Cholesterol and joint pain have more in common than you may think. Both can be the end product of leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Improving one may improve the other. The opposite also holds true. You can both bring down high cholesterol levels and decrease joint pain by incorporating a variety of healthy living changes into your daily regimen. Consult your doctor about your conditions, and before beginning any new diet or exercise plan.
Can Be Altered by Medication
Cholesterol medications may cause joint pain. Individuals are often prescribed statin medications to lower harmful cholesterol levels. Statin medications provide a lifelong solutions to controlling cholesterol; a well-studied and proven side effec is muscle pain, according to the University of California-San Diego. Even though not as well researched as muscle pain, joint pain may be a related side effect of statin medications. More research is needed in this area as of 2010, UCSD adds.
Benefit from Physical Activity
Increased levels of physical activity can benefit both your cholesterol and joint pain level, the American Heart Association reports. Physical activity includes movements that increase your heart rate for an extended period of time. To get health benefits, exercise for 30 minutes on at least five days weekly. Cardiovascular exercise can improve joint flexibility and keep joints well lubricated, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Exercise also improve cardiovascular functioning by increasing beneficial cholesterol and lowering harmful cholesterol levels.
Benefit From a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet plays a major in controlling cholesterol and joint pain. A well-balanced diet consists of foods from all food groups --- fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, meat and legumes. Choose low- or non-fat foods over those containing saturated and/or trans fats, the Arthritis Foundation recommends.
Benefit From Weight Management
Obesity or being overweight can cause high cholesterol levels and joint pain. Too much body weight puts extra stress on the joints, which leads to joint pain, the Arthritis Foundation explains. Losing only 5 or 10 pounds can make a difference in both reducing joint pain and stress plus lowering harmful cholesterol levels. Maintain, or reach, the proper weight by using portion control, maintaining a positive attitude, taking note of your eating habits, not eating while watching television, keeping a food journal and eating low-calorie foods rich in essential nutrients.
Benefit From Fish
Fish contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These can help both arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation, and cholesterol levels, the Arthritis Foundation notes. Fish can help lower harmful cholesterol levels and is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet. Beneficial fish include cold-water varieties like mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon and albacore tuna.
Benefit From Healthy Preparation Methods
Both cholesterol and joint pain will benefit from some heart-healthy cooking methods --- low-calorie, low-fat ways to prepare foods. These include parboiling, steaming, poaching, baking, broiling without excessive oils and boiling. Avoiding prolonged periods of high heat is needed to keep inflammation levels low, the Arthritis Foundation advises.
