While cholesterol is produced naturally in the body by the liver, having too much of it can put your health at risk. High levels of low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate within the artery walls, increasing risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. [1], as well as stroke.
National standards suggest that levels between 130 and to 159 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered borderline, and 160 and above qualify as high cholesterol.[2] Cenegenics, however, looks to achieve more optimal ranges to reduce disease risk and in many cases, aims for LDL levels near 100 or 120 mg/dL.
Although medications are available to treat especially high cholesterol, there are many effective lifestyle changes you can make to bring your levels into a healthy range. Discover some of the most effective strategies below.
In general, the eating habits that support healthy cholesterol levels are also in line with dietary patterns that support long-term weight management and overall health. Specifically, here are a few items to incorporate into your diet to manage your cholesterol:
While including cholesterol-lowering foods in your diet can help you achieve measurable differences in your levels, it’s important not to undo your progress with foods that can raise LDL cholesterol. In specific, steer clear of trans fats.
Although there has been pressure on the food industry to phase out these dangerous additives, they may still appear in food products and could be described as “partially hydrogenated” in the ingredients list. Specifically, look out for them in:
Staying away from fried foods, baked goods, refined sugars and grains, and other heavily-processed foods is also essential to keeping cholesterol in a healthy range.
While it’s impossible to compensate for a poor diet with exercise, regular physical activity could improve cholesterol by raising high-density lipoprotein, or the “good” cholesterol. [6] Ideally, you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week – with your doctor’s approval, of course.
Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can also help you achieve long-term weight management, which supports healthy cholesterol levels as well. Here are some types of physical activity to consider:
In addition to diet and exercise guidelines above, here are a few more things you can do to lower your cholesterol levels: good HDL cholesterolHDL cholesterol
Discovering you have high cholesterol may be alarming, especially when you consider the implications of allowing it to go unaddressed. Luckily, though, there are plenty of ways to control your cholesterol levels, many of which have added health benefits.
Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly, for instance, can also help you achieve long-term weight management. Reducing stress, reducing your alcohol intake, and quitting smoking are likewise beneficial for your cholesterol levels and overall health.
Although embarking on any new health goal can be daunting, the team from Cenegenics can help. Our trained clinical staff works with each patient to set specific goals based on their individual biomarkers.
Over time, they can help you reach and maintain optimal cholesterol levels, while also working towards any other short- and long-term health objectives you may have.
Our world-class physicians create a personalized plan to help you feel 10+ years younger. You’ll be more energetic, lose weight, sleep better, have more libido, and think more clearly. Click below to schedule a free consultation with one of our physicians. It’s quick + easy.
Key Resources
This guide was produced with contributions from the following key resources:
The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation
The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 1: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise, and Hormone Replacement Therapy
The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation
The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 2: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Textbook Authors:
Jeffrey Park Leake, M.D., CPT
Dr. Jeffrey Park Leake is a Partner and Director of Education at Cenegenics Elite Health specializing in age management and wellness. Having trained hundreds of physicians worldwide, Dr. Leake is also the Director of Education for the Clinical Strategies for Healthy Aging course at AMM Educational Foundation.
Todd David Greenberg, M.D., CSCS
Dr. Todd Greenberg is a practicing physician with a broad range of expertise, including wellness, exercise, sports injuries, and MRI of sports injuries. He is a Radiology Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.
Additional Resources
4 Dos and Don’ts for Eating Health y While Traveling
Healthy Snacks to Get You Through the Day
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals as Micronutrients
Building A Nutritional Plan: Food For Weight Loss
Benefits of Fish Oil on Mental Health & Overall Wellness
Learn About Vitamin K – Including Beneficial Foods with Vitamin K
How Cenegenics Programs Differ from a Typical Weight Loss Program
Why Am I Gaining Weight: Psychology of Weight Loss
Recognizing Your Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
References
[1] CDC, “High Cholesterol Facts.” 6 Feb. 2019. Retrieved from URL: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm
[2] Cleveland Clinic, “Cholesterol Numbers: What Do They Mean.” 26 July 2017. Retrieved from URL: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean
[3] National lipid Association, “Adding Soluble Fiber to Lower Your Cholesterol.” Retrieved from URL: https://www.lipid.org/sites/default/files/adding_soluble_fiber_final_0.pdf
[4] Ratini, Melinda, DO, MS. “Lower Your Cholesterol With These 11 Easy Tips.” WebMD. 12 Nov. 2015. Retrieved from URL: https://www.webmd.com/ahrq/11-tips-to-cut-your-cholesterol-fast#1
[5] Mayo Clinic, “Top 5 lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol.” 11 Aug. 2018. Retrieved from URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
[6] Mayo Clinic; see above.
[7] NIH, “How to Lower Cholesterol.” 27 Feb. 2019. Retrieved from URL: https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterol.html
[8] Mayo Clinic; see above.
Rudy Inaba is Cenegenics’ Vice President of Health Performance. He is a recognized fitness and sports nutrition consultant with nearly 15 years of experience in clinical exercise physiology and lifestyle management. After pursuing his Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Rudy joined Cenegenics where he leads 19 clinical locations nationwide in their advancements in kinesiology, nutritional biochemistry, and their analyses of industry research & market trending.