3 Tips to Manage Your Cholesterol

Healthy cholesterol levels are important for maintaining heart health and your overall well-being. When your cholesterol levels aren’t right, your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions increases. 

At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our internal medicine physicians specialize in providing comprehensive care in the Houston area to help you manage your cholesterol effectively. 

We make sure you have the tools and knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keep reading to learn about cholesterol, the role of medication, and three lifestyle tips to help you take control of your cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol 101

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance that’s in every cell of your body. It’s needed to help your body produce essential things, like hormones, vitamin D, and enzymes for digesting the foods you eat.  

However, having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol that leads to plaque buildup in your arteries
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

Your provider at Integrative Primary Care measures your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test and helps you understand your results.

When medication is needed to manage cholesterol 

If your cholesterol levels are significantly high or you have other risk factors for heart disease, your Integrative Primary Care provider might prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol.

Statins are most commonly prescribed for lowering LDL cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood. 

Other medications include bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors, which work in different ways to lower cholesterol levels. Your provider determines the best medication for you based on your specific health needs and medical history.

Tips to help keep your cholesterol in check

While medication can play a role in keeping your cholesterol levels under control, it’s important to incorporate lifestyle changes, too. Here are three key tips for managing your cholesterol and improving your heart health:

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet

One of the most effective ways to manage your cholesterol is through a heart-healthy diet. This means reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, which can raise your LDL cholesterol levels. 

While your Integrative Primary Care physician can offer personalized guidance, here are some useful dietary tips to keep in mind:

• Eat more fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol (e.g., oats, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits)
• Limit cholesterol intake (e.g., organ meats, full-fat dairy products, animal meats)
• Choose healthy fats (e.g., nuts, olive oil, avocados)

You should limit your intake of red meat, fried foods, and prepared snacks, and check food labels to avoid products containing partially hydrogenated oils. 

2. Get active

Regular physical activity helps raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. 

Get your heart pumping with cardiovascular activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging. And be sure to include muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. 

It’s important to stay active throughout the day, not just during exercise sessions. For example, boost your physical activity by taking the stairs, walking during breaks, and adding more movement to your daily routine. 

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying excess weight, especially around your midsection, contributes to high cholesterol levels. 

Losing even a small amount of weight can help improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Here are some general tips:

• Set realistic goals and aim for a gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week
• Watch your portion sizes and try mindful eating to avoid overeating
• Drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep your metabolism working at its best

If you struggle with your weight, talk to your Integrative Primary Care provider for personalized weight management strategies.

Get personalized guidance for managing cholesterol

At Integrative Primary Care, our internal medicine providers are dedicated to helping you manage your health—including personalized guidance for getting and keeping your cholesterol under control. 

We provide tailored treatment plans that combine lifestyle changes with medication when necessary to make sure you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 

If you’re ready to take control of your cholesterol and enjoy better heart health, schedule an appointment with a provider at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, today.