What Affects Blood Cholesterol Levels?
Many things affect the cholesterol level in your blood: • What you eat: You can lower your cholesterol level by cutting down on animal fat and other fats and eating foods rich in starch and fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. • Your hormones: Women get a natural boost in their HDL cholesterol from their hormones until they reach menopause. After menopause, taking estrogen can help maintain higher HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) levels. • Medications: For most people, diet and exercise is the best way to control cholesterol levels. For some individuals, doctors may prescribe medication to reduce blood cholesterol levels, especially if high levels of cholesterol run in your family. • Other factors: Being overweight, inactive, and smoking all increase levels of the harmful type of cholesterol.
