Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential to reducing the risk of serious health problems such as stroke and heart disease. Even if you are already taking medication to manage your cholesterol, there are certain lifestyle habits that can unintentionally cause your cholesterol levels to rise. In this article, we’ll explore these habits and what you can do to avoid them.

Lifestyle Mistakes That Can Increase Cholesterol Levels

Dieting Too Strictly

When you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, one of the first recommendations from your doctor is usually to make dietary changes. However, many people make the mistake of adopting a very strict diet by completely eliminating fats from their meals. While it’s true that some fats can raise cholesterol levels, the body still needs healthy fats. These are found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish. Completely cutting out all fats can deprive your body of essential nutrients and lead to other health problems.

Consuming Excess Sugar and Calories

Another common mistake made by those trying to manage high cholesterol is cutting down on fats but not addressing the intake of sugar and high-calorie foods.

These foods, particularly sugary snacks, processed foods, and alcohol, can contribute to higher bad cholesterol levels. This explains why, despite reducing fat intake, cholesterol levels can still remain high.

Focusing Only on Bad Cholesterol Levels

Many people focus only on lowering their bad cholesterol (LDL) levels when they receive their cholesterol test results. While it’s important to manage LDL, the numbers alone don’t give you a complete picture of your health.

It’s essential to evaluate all cholesterol levels, including good cholesterol (HDL), which helps protect against heart disease. If you’ve had a cholesterol test, it’s a good idea to discuss the results with your doctor, who can help you understand the full scope of your cardiovascular health and suggest the right treatment plan.

Feeling Safe Just by Taking Cholesterol Medication

Cholesterol medications, such as statins, are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. However, some individuals feel that taking medication alone is enough and continue to eat unhealthy foods without thinking about the impact on their cholesterol. While medication can certainly help manage cholesterol levels, it’s important to still maintain a balanced diet and be mindful of calorie and fat intake. 

Not Taking Medication Regularly

It’s not uncommon for people with high cholesterol to forget to take their medication or even stop taking it without consulting their doctor. Irregular use of cholesterol medication can significantly reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

If you’re prescribed cholesterol medication, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take the medication regularly. If you encounter any difficulties with your medication, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor to find an alternative.

Not Exercising Regularly

In addition to dietary changes, regular physical activity is vital for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. A sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise is often associated with lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).

To improve your cholesterol, aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which is about 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Whether it’s cycling, swimming, or weight training, find a physical activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

Smoking

Smoking is a harmful habit that continues to be prevalent among individuals with high cholesterol. Smoking can lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and raise levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Moreover, smoking contributes to the development of other cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, unhealthy habits or lifestyle choices can sneak in and cause cholesterol levels to rise. Regular health check-ups are essential to monitor your cholesterol levels and address any concerns early on. If you have high cholesterol, follow your doctor’s advice, make healthy lifestyle changes, and consider using the consultation feature on the AI Care app, which you can download from the App Store or Play Store.

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