Bad Things for High Choloestrol

High cholesterol is a health condition that can be inherited or caused by lifestyle choices. Many times, high cholesterol is able to be reversed through proper treatment and strict regimens. Individuals who are prone to high cholesterol, such as those who have a family history of it, must take preventative steps to stay as healthy as possible.

Weight

• Excessive weight is bad for high cholesterol because fats raise the LDL, or the "bad" cholesterol. As your body weight drops, your cholesterol levels likely will drop also. People who are overweight must make an attempt to lose weight and keep it off. This can be accomplished through a healthy diet and regular exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, even losing just five to 10 pounds can have an impact on lowering your LDL. The issue of weight goes hand-in-hand with inactivity. Living a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough activity during the day has a negative impact on cholesterol.

Food

• A variety of foods are bad for people who have high cholesterol. For instance, foods that are rich in cholesterol, such as egg yolks, French fries and lobster, will not help your cause if you are trying to lower your LDL. It is equally important to reduce your intake of trans fats and foods that are rich in saturated fats. Many nutritionists and doctors recommend that individuals with high cholesterol choose monounsaturated fats, such as the fats naturally found in peanut oil and olive oil, over saturated and trans fats that raise your cholesterol. A healthier diet gives you the ability to manage your cholesterol levels, and your weight.

Smoking

• Smoking is a habit that is bad for those with high cholesterol. People who have a lifestyle that involves smoking on a regular basis should quit if they want to see their cholesterol improve. Cigarettes containing nicotine cause your bad cholesterol, LDL, to go up by forming plaque buildup on the walls of your arteries. Meanwhile, your HDL levels -- the "good" cholesterol -- goes down. When you stop smoking, the cholesterol levels in your body will balance out again, so your HDL levels will go back up and the LDL levels will go down.

Stress

• Chronic stress is bad for people with high cholesterol. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, chances are your doctor is going to tell you to decrease the stress in your life and learn how to better cope with stress. In the medical and scientific realm, this means getting a better handle on your adrenaline and cortisol levels, which are produced by the brain when you experience stress. Both hormones produce cholesterol, which is why they are bad if you already have high LDL, or are at risk of developing it.

Alcohol

• Too much alcohol affects your cholesterol levels by lowering your HDL and increasing your LDL. By cutting excessive alcohol intake out of your diet and lifestyle you can restore your body by balancing your good and bad cholesterol. This is not to say that you cannot enjoy a glass of red wine once in a while. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol can actually help raise your HDL.