High cholesterol is linked to a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. The good news is that if you're diagnosed with high cholesterol, you can often lower it with simple lifestyle changes and, if recommended by a cardiologist, medication. Discover some essential do's and don’ts for living with high cholesterol below.

Do:

Up your fiber intake.

Fiber can help your heart health since it binds to cholesterol in the blood and helps to remove it from the body through feces. Incorporate more foods with fiber into your meals, including legumes like beans and lentils, whole grains, broccoli, and avocados. For a fiber-rich snack, try apples, nuts, or dried fruits.

Consume more protein.

Cholesterol sticks to the sides of the arteries, impeding circulation, increasing blood pressure, and upping the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Try to avoid red and processed meat, both of which can increase cholesterol levels. Instead, focus on eating lean proteins, like fish and egg whites; they give you valuable protein minus the artery-clogging cholesterol. 

Don't:

Neglect food labels.

From cereal to pasta sauce, take a closer look at those labels to examine details, like sodium and fat content. For example, high sodium intake can increase blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, while high fat content can up cholesterol levels. 

Ready-made meals often tend to have more fat and sodium, so it's usually best to prepare food yourself. You can then use healthier spices and herbs instead of salt and butter for flavor.

Rely on fast food.

Fast food is often packed with extra oils, fats, and salt—all of which are bad for high cholesterol. Instead of fast food for an easy meal fix, try crockpot recipes that you can cook and freeze, like soups, so you always have something yummy to heat up on hand. If you go to a restaurant or a fast-food place, try to find meals rich in vegetables, lean proteins, or whole grains. A salad or a whole-grain sandwich with turkey is a good pick.

If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consult the team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in Dothan, AL, for help. Serving Dothan, Andalusia, Ozark, and Enterprise, Cardiologist Nidal Yunis M.D. has more than 25 years of experience and has helped hundreds of patients. Visit the cardiologist's website to learn more about their services and call (334) 699-6396 for a consultation.