Simple Ways to Tame the Fat
High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol in your blood. To help, there's Nexlizet, a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels, helping reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and helps block cholesterol absorption from food.
How to Manage Cholesterol
1. Eat Healthy Foods
Choosing the right foods is important. Here are some foods to eat more of:
- Fruits and vegetables: These are low in calories and high in nutrients. Aim for a variety of colors on your plate.
- Whole grains: Foods like oats, brown rice and whole wheat bread can help lower cholesterol.
- Healthy fats: Use olive oil or canola oil instead of butter. Fatty fish like salmon and nuts are good choices, too.
- Beans and legumes: These are high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol.
2. Limit Unhealthy Foods
Try to reduce foods that can raise cholesterol:
- Saturated fats: These are found in red meat, butter and full-fat dairy. Limit these in your diet.
- Trans fats: These are in some fried foods and baked goods. Check labels and avoid foods with “partially hydrogenated oils".
- Sugar: Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol. Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
3. Stay Active
Regular physical activity helps lower cholesterol. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Here are some easy activities you can try:
- Walking: A brisk walk is a great way to get moving.
- Biking: Riding a bike can be fun and good for your heart.
- Swimming: This is a great full-body workout.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower cholesterol. Focus on eating healthy and staying active to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
5. Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting can improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Seek support from friends, family or professionals to help you quit.
6. Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol can raise cholesterol levels. If you drink, do so in moderation. This means one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
Treatments for High Cholesterol
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend treatments. Here are some common options:
Medications
- Statins: These help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help your body remove cholesterol.
- Nexlizet: Nexlizet is a prescription medication that combines bempedoic acid and ezetimibe to lower high cholesterol levels. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and preventing the absorption of cholesterol from the diet.
Regular Check-ups
See your doctor regularly to monitor your cholesterol levels and overall health.
Lowering Cholesterol
Managing high cholesterol is important for your heart health. By eating well, staying active and making healthy choices, you can keep your cholesterol in check. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor for personalized advice and treatment options.
Learn about some drinks you should avoid with high cholesterol.