One of the biggest challenges people face with cholesterol is knowing what heart healthy tips to follow. Cholesterol is one of the biggest culprits in high blood pressure and heart disease. For this reason, you should find a way to reduce cholesterol as well as reduce other unhealthy cholesterol levels. Here are some tips to help you on your quest to get heart healthy:
Take An Appointment
You may be able to lower your cholesterol levels simply by exercising regularly or adding a healthy food group to your diet. Here are some important tips for you to follow:
Take Action Immediately
If you have a family member that has been diagnosed with high blood pressure or a family member that has suffered from heart disease, you should start taking steps today. Cholesterol is also one of the major causes of obesity and poor blood circulation. By taking steps now, you can prevent serious health problems down the road.
Ask Questions
Be sure to ask questions when you are not sure of a treatment or what medications you are on. Knowledge is power, but it is also dangerous when you do not know exactly what you are doing. Knowledge is very important when you are taking medication or are taking an alternative treatment.
Plan your medications. Most doctors recommend taking cholesterol lowering drugs along with a healthy eating plan and a daily walk. In some cases, a combination of these two things is best. Some doctors will give their patients the medication and let them decide what they want to eat and exercise. Others will just prescribe the medication and let the patient pick out their own menu. Make sure you take your time and choose wisely.
Increase Activity
A simple way to make your life more active is by starting a workout program. If you don’t have time to walk, jogging can provide some of the same benefits. Or, if you do have time to walk, consider enrolling in a walking club. Your local gym may even have a walking program for people who may not be interested in going through the trouble of joining a club. If you are more into the couch potato side of life, then try walking, jogging or riding your bike.
Exercise for a full body workout. If you are overweight, you may benefit from adding exercise to your regular routine. This can help reduce the weight around your heart and decrease your risk for diabetes. Some people have to lose weight and some never need to lose any weight at all. The idea is to eat a healthy diet, do something physical, and get the cardiovascular activity you need to get a good heart healthy diet.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise does not mean that you need to join a gym or start working out, but doing some type of exercise a few times a week is the best way to keep the heart healthy and fit. Just make sure to choose a program that suits your schedule and stick with it. By staying active, you will keep the heart healthy and strong and your blood pressure low.
Avoid smoking-Smoking does not only damage the lungs and heart, but it can also lead to heart disease. If you can quit smoking, then why not? You will see results much faster than by trying to quit cold turkey. The best way to quit smoking is to talk to your doctor about different methods of quitting smoking. There are also many other alternatives available like nicotine gum, nicotine patches and inhalers.
Exercise regularly-This will help reduce your weight because you will burn more calories. and will strengthen your heart. Regular aerobic exercise is great for improving your health and helping your heart. Also, regular strength training will tone up your muscles, which helps to prevent back pain and lower blood pressure.
Final Verdict
Eat a well balanced diet-As mentioned, you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also, make sure to include the foods that are high in fiber in your diet. They are a rich source of fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system clean and healthy. If you are unable to get enough fiber in your diet, then consider eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
