High cholesterol affects over 100 million people in the United States alone. The chances of suffering from high cholesterol are increased due to a number of reasons. People suffering from diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease or hypothyroidism are all at an increase risk of having high cholesterol. There are many more issues associated with hereditary, age, medications and many other diseases and illnesses that may result in someone suffering from high cholesterol. One’s diet also plays a huge part in rising cholesterol levels. A diet that is full of saturated fats and cholesterol is likely to raise cholesterol levels. It is often times very difficult for someone to know they are suffering from high cholesterol without having a blood test performed. There are few physical symptoms associated with the problem. An enlargement of the live and spleen, pancreatitis, and suffering from xanthomas (fat deposits affecting tendons and skin), are some of the few symptoms that may lead to high cholesterol being diagnosed.

While there are medications available that can help to lower cholesterol levels, one of the best ways to bring levels down is to focus on changing ones diet. Taking medication along with focusing on life style changes will result in cholesterol levels dropping faster. However, the single most important aspect of making cholesterol levels come down and stay down, is to truly change the way your day to day activities.

One of the easiest changes for anyone to make is to focus on portion sizes. Many times, Americans are fed meals that are twice the size of a normal portion size. While it may be difficult to not go back for seconds, making this change will help lower the number of bad cholesterol in your body. Adding a variety of colors to your plate at each meal is also a key to good cholesterol. The antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to play a large part in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat, making them a wise addition to any diet. Switching your snack from a chocolate covered candy bar to a handful of nuts can also improve your cholesterol levels. Menstruated fats are found to be at high levels in nuts, which help to lower cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease.

Starting your day off in the right way can set precedence for the each meal thereafter. Choosing to have a breakfast of whole-grain cereals or even a helping of oatmeal is just one more way that cholesterol levels can be lowered. Not only do foods high in whole grains help to guard off hunger throughout the day, they can reduce bad cholesterol. You can get whole grain in many different foods, including, brown rice, barley or popcorn. Replacing red meat with a a serving of fish can also be beneficial to your cholesterol. There are low levels of saturated fats found in fish, and high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna and Salmon are smart and tasty choices to choose as a replacement to red meat. While changing your daily diet is a very important aspect of lowering your cholesterol levels, it is also important to make changes throughout the rest of your day. Cardiovascular exercise has been shown to improve heart health and lower cholesterol. A brisk walk or jog can do wonders for your cholesterol level, when incorporated alongside a healthy and nutritious diet.