Hi, thank you for your question. Other than medications, you can make lifestlye modifications to manage high cholesterol. First of all, eat a healthy diet. Limit foods high in saturated fats. This means limiting your consumption of full-fat dairy products and red meat. Instead, opt for low-fat dairy products.

This will reduce your LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol). Reduce trans fats which can often be found in margarine, cookies and cakes. They increase your overall cholesterol levels. Take a high-fibre diet with loads of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. A high-fibre diet can decrease the absorption of cholesterol and thus lower your cholesterol levels.

Consume food rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This includes mackerel, salmon and walnuts. Limit deep-fried food and cook with healthy oils like vegetable oils
Also, stay physically active. You should do moderate-intensity exercise at least 30 minutes 5 times a week or vigorous aerobic exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week.

Some recommended exercise includes:

• taking a brisk walk
• swimming
• playing a favourite sport
• riding a bicycle

Moderate exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).
Maintaining a healthy weight is important as well. Being overweight or obese can contribute to high cholesterol by increasing your LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and decreasing your HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).

So, eat healthily, cut down on sugary drinks and food, exercise regularly.
Next, quit smoking. Smoking can cause damage to your blood vessels and reduce HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).

Therefore, it increases your risk of having high cholesterol and heart disease. There are multiple ways to help you quit smoking, such as using nicotine patch, joining a support group and so on. For non-smokers, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Lastly, drink alcohol in moderation.

Please click on this link Thinking of quitting? Consult our doctor for FREE! to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your symptoms and treatment needed. Thank you.