Controlling your cholesterol and metabolism is imperative to maintaining good health. Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level reduces your risk for a heart attack, heart disease and stroke. Keeping your metabolism at an active level helps you to maintain a healthy weight and ensure that your body is processing energy correctly. Steps can be taken to support your overall health and manage your cholesterol and metabolism.
Step 1
Have your cholesterol tested by your doctor annually to develop an understanding of how your body processes cholesterol. Testing cholesterol is done with a blood test. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance present in your bloodstream. When your cholesterol levels are too high, this means cholesterol has begun to accumulate in your arteries. To combat this, you will need to make lifestyle changes or even take medication to control it.
Step 2
Exercise regularly. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes per day on most days. Exercising increases your blood flow, causing your body to break down cholesterol and prevent accumulation. Additionally, consistent exercise will boost your metabolism, which is at work even when you're at rest. The muscle tissue in your body works based on your metabolism to burn fat. Consider incorporating exercise with hand-held weights, resistance tubing or another type of resistance to reduce your body fat and increase muscle tissue.
Step 3
Maintain a healthy weight. Gaining weight can result in an increase in the amount of cholesterol your body retains. When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through them. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the likelihood of cholesterol accumulation and your risk for heart disease. Metabolism doesn't necessarily dictate your weight, but keeping your metabolism at a high level will aid your body in burning fat and producing energy.
Step 4
Eat foods that support a healthy diet. Foods high in fiber as well as fruits and vegetables are low in cholesterol and provide a natural source of vitamins and protein to maintain your metabolism. Avoid fatty meats and processed and fried foods whenever possible. Eat regularly; not eating enough or frequently enough can slow down your metabolism.
Step 5
Take a prescription medication to help manage your cholesterol levels. For some, their bodies don't process cholesterol properly or in a timely manner. In this case, medical intervention is necessary to control their cholesterol.
