Introduction:
Triglycerides and cholesterol are very important for human health. However, excess triglycerides and cholesterol in the body can create complications for the person. Anything in the excess is not good for the body. Therefore, it only makes sense that high cholesterol and triglycerides pose a threat to a patient.
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels often arise from lifestyle habits and diets followed. Therefore, lifestyle medicine prescriptions can control the levels and create a healthy body. However, before introducing lifestyle changes for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides levels, a person must know why it is important.
Lifestyle Changes and their Efficacy :
What is Lifestyle Medicine, and how does the approach impact the body? An approach towards lifestyle changes works from the inside by introducing simple alterations that are good for our bodies. Lifestyle changes take time to show effect but work effectively if pursued with discipline. Lifestyle changes ensure that the person does not fall sick often and does not require medicinal intervention.
What are the disorders that can happen due to high cholesterol and triglycerides in the body?
Now that we know what is Lifestyle Medicine and how it works for high cholesterol and triglycerides levels, let us focus on the problems that arise from not making these changes.
High Blood Sugar Levels :
High cholesterol and high triglyceride level in the body indicates the heightening of blood sugar levels. The patient suffers from hyperglycemia or diabetes due to high cholesterol levels. Diabetes can lead to new health problems that affect different parts of the body.
Hypothyroidism :
The inactivity of the thyroid can also arise from high cholesterol and high triglyceride level. Hypothyroidism affects the hormonal cycle of the body and the overall growth cycle of the body. The person experiences gaps in the growth of the body and general functions of the body.
Increased risk for heart attack and heart problems- high cholesterol levels and triglyceride in the body also affects the heart. The triglycerides increase the risk of heart attack and other heart-related issues. Without the changes according to lifestyle medicine prescriptions, the risk associated with heart does not reduce.
What are the changes suggested for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides levels?
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Quit Smoking :
Smoking is a deadly habit that affects both the lungs and the heart. Smoking also has a derogatory effect on the arteries and veins. High cholesterol levels combined with smoking impose stress upon the lungs and heart. Smoking increases the chances of lung disorders and heart problems. A lifestyle change that a patient can make is quitting smoking and reducing the chances of passive smoking. Keep yourself away from places where community smoking happens. You can channel your attention to better hobbies like exercise to deviate from smoking.
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Exercise Daily :
Exercise on a daily basis keeps people healthy. Physical exercise on a healthy level keeps all the vital indicators under control. It also keeps triglycerides and cholesterol levels under control. If you are at risk of increasing triglyceride or cholesterol levels, the first thing you need to quit is a sedentary lifestyle.
Try to incorporate brisk exercise into your daily routine like walking, running, jogging, etc. Go for a morning walk daily. This not only keeps people physically fit but also your mind refreshed. Take the stairs to skip the elevator and take walking breaks between work for 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps you active and fit.
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Avoid Excess Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates :
Another lifestyle change that makes a big difference in how your body functions are the cutting of excess sugars and carbohydrates. Cut out processed sugary foods from your diet. Similarly, cut down on sugary drinks and foods made of refined carbohydrates. Choose natural sugars like jaggery and stevia over other sources of sugar. This reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. This decision also reduces the chances of diabetes too.
Lifestyle changes can have more efficacy in the long run over traditional medicines in controlling cholesterol and triglycerides. Since lifestyle diseases arise from lifestyle habits, some positive changes help patients reverse any negative impact of high cholesterol and triglycerides.