Oh cholesterol. Although this “waxy, greasy“element in your bloodstream is one of those words that makes people cringe, some of it is actually necessary for your body to function.” produce healthy cells. But too much of anything is never a good thing, and high cholesterol levels can put you at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you cholesterol levels are high, listen. We spoke with Dr Mike BohlMD, MPH, CPH, MWC, ELS, member of the Eat this, not that! Board of Medical Experts on the amazing exercise habits that will help you lower cholesterol.
Take a look at these healthy exercise habits below, then be sure to read on. The 6 Best Exercises for Strong, Toned Arms in 2022, Says a Trainer.
Why is it so dangerous to have high levels of this substance? According Mayo Clinicexcess cholesterol can create fat deposits in your arteries, impeding the natural flow of blood. If the fat deposits break down and clot, you can have a stroke or heart attack.
Although high cholesterol it can be genetic, many people develop it as a result of poor lifestyle choices. An unhealthy diet is an important factor, in addition to being overweight. Some medical conditions can cause extra cholesterol, including lupus, hypothyroidism, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes (through Mayo Clinic). Surprisingly, certain medications taken for high blood pressure, cancer, irregular heart rhythms, and even acne can negatively affect your cholesterol levels.
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What to do about it? We reached out to Dr. Bohl for some expert-backed tips and tricks. First of all, there are no warning signs that indicate high cholesterol. He explains: “The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to get a blood test.”
Clearly, it’s important to stay on top of your levels. Typically for adults 20 years of age and older, cholesterol projections it should be done every four to six years, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). This information, along with other factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, whether or not you smoke, genetics, and your age, can give your healthcare provider any indication of your chance of having a stroke or heart attack in 10 years. or for life.
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We asked Dr. Bohl to share some healthy exercise habits that can help lower cholesterol levels. Dr. Bohl explains: “Often the type of exercise recommended to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease is aerobic exercise.” He adds: “This can include brisk walking, jogging, running, cycling and swimming.”
With the good weather upon us, it’s easy to incorporate some of these fun activities into your weekly routine. Whether you enlist your workout buddy or go it alone, you need to step up your aerobics game. Plus, it will help break up the day!
You may be surprised to learn of two other types of exercise you can do to have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels. “The first is resistance training or weight lifting. This could be free weights, bands or machines. And the second is yoga. Studies show that doing yoga can lower LDL, which is commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.” ‘” Bohl says. us. He adds that exercise is amazing for raising HDL levels, which he explains is “commonly referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol.”
Single how much exercise is needed to keep your levels under control? The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the proper amount that adults should strive for each week. According to Bohl, “general recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (or a combination of both) per week, plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening exercise per week.”
There are also other lifestyle adjustments you can make. You can maintain a healthy diet and weight, stop smoking, keep your stress level low, and limit your alcohol intake (through Mayo Clinic).
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alexa mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor for Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel, and providing readers with engaging topics on fitness, wellness, and personal care. read more
