How fast can diet lower cholesterol

Other medications may include:. Supplements such as niacin and omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role. A person should consult a doctor to help them find a medication for lowering cholesterol that works for them. Although they might not produce results as quickly as medications do, a person may notice their cholesterol levels drop in just a few weeks or months if they stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle plan. Plant foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients, and they do not contain cholesterol.

Most plant foods also do not contain saturated fats , which may increase cholesterol in the body. A study found that the people who ate vegetarian diets had significantly lower cholesterol levels than the participants following omnivorous diets. The authors also note that some targeted diets using plant foods might cause stronger effects. For example, a diet rich in soluble fiber , plant sterols, and vegetable protein sources , such as soy and nuts , reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of These effects continue over the long term.

People who need to reduce their cholesterol quickly can work with a dietitian to create a targeted diet plan. While adding plant foods to the diet increases fiber intake naturally, it may also be helpful to take a fiber supplement or over-the-counter fiber drink to support the body.

Fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and may help prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol. Avoiding trans fats from foods such as fried foods, shelf-stable foods, and baked goods is important for cholesterol health. Saturated fats in excess can disrupt cholesterol activity in the body.

Saturated fats may ultimately add to high cholesterol levels. That would be — calories worth of saturated fats for a person who eats 2, calories per day. Individuals who smoke tobacco generally have lower levels of HDL cholesterol and elevated levels of other cholesterols, such as blood LDL levels. Quitting smoking may help bring up levels of HDL cholesterol and balance the total cholesterol level. Regular aerobic exercise is an important part of lowering cholesterol, because it may help bring up HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes can help you keep your medication dose low. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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See more conditions. Top 5 lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol. Products and services. Top 5 lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol Lifestyle changes can help improve your cholesterol — and boost the cholesterol-lowering power of medications. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Your guide to lowering your cholesterol with TLC. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Aerobic exercise helps your body raise its HDL levels, which is important for protecting you against heart disease. Exercise has cardiovascular benefits in addition to weight loss benefits. Activities like brisk walking, bicycling, dancing, gardening, swimming, jogging, and aerobics will all give you cardio benefits.

The diet and exercise may not be enough for these people based on the level of their cholesterol and global risk for heart disease. Both Dr. Gianos and Dr. The two elements work together to protect you.

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