Winter is here and the festive season is in full swing, and when we say full swing, it means endless parties, fun get-togethers, a plethora of food, and the best drinks. However, all this fun, food, and drinks can take a great toll on your health, especially when it comes to the heart. As per the study titled, ‘The Christmas holidays are immediately followed by a period of hypercholesterolemia’, published by NCBI, the holidays are directly associated with a higher level of LDL cholesterol and a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia. The combination of unhealthy eating, with holiday-related stress is the perfect textbook definition of disaster.
Effect Of High Cholesterol On Health
Cholesterol is an essential substance in the body as it helps build healthy cells. However, the excess of it can be detrimental to heart health. When attached to proteins for easier transportation, they are called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, builds up in the arteries, making them hard and narrow. This deposited cholesterol can reduce the blood flow through the arteries and can cause severe complications like chest pain, heart attack, and stroke.
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Healthy Ways To Avoid Cholesterol Issues
In order to avoid any high cholesterol issues, especially during the holidays, make sure to follow the given tips.
Be Mindful Of What You Eat
Though the holidays are all about the most tempting food and drinks, try to avoid anything that has high levels of calories. Stay away from processed foods and the ones that are on the greasier side. Try to consume more fiber-rich foods as fiber significantly reduces the absorption of cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods include avocados, oranges, oatmeal, whole grains, apples, lentils, legumes, and beans.
Also Read: 10 Tips To Improve Bad Cholesterol Levels
Avoid Drinking
It is understandable that the holidays bring a certain amount of temptation to drink with family and friends. However, it is also important to understand that even a single drink can easily invite a disaster. Even if you give in to the temptation, do it in moderation.
Plan Outdoor Activities
Moderate physical activity is necessary to help the body process the heavy eating that takes place during the holidays. Apart from staying in, one can also plan outdoor activities like cleaning up snow with family and friends. If not, then incorporate some light exercise, walking, or cycling into the schedule.
Also Read: 6 Reasons You Have High Cholesterol That Are Not So Obvious
Risk Factors
Risk factors that can actually contribute to unhealthy levels of cholesterol are:
- Poor Diet: Consuming too much trans fat or saturated fat is extremely harmful to the heart as it significantly contributes to high cholesterol levels.
- Obesity: If your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is higher than thirty, you are much more susceptible to developing high cholesterol issues.
- Age Factor: As you age, your liver function deteriorates and it becomes less able to remove the LDL cholesterol effectively. In people over the age of 40, high cholesterol issues are much more commonly seen.
- Lack Of Exercise: Not including enough physical activity in your daily routine can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol, resulting in further health complications.
Holidays are for sure the perfect time to have fun with family and friends. However, it is equally important to be mindful of one’s health and wellness.