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How long does it take to lower cholesterol, and what are the healthiest methods to do so? We answer these popular questions and more in this article!
Why Do Cholesterol Levels Matter?
By now, many of us have heard that having high cholesterol affects our health negatively. Further, should you have high cholesterol, it is important to take steps in lowering this number to a healthy range. But what function does cholesterol serve exactly? Cholesterol itself isn’t a bad thing. It serves many important functions, such as producing cell membranes, hormones, vitamin D, and even aids in healthy digestion. It’s when these levels exceed the normal range that our health can be negatively impacted. Here are just a few of the many side effects high cholesterol can cause:
- Production of gallstones, which hinders healthy digestion.Â
- Restricts blood flow, which can lead to serious medical conditions.
- Can result in frequent dizzy spells, headaches, and shortness of breath.
- Clogged arteries, which can lead to a serious medical condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
- Since cholesterol helps your brain produce new cells, unhealthy levels can also impact mental health.
How Long Does It Take to Lower Cholesterol?
The time it takes for cholesterol levels to drop depends on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle choices, age, and pre-existing health conditions. On average, a person who takes medications to help lower cholesterol will typically see results in 6-8 weeks, depending on contributing lifestyle factors. If one wishes to lower cholesterol naturally through healthy dieting and exercise (without the use of medications), results are usually seen in 3-6 months. With this said, what are some natural tips to keep cholesterol levels low?
5 Tips To Keep Cholesterol Low
1. Eat Heart Healthy Foods
Adopting a heart healthy lifestyle starts in the kitchen! Consuming foods that are high in proteins, low in saturated fats, high in omega 3s, and rich in fiber are excellent ways to take care of your heart. Check out our article for heart-healthy snack ideas.
2. Exercise for Weight Loss
Implement an exercise routine geared for weight and fat loss, as doing so promotes healthy blood flow, heart health, and helps keep arteries unrestricted. Battling a busy schedule? Check out our fitness tips for busy people!
3. Quit Smoking ASAP
Did you know that blood and lung circulation begin to improve just 3 months after quitting smoking? Studies are conclusive that smoking significantly increases risk for disease, cancer, and even death. Kick the habit and kick-start a healthier lifestyle.
4. Choose Your Meats Wisely
While meat has various health benefits, consuming meats with fewer saturated fats such as fish and chicken are great for lowering cholesterol levels. In some cases, reducing meat intake altogether might also benefit one’s cholesterol levels.
5. Monitor Your Health
Staying on top of your annual physical is an easy way to monitor your health and cholesterol levels. Remember, high cholesterol has no apparent symptoms and can only be concluded from a blood test.
