even small weight loss can lower your cholesterol levels.
6. Be aware of your risk, such as family history, gender and age. These are risks you cannot change, but speak with your doctor, as sometimes medications can help.
Please remember we are not medical professionals, always speak to your doctor before taking on any type of new diet or exercise program. Check back with us. In our next post, we will have a list of cholesterol levels.
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