If you just took a cholesterol blood test and the results indicate that you have high cholesterol, you might be wondering how to lower it. Your GP will likely recommend starting treatment with a prescription medication to lower dangerously high cholesterol to a safer range because the results happen faster than making lifestyle changes. However, if your cholesterol level is only moderately high, you can lower it without medication by making simple and healthy lifestyle changes. This article will give you tips on how you can lower cholesterol without medication.
Tips For Reducing Your Cholesterol
It’s a good idea to try and control cholesterol with healthy lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment rather than starting medication which can often cause negative side effects if you have mild to moderately high blood pressure.
Here are a few tips to help you reduce your cholesterol:
Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet
Eat plenty of fresh and natural foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, protein (fish, chicken, and dairy), and fiber-rich foods. Avoid fatty, fried, and processed foods as well as trans and saturated fats.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help to keep your weight at a healthy range and can also boost your heart health. Walking, swimming, yoga, biking, and hiking are all exercises that can help reduce high cholesterol levels, especially if you do them at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Reduce alcohol intake
Cutting down on beer, wine, and liquor can be a simple first step to lowering high cholesterol. Your liver breaks down alcohol into cholesterol and triglycerides in your body, this raises your blood pressure and can cause weight gain.
Get frequent cholesterol blood tests to check your progress
In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, it’s important to monitor cholesterol blood test results regularly to make sure your efforts are producing positive results. If lifestyle changes aren’t improving your cholesterol levels, your GP may recommend medication. Cholesterol blood tests can also motivate you to continue on your new healthy way of life when you start to see positive changes in your health.
Schedule Your Cholesterol Blood Test at Anna Pharmacy Today!
With multiple branches in South London, it’s convenient and fast to get a cholesterol blood test at Anna Pharmacy. Simply visit our website to make an appointment at the location, time, and date that is most convenient for you.
Schedule your cholesterol blood test with fasting in Carshalton today!