5 Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol Health

Your body relies on the internal network of your blood vessels and you know that it’s important to keep those pathways functioning. When you have high levels of the bad type of cholesterol, though, waxy deposits build up in your veins, blocking your blood flow and leading to serious issues like a heart attack or stroke. 

Fortunately, as a specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Peymon Zarreii can work with you to make changes that make a difference in your cholesterol levels — and, as a result, in your overall health. At our Zarreii Medical and Aesthetics office in Delray Beach, Florida, our team can customize a plan to improve your cholesterol health. 

In a lot of cases, this means implementing lifestyle changes. In fact, these five things can make a significant difference in your cholesterol levels.

#1: Stop smoking

The harmful effects of smoking don’t stop at your lung health and cancer risk level. When you quit smoking, you take a big step toward lowering your bad cholesterol levels. Plus, giving up the habit helps to lower your blood pressure levels and improve your circulation, too. 

#2: Modify your diet

The way you eat has a direct effect on your cholesterol levels. To decrease your bad cholesterol levels and improve your healthy cholesterol levels, follow a diet that includes these changes:

• Avoid trans fats and saturated fats
• Choose healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids
• Increase your soluble fiber intake
• Add in more fruits and veggies
• Cut back on salt

Modifying your diet to improve your cholesterol health doesn’t have to mean going hungry or taking the fun out of food. Our team can help you develop a food plan that’s full of nourishing meals that you’ll look forward to eating. 

#3: Get moving

The more you exercise, the more you improve your body’s good cholesterol levels, which can help to prevent blockages in your blood vessels. Try to get active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

This doesn’t have to look like joining a gym or going for a run if neither of those things appeals to you. Even a brisk walk is enough to deliver some cholesterol health benefits. So can asking a friend for a game of tennis, joining a local pick-up sport, riding your bike, doing yoga, going for a swim, or anything else that sounds fun. The trick is to find something you enjoy so you stick with it. 

#4: Drop extra pounds

Easier said than done, we know, but losing excess weight makes a dramatic difference in your cholesterol health. Fortunately, sticking with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you toward this goal. 

#5: Cut back on booze

Alcohol has an adverse effect on your cholesterol health. The general rule is one drink a day for women and two a day for men. 

These lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in your cholesterol levels, but a lot of them aren’t necessarily easy to implement. We’re here to help. To work with us to develop a realistic, sustainable plan to boost your cholesterol health, contact Zarreii Medical and Aesthetics by calling our office or requesting your appointment online today.