Learning About Diagnosing Common Health Problems

Posted on: 14 June 2017

If you recently discovered that your cholesterol is higher than it should be, your doctor may recommend making some lifestyle changes to help lower it naturally. High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, which is why doctors prescribe medication for this problem and encourage people to make the necessary changes needed to lower it. Here are three changes you can make that will help lower your cholesterol.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is something that most people do not get enough of, but it is something your body needs. Fiber can be found in foods such as oatmeal, fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, and fish. Eating fiber can help lower your cholesterol by the way it attaches to bad cholesterol in your blood. As this happens, it helps push the bad cholesterol out of your body. It also helps increase the good cholesterol your body needs. Eating fiber is also beneficial for your digestive system, as it can help regulate a person's bowel movements.

Men should try to consume at least 38 grams of fiber daily, while women only need around 25 grams. Your doctor can help you determine how much you should try to consume.

Eliminate Bad Fats From Your Diet

The second change you should make is eliminating, or at least reducing, the bad fats you consume. Saturated fats are the worst types of fats you can consume, and they can make your cholesterol levels rise. You can find saturated fats in red meat, fried foods, and sweets. Eating foods like this cause your bad cholesterol levels to rise and your good levels to drop. Your cholesterol levels will become much better if you stop eating foods that contain bad fats and try eating foods that contain good fats. Avocados, for example, contain a lot of fat, but the fat in them is good for your heart and health.

Exercise Daily

Exercising is another step you should take if you want to reduce your risks of cardiovascular problems due to high cholesterol. Also, 30 minutes of exercise daily will help reduce your levels, and this will make you a healthier person.

If you find out that your cholesterol is higher than it should be, you could benefit by making these three changes in your life. If you make these changes, it may lower your cholesterol without the aid of medication. To learn more about your cholesterol and heart health, talk to a doctor that specializes in cardiovascular disease.