Like other substances in the human body, cholesterol, a waxy substance, is also found in each of our cells. Cholesterol holds its own significance in the immune system as it plays a vital role in several functions of the body. However, like other substances in our body, the amount of cholesterol should also fall in a specified range, as increased cholesterol levels can directly lead to various health issues. Cholesterol can be highly beneficial and severely dangerous at the same time. Still, it depends on the cholesterol levels, and a cholesterol test can identify the exact amount of cholesterol present in the body.
Nowadays, anyone’s cholesterol levels depend on the diet they consume. Usually, people take a lot of junk in their daily routine, and a high-calorie diet inclusive of harmful fats can create several health issues among individuals. Research shows that many individuals who consume high-fat and junk diets are prone to having medical concerns caused by cholesterol imbalance. However, with the advancement in technology and the medical industry, healthcare providers are now able to provide high-quality treatment, including a cholesterol test and preventive strategies, to individuals who face cholesterol-related health problems.
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
Before moving forward to maintaining cholesterol levels, it is important to understand what exactly cholesterol levels are, how much cholesterol is harmless, and how you can navigate the cholesterol levels. Let us start with the types of cholesterol; the cholesterol is mainly classified into two kinds;
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
This classification of cholesterol is significant in addressing the fact that LDL is known as bad cholesterol, meaning it’s dangerous or harmful to your health. On the other hand, HDL is the good cholesterol, which is beneficial for your overall well-being. Typically, LDL is said to be harmful because it accumulates in arteries and leads to atherosclerosis, which is a life-threatening disease.
While HDL, good cholesterol, helps remove LDL from the blood and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that cholesterol imbalance can be a potential cause of various diseases, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it is always recommended to maintain a proper balance between the two, as both have their own role in your cardiovascular or heart health.
6 Tips to Maintain Cholesterol Levels
Now you know what cholesterol is, the types of cholesterol, and the advantages and disadvantages of cholesterol. Let’s proceed further to the proven tips that can help you maintain balanced cholesterol levels.
1. Dietary Changes
The first and most important factor that affects the cholesterol levels is diet. People usually intake meals that are high in saturated and trans fats, which results in the rise of LDL cholesterol levels, but avoidance is the key. However, dieticians and health professionals worldwide recommend eating a diet rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, fish, and legumes, as a replacement for red meat to increase HDL and reduce LDL levels.
2. Regular Exercise
Whether it’s treating a heart disease, a mobility issue, or other medical problems, physical exercise is one of the best practices to prevent disease and keep you safe from other diseases. In the case of cholesterol-related ailments, physical activity is a paramount solution as it helps in improving the balance of cholesterol levels. Regular exercise also promotes weight loss, boosts your metabolism, and gives strength to your heart. You must dedicate at least 30 to 40 minutes of your daily routine to moderate-intensity workouts or physical exercise.
3. Weight Management
Having a body weight that is more than the range specified by your body mass index (BMI) always results in high cholesterol levels. It may be due to bad dietary habits, lack of physical activity, or a chronic disease. However, it is recommended to keep your weight in control because maintaining a healthy weight can help manage optimal cholesterol levels. This can quickly be done by going to a gym, doing home workouts, and eating a balanced diet.
4. Quit Smoking
We all know that smoking is injurious to health; even on the cigarette packet, it is mentioned that “Smoking Kills” and “Smoking Causes Throat Cancer.” Still, a lot of individuals smoke and don’t consider the harm smoking can cause. You might not know that smoking not only causes cancer but is also an underlying cause of several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. Smoking increases the LDL cholesterol levels in your blood, which results in severe conditions like a heart attack. So, it is crucial to quit smoking in order to maintain your cholesterol levels and, on top of that, have a healthy body.
5. Manage Stress
It is essential to understand that approximately 90% of diseases are caused by stress. Health conditions like heart disease, obesity, hypertension, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol levels occur due to ongoing stress. However, if you’re experiencing any kind of stress, the chances are more of you getting diseases, including raised cholesterol levels, but effective stress management techniques, like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation, can greatly help.
6. Regular Medical Checkups
Whether you have a disease or you seem to be fit, it is crucial to undergo routine health checkups to identify you as a healthy person. Although you’re taking preventive measures and maintaining a balanced diet, it is vital to consult with a medical expert and take regular medical checkups. When you take a regular health checkup, it consists of important tests like a tuberculosis test. Hence, your doctor can assess the cholesterol test results and give you a tailored diet plan, treatment according to your needs, and further guidance on how to eliminate the disease over time.
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The Takeaway
Overall, if we come to a conclusion, the essence is that maintaining optimum cholesterol levels can be a game changer in preventing heart diseases and other cardiovascular complexities. Moreover, if you take a routine checkup, including a cholesterol test at home in Dubai, you can have a clear picture of your overall health and well-being, including cholesterol levels. It can help you in taking early action, whether it’s treatment or prevention from the initial stages. Additionally, if you incorporate a balanced diet, stress management techniques, and physical exercise or workouts into your daily routine, you have the hold to avert the major risks of health conditions caused by cholesterol imbalance.
