Lowering your cholesterol

Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy level is essential if you want to remain healthy. There are many ways in which we can reduce the amount of cholesterol to ensure it remains at levels within the guidelines and to avoid illnesses such as heart disease. Here are some ways you can successfully lower your cholesterol level.

Changing your diet and eating your way to a lower cholesterol level is the easiest way, tips for doing this include:

* Burn off at least as many calories as you eat during the course of a day
* Make sure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day of the week
* Eat a wide variety of foods that are rich in nutrients
* Include at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day in your diet
* Eat lost of high-fiber, wholegrain foods in your diet
* Include fish in your diet at least twice a week
* Cut foods poor in nutrients out of your diet
* Cut down on the amount of trans-fat and saturated fat foods in your diet
* Remove the skin from chicken and eat only lean meat in your diet
* Only include fat free and low fat dairy products in your diet
* In order to reduce trans fat in your diet cut out foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil
* Include very little or no salt in your diet
* Only drink alcohol in moderation
* Always read nutritional labels on food

You can keep your levels of cholesterol under control by exercising on a regular basis and here are some tips for getting started on a fitness program:

* Start off slowly and gradually build up until you are getting 30 minutes of exercise per day
* Make your daily workout become a part of your life by doing it at the same time everyday whenever possible
* Make sure you drink enough water to ensure that you don't dehydrate
* Enjoy your workout by joining a gym or working out with a friend
* Keep a journal of your workout and write down the benefits you feel after exercising
* Walk instead of taking the elevator, leave the car at home or walk or cycle to work
* Vary your routine, go swimming one day, cycling the next, walking e.t.c
* If you feel unwell then take a break from exercising and pick up your routine when you are feeling better

* Get nutritional and physical advice from a healthcare professional
* Always read food labels so you know how much fat, sodium and other ingredients you are eating in your diet
* If you smoke or drink then seriously consider giving up

Recommended Reading

1. Lowering your LDL Cholesterol with Niacin
Have you got your lipid profile checked yet? If not, you need to do so as soon as possible. You...
2. Lowering your blood pressure
You should have your blood pressure tested at least every 2 years, because high blood pressure can lead to problems...
3. Living and coping with diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can increase the risk of developing other problems with the health. However there are...
4. Ways to reduce the risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Many people can do with lowering the risk factors that lead to heart disease. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a...
5. Sports Nutrition
Athletes who want a winning edge should get the right nutrition. When you drink enough water and eat a balanced...