How Lily Black treated high cholesterol?

 Note - This article is written by one of our patients about their experiences with high cholesterol. 

At the age of 45, I was diagnosed with excessive cholesterol during my routine checkup. My name is Lily Black. I was shocked to learn from the doctor that my cholesterol level was alarmingly high—250—well over the suggested range. I immediately started taking steps to lower my cholesterol levels since I was worried about my health and wanted to live a long and active life.

My doctor informed me of the potential hazards of high cholesterol, including heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, after learning about my situation. This information gave me a wake-up call and inspired me to drastically alter my way of life.

I first started a voyage of self-education to learn more about the effects of cholesterol on the body. There are two distinct types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as I learned from my research. LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as "bad" cholesterol, can build up in the arteries and cause blockages and a higher risk of developing heart disease. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is seen as "good" since it aids in the removal of LDL cholesterol from the circulation.

 Note - More stories from other patients at the end of this page 

With this knowledge, I decided to focus first on changing my nutrition. I cut back on the amount of saturated fats I ate, which are present in fried foods, full-fat dairy products, and red meat. I chose lean proteins instead, such as chicken and fish, and I made sure to include enough of fruits, vegetables, and nutritious grains in my meals. In addition, because soluble fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and lentils are known to lower LDL cholesterol levels, I increased the amount of these foods I ate.

Along with my nutritional adjustments, I placed a high priority on exercise. I started out going for quick walks and added more exercise over time. I was able to do cardiovascular exercises like cycling and swimming after I joined a neighbourhood gym. Regular exercise not only helped me lose a few extra pounds, but it also increased my HDL cholesterol levels, balancing my total cholesterol levels.

I also realised how crucial it was for me to control my stress. Studies had suggested that stress may be a factor in high cholesterol levels, which is what prompted me to start practising relaxation methods like yoga and meditation. A key factor in reducing stress and giving me the encouragement I needed along the journey was asking friends and family for help.

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My perseverance and commitment to implementing constructive change paid off. I saw over time, with meticulous monitoring and routine checkups, my cholesterol levels gradually improving. My cholesterol level was 180 after six months of consistent work, which is within a healthier range. Despite the fact that this was a big accomplishment, I knew that my path was far from over.

I was consistent in keeping up my new, healthy routines, making sure they were ingrained in my way of life. I experimented with new recipes and flavours to find methods to keep my meals both wholesome and interesting. I discovered how much I like cooking and how much I valued healthy, fresh food. Likewise, I kept up my normal exercise schedule and prioritised remaining active, even when I was busy.

My experience controlling my cholesterol taught me important lessons about self-control, resiliency, and the effectiveness of regular, small improvements. It also made me feel more responsible for spreading knowledge about cholesterol and its effects on general health. As a result, I started helping out at community health events, sharing my own experience, and advising others who were dealing with comparable difficulties.

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Looking back on my experience, I am appreciative of the wake-up call that inspired me to take charge of my health. It led me down a path of self-improvement and gave me the ability to decide with knowledge for a healthier future. Despite the fact that my cholesterol levels were originally high, I was able to reduce them to a healthy range with perseverance, knowledge, and a strong support system, ensuring a higher standard of living for years to come.

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