How to Lower Cholesterol Levels and Keep A Healthy Heart

For years we have heard all about how bad cholesterol is, but really what we need to know is how to lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that a high cholesterol number is directly linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Your heart needs for you to get your numbers under control to stay healthy. But how do you lower cholesterol levels? You should know that you have options when you are working to bring your cholesterol down and by making lifesyle changes and taking medications, you will see results.

Your Diet Affects Your Health

Your diet does indeed have a direct correlation to your overall health, no matter what your grandfather said about how he drank and ate bacon and eggs everyday and lived until he was 100. Our diets today are simply not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, which is why we have seen a rise in obesity as well as an increase in conditions like diabetes and heart disease. There are lots of things you can do to bring down your cholesterol levels. You can do this by making good choices in your diet. First and foremost begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Are you getting five a day? For great overall health, the USDA recommends that you eat five to nine servings of fresh produce every single day.

If you don’t eat whole grains, then it’s time to include them in your diet. Most of our breads and cereals are made of sugar and flour, and this can actually raise cholesterol levels. Remember to look for breads that are full of grains and seeds in the slices; in other words, the more you can see, the healthier it is. You also want to hunt for ingredient lists that contain words like “whole grains” or “whole wheat” to ensure that you are making your healthiest carbohydrate choices.

Exercise For A Strong, Healthy Heart

Exercise is another essential means on how to lower cholesterol levels. Daily exercise is going to benefit you the most and its not as difficult as you think. Consider taking a walk at lunch time or riding your bike after work? You might even find that playing with your kids can get your heart rate up and improve your overall heart health and circulation. In addition to helping you lower your cholesterol, regular exercise can help you to stay at a healthier body weight.

If these lifestyle modifications do not help you to get those cholesterol numbers down, your doctor also has medication options for you to consider. It is so important to learn how to lower cholesterol as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Just remember the great cholesterol lie. It is not just cholesterol that affects a healthy heart. Inflammation is the biggest killer, which is where often people get confused with the real truths behind heart disease.