Cholesterol is a type of fat contained in a human blood and is either produced naturally by the body or can be introduced into the body through the food we take. Cholesterol is good for us, but it is only useful in small amounts. High cholesterol in the body can build up in your arteries causing an infection called atherosclerosis which is the hardening of the arteries. These arteries pump away blood from the heart, and when they harden, they can cause heart disease.
Severe cholesterol levels in the blood will cause other diseases such as peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. To reduce this risk, one needs first to know their cholesterol number which shows the level of cholesterol in the body.
The best ways to manage cholesterol levels naturally in the body is either through proper diet and exercise, though there are other methods such as seeking medical assistance.
Managing Cholesterol Levels By Exercising
Exercising is among the best ways of managing cholesterol levels in your body and comes with many other benefits alongside cholesterol control. Cardiovascular exercise, such was walking, jogging or swimming, can help enormously. Health experts usually recommend a minimum of 30 minutes’ of exercise every day as walking will help with breaking down fat in the body.
Making sure you get 30 minutes of exercise for a minimum of 3 days in a week will reduce your cholesterol levels by a substantial amount. It’s worth noting that reducing cholesterol levels does not necessarily involve weight loss, but it will depend on the amount of exercise done. Weight loss is caused by a caloric deficit. Regular exercise can help you burn more calories, which can make it easier to lose weight.
People, mostly those who spend most of their time in offices, should be encouraged to have a little exercise even if it is taking a little walk over their lunch break. This exercise will help to keep their body healthy. One can also improve cholesterol levels by cycling to work, as it involves intense training and metabolic waste will be removed from the body by sweating.
Proper Diet
Excess cholesterol in your body can be as a result of your eating habits. These foods may include foods with high levels of fat, like chips and fatty meat. Eaten to excess, these types of foods can cause issues. Nevertheless, there are certain types of foods which can be effective in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. These foods are usually recommended by health departments and clinical officers. .
Commonly recommended foods which can help you reduce cholesterol levels in your blood include; whole wheat bread, vegetables, beans, nuts, and fish. You need to take caution with the type of food you eat, however high fibre foods are recommended to help with breaking down cholesterol.
People should take track of cholesterol levels in their bodies by checking in with their doctors. They will help with the treatment and management of high cholesterol and will be able to prescribe treatment plans and medication to suit your unique circumstances.
