How to Lower Cholesterol Levels in Children

High cholesterol in children can result from a combination of poor diet, obesity and heredity. If your child has high cholesterol, it can lead to future problems like heart attacks and stroke. There are steps you can take to help your child lower his cholesterol early and establish healthy habits for a lifetime.

Instructions

• 1

  Serve your child foods that do not contain cholesterol. This includes fruits, vegetables and grains. If your child eats healthy foods without cholesterol for the bulk of his diet, he will put himself at a lower risk of developing high cholesterol from the foods he eats.

• 2

  Choose lean proteins, such as fish, beans, soy and tofu. Make these items kid-friendly by serving them with your child's favorite side dishes and sauces.

• 3

  Select low-fat and nonfat dairy items. Kids love dairy, from milk to ice cream. But dairy is a big source of cholesterol, so choose healthy dairy items like skim milk and low-fat yogurt.

• 4

  Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Give your child water (the flavored kind is a tasty alternative) or low-sugar juices instead of sodas. Avoid pre-packaged snacks that are high in fat and sugar.

• 5

  Give your child plenty of chances to exercise. Exercise helps to boost "good" cholesterol levels in the blood; children should exercise at least 60 minutes a day, according to the Nemours Foundation website. Get your child active by playing together in the yard or at a park, or encouraging her to join a sports team or activity.