Common Cholesterol Mistakes You May Be Making – Things To Consider!

👉 Insufficient fiber: The quantity of soluble fiber is something that you cannot compromise. Soluble fiber eliminates all traces of cholesterol by binding with LDL particles in the digestive system and flushing them out, inhibiting its absorption. As a result, your liver receives less cholesterol, while your bile juice eliminates it from the body. Soluble fiber is found in citrus fruits, barley, apples, beans, etc. 

👉 Continued smoking: As difficult of a habit it may be to get out of, despite knowing the ill effects involved, you need to constantly remind yourself about the impact tobacco can have on your body. The toxins involved can impact the healthy functioning of your body resulting in oxidative stress, free radical damage, etc. This can further lead to cellular dysfunction contributing to elevated cholesterol. Subsequently, you are at a higher risk of heart attacks. 

👉 Irregular or no physical activity: Body movements are vital when it comes to balancing your cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association states that being overweight and inactivity can easily lead to high cholesterol. Aerobic exercises, biking, swimming, etc, are suggested to be the most effective since these require you to work on several muscles at once. 

👉 High amounts of fats: The liver is where cholesterol is produced and broken down. It is common knowledge that too much saturated or trans fats can increase cholesterol levels. However, fully eliminating fats from your diet would be a big mistake that you can make. Also, not all saturated fats are unhealthy. Good saturated fats, known as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are all beneficial for your heart health. Seeds, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc are a few you can try. 

👉Frequent drinking: Alcohol is known to elevate the triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood leading to its accumulation in the liver. As it increases, your liver becomes prone to fatty liver disease which makes it difficult to clear cholesterol from your blood, automatically leading to high cholesterol. 

👉 High intake of protein: Foods that are rich in protein, particularly those made from animals can raise your cholesterol levels. This is because they comprise trans and saturated fats. Naturally, your LDL cholesterol levels can increase. However, when protein is a healthy option as studies show that it can aid in reducing cholesterol levels. 

👉 Forgetting your meds: As much as this is a very obvious mistake, it is pretty common as well. And worst of all is when you take an extra dose to make up for it! Honestly, that is the last thing you need to do to have your cholesterol levels skyrocket. Experts advise that in cases where you forget to consume your statins, carry on with your next dose or you can take it when you remember it.