Total cholesterol is high when above 190 mg / dl in the blood test, and lowering it requires following a diet low in high fat foods such as "fatty" meats, butter and oils, giving preference to foods easy to digest and little greasy, such as fruits, vegetables, raw vegetables or cooked only with salt and lean meats.
In addition, it is also important to get regular exercise and, if your doctor thinks it necessary, take medicines that, together with eating and physical activity, help keep cholesterol levels in check. Some of the most commonly used medications include simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin or atorvastatin, for example. Learn more at: Cholesterol Lowering Remedies.
Thus, the main step for proper cholesterol control are:
- Lose weight;
- Decrease consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Reducing the intake of simple sugars;
- Reduce carbohydrate intake;
- Prefer polyunsaturated fats, rich in omega-3, present in fish like salmon and sardines;
- Practice physical exercises at least 3 to 5 times a week;
- Use medicines when these measures are not sufficient for cholesterol control when indicated by your doctor.
See more tips from your nutritionist on the following video:
Reference values for total cholesterol
The reference values for total cholesterol are:
- Desirable: Less than 190 mg / dl, for men and women, with or without fasting.
Values higher than recommended are considered high and should be treated through a balanced diet, exercise and, depending on severity, with the use of medications.
Symptoms and Causes of High Total Cholesterol
High total cholesterol does not have any specific symptoms, but high levels can be suspected when you are overweight and you do not eat well, as the main causes of high total cholesterol involve excessive consumption of fat and sedentary lifestyle.
