7 Steps to Lower Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is high when above 190 mg / dl in the blood test, and to lower it, it is necessary to follow a low-fat diet, such as "fatty" meats, butter and oils, giving preference to easy to digest and low-fat, such as fruits, vegetables, vegetables, raw or cooked only with salt and lean meats.

In addition, it is also important to exercise regularly and, if the doctor finds it necessary, to take medicines that, together with food and physical activity, help to maintain regulated cholesterol levels. Some of the most used medications include simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin or atorvastatin, for example. Learn more at: Cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Thus, the main steps for proper cholesterol control are:

Weight loss; Decrease the consumption of alcoholic beverages; Reduce the intake of simple sugars; Reduce the intake of carbohydrates; Prefer polyunsaturated fats, rich in omega-3, present in fish such as salmon and sardines; Practice physical exercises at least 3 to 5 times a week; use medicines when these measures are not enough to control cholesterol, when indicated by the doctor.

See more tips from your nutritionist in 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 the 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 do not eat well, as the main causes of high total cholesterol involve excessive fat consumption and physical inactivity.