Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all cells of the body. Its job is to help you build more healthy cells, as well as produce hormones and aid the production of vitamin D.
High cholesterol is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health issues. While genetics plays a role, your lifestyle is an equally important factor in keeping your levels at an ideal place.
In this article, we are going to discuss five of the most common causes of high cholesterol so that you can make the necessary choices to enhance your well-being.
Sound interesting? Then let’s get started.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle is known to have a clear association with high cholesterol levels. Sitting for long periods can cause many problems for your health and decreases the efficiency of your metabolism.
Thankfully, there are plenty of different ways that you can get exercise. Try to incorporate at least 20-30 minutes of moderate physical activity into your daily routine. It can be as simple as brisk walking, swimming, or going for a bike ride.
You can read more about how long it will take to lower your cholesterol levels here.
Unhealthy Diet
As you may already be aware, dietary habits are the most significant contributor to high cholesterol. Red meat, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils can increase levels significantly due to the high amount of saturated fats.
On the other hand, consuming healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help balance things out. When choosing what to eat, it’s important to look for nutritious options and be mindful of portion sizes. Of course, you can still indulge in a sweet treat every once in a while – it’s all about moderation.
Excess Weight
Combining a sedentary lifestyle with an unhealthy diet can cause you to become overweight. This can lead to different illnesses, which combine together to create a metabolic syndrome.
By making the right choices in your diet and exercise regime, you can burn fat and drop excess weight quickly. Not to mention that it can also improve your mental health and stress levels.
Smoking
When you smoke cigarettes, you damage the walls of your blood vessels. This makes them more susceptible to the accumulation of fatty deposits.
While navigating nicotine withdrawal can be a difficult journey, quitting should be your top priority. Your body can recover, and you will soon see improvements in all areas of your life.
Age
Lastly, while high cholesterol can affect anyone, it’s mostly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 40 and 59. As we get older, our body changes and so does our metabolism.
This means that we aren’t able to remove things as well as we once did. Eliminating bad habits and prioritizing your wellness will help reduce your chances of developing it.
Final Words
High cholesterol can be a challenging condition to manage, but it can be prevented and monitored. By addressing your lifestyle factors and speaking with your doctor, you can work on taking the necessary steps to improve your health and well-being.
