High Cholesterol – Factors and Habits That Increases Cholesterol Levels

The factors and habits that will likely cause high cholesterol that you probably don’t know yet.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL – These are the bad habits you do that actually cause your cholesterol to increase to an unhealthy level.

Cholesterol is present in all the cells in your body and the liver also produces this waxy, fat-like substance. It can also be found in foods like meat and dairy products. This is needed for the proper functioning of the body but too much of this can likely lead to the development of certain serious conditions.

High Cholesterol
Photo lifted from Lark Health

It is suggested that young adults must have the test every 5 years and for men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65, it should be every 1 to 2 years.

What affects your level? Your diet, weight, physical activity, smoking, heredity, and race. For anyone, a diet that is low in saturated fats and trans fats and high in soluble fibers and protein is ideal to manage your levels.

Your diet should include:

  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • whole grains
  • low-fat or nonfat dairy products
  • fish
  • skinless poultry
  • lean meats

Factors like the following may raise your cholesterol to an unhealthy level:

  • Poor diet that involves too much saturated fat or trans fats.
  • Obesity and habing a BMI of 30 or higher than that.
  • Lack of exercise prevent the body from boost your body’s “good” cholesterol or HDL (High-density lipoprotein).
  • Smoking lowers HDL.
  • Alcohol can increase your total cholesterol level.
  • Age plays a role. The older you get, the lesser your liver becomes capable of removing the “bad” cholesterol or LDL (Low-density lipoprotein).

According to a post from Mayo Clinic, medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, and lupus may also raise your cholesterol.

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