As we age, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels becomes increasingly important. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries, leading to heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Luckily, there are many ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and your doctor can help you. This guide shares tips to get you started. 

How to Prevent High Cholesterol

1. Get Active 

Exercise is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. If you have trouble finding time to exercise, try breaking it up into shorter sessions throughout the day. 

2. Choose Heart-Healthy Foods 

What we eat can have a significant impact on our cholesterol levels. To maintain healthy levels, it's important to choose heart-healthy foods. This includes foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. It's also important to limit your intake of processed and high-fat foods, such as fried foods, fast food, and processed snacks. 

3. Limit Alcohol Consumption 

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your triglyceride levels and lead to high cholesterol. To maintain healthy levels, it's important to limit your alcohol consumption. It’s recommended that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one drink per day. 

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight 

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of high cholesterol. To maintain healthy levels, it's important to maintain a healthy weight. This can be achieved through a combination of nutritious eating and regular exercise. Partner with your doctor to determine your body mass index (BMI) and a healthy weight range for you. 

5. Laugh More 

Believe it or not, studies have shown that laughing can help raise your HDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol, as it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body. So, make sure to take time to laugh and enjoy life. Whether it's watching a funny movie, spending time with loved ones, or finding humor in everyday situations, laughter can be a fun and effective way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 

There are many ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels to improve your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your levels, turn to Walton Family Medicine PC in Monroe, GA. Their experienced doctors provide a wide range of internal medicine services and can help you address cholesterol problems. Call them today at (770) 267-7093 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more.