First things first—it’s probably not what you think it is! While high cholesterol is a health condition and a risk factor for many health conditions, cholesterol itself is something different.

Get in the know about what cholesterol is and how to prevent high cholesterol in our latest AFC Urgent Care Easley blog.

Is Cholesterol a Bad Thing?

No, actually. While we often think of cholesterol in a negative context, cholesterol in and of itself is not a bad thing. In fact, your body needs it!

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body that produces hormones and helps regulate digestion. It’s when you have too much of it that there’s a problem. Too much cholesterol can build up as plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Types of Cholesterol

• Total cholesterol
• Bad cholesterol, formally known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• Good cholesterol, formally known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• Triglycerides

How Can I Maintain Normal Cholesterol?

To avoid harmful plaque backup, you want to keep your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol low and your HDL cholesterol high. While that sounds complicated, it really isn’t.

Basic healthy lifestyle habits can help you lower your risk of developing high cholesterol in many cases. That’s because a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight increase your risk, so taking steps to be more active can help.

Habits That Can Help Reduce Cholesterol

• Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat and excess sodium.
• Include plenty of fiber and lean protein in your diet.
• Aim for and maintain a healthy weight, as advised by your doctor.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days.
• Include a blend of cardio and strength training to build muscle mass.
• Don’t smoke.

Are you feeling under the weather? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Easley today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.