9 Habits That Rapidly Increase Bad Cholesterol In Your Blood
1. Unhealthy Diet
Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, processed snacks, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and baked goods, can significantly increase LDL cholesterol levels.
2. Lack of Exercise
Being physically inactive can lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lead to higher LDL cholesterol levels. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy lipid profile.
3. Smoking
Smoking destroys blood vessels and causes fatty deposits in arteries, which raises LDL cholesterol and increases heart disease risk.
4. Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol raises LDL cholesterol. Moderate alcohol use may promote heart health, but excessive drinking can harm it.
5. Overweight or obesity
Overweight or obesity raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol. Controlling weight and exercising regularly helps lower cholesterol.
6. Poor Diabetes Management
Uncontrolled diabetes raises LDL cholesterol. Diabetes patients must control blood sugar to manage cholesterol.
7. Stress
Chronic stress can cause poor eating, excessive drinking, and decreased physical activity, which raises LDL cholesterol.
8. Lack of Sleep
Poor sleep habits are associated to greater LDL cholesterol. Try to sleep 7-9 hours per night.
9. Genetics
Genetics can cause high cholesterol. A genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia raises LDL cholesterol levels.