Weight loss surgery is about much more than simply shedding a few pounds so that you can fit into that old pair of jeans or feel more comfortable on the beach. Weight loss surgery is a life-changing procedure that gives you the chance at total renewal of your health and wellness goals. One of these goals is to reduce your risk of developing obesity-related diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, or hypertension.
Obesity has many consequences, and some are more visible than others. While obesity can cause damage to your body, leaving you uncomfortable and coping with pain from aching muscles and joints, it can also wreak havoc internally. One of the most common health issues that people who are overweight or obese face is high cholesterol.
What to do about High Cholesterol
Your body requires some cholesterol to help with proper organ functioning, but when your bad cholesterol levels get too high, then plaque can build up on your arteries and put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol is found in a lot of common foods, including fried foods and fatty foods, in addition to highly processed foods like chips. Many people turn to medication to lower their cholesterol levels so to reduce their risk of heart disease, but doing this can make getting off of medication difficult, as the cholesterol levels typically rise once the medicinal support is removed.
Naturally fighting your high cholesterol by making a series of healthy changes in your life is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Here are a few strategies to help you get started:
- Exercise every day. Even just walking more often can help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Research has proven that moderate intensity exercise done every day can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 20%!
- Eat more fiber. Fiber is naturally found in fruits, nuts, and whole grains. It is healthy for a lot of reasons, promoting digestion and weight loss being among them, but it is also helpful in reducing bad cholesterol levels.
- Focus on losing weight. High cholesterol often develops as a side effect of obesity, so by losing weight, you improve your chances of reducing your cholesterol level.
These are just a few ways that you can reduce your cholesterol level naturally. Improving your good fat consumption and drinking things like herbal teas are also associated with lowered cholesterol levels. Even if your doctor does recommend that you take medicine to help lower your cholesterol levels, using these healthy strategies can ensure that once you are ready to come off the medication, your cholesterol levels will stay where you want them.
For more information about addressing high cholesterol and your overall health and wellness goals, contact your weight loss surgeon.