Do you have high cholesterol concerns?
Do you have high cholesterol? If so, you may feel overwhelmed with all the information that is thrown at you surrounding this health issue. So, what exactly is cholesterol and why is high cholesterol bad for your health?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body does need cholesterol to build healthy cells, however high cholesterol can lead to complications. After time, the deposits grow, making it hard for enough blood to flow to the arteries. This is called high cholesterol. Sometimes these fatty deposits suddenly break causing a stroke, chest pain or heart failure.
High cholesterol can certainly be hereditary, but more often than not is a result of poor health and lifestyle choices and can be both prevented and treated.
Some common risk factors linked to high cholesterol are poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, age and those living with diabetes.
Leanne & Fitness Tips Say:
Some forms of prevention for high cholesterol are:
- Eat a diet low in salt. Eat more fruits, vegetables and wholegrains
- Limit animal fats, but don’t cut out good fats. It is ok to eat avocado and nuts/seeds
- Lose any excess weight and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Exercise most days for 30 minutes
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress levels – read more about the impact of sleep on stress here.
There is no quick fix with treating high cholesterol. A change in lifestyle and healthy habits is the way forward! Talking with your GP every three months for a check-up and review is a good idea, especially for those over 50.
Leanne xx
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