Having high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, there are several simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health.

Here are eight effective strategies that you can incorporate into your daily routine:.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the most important steps you can take to lower your cholesterol levels is to maintain a healthy weight.

Excess weight, especially around your midsection, can contribute to higher levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a crucial role in your cholesterol levels. To lower your cholesterol, incorporate more heart-healthy foods into your daily meals. Focus on consuming high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, choose lean sources of protein like fish and poultry, and limit your intake of saturated and trans fats found in red meat and processed foods.

3. Exercise Regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity can significantly help to lower your cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.

Regular exercise can increase HDL cholesterol levels and decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking not only damages your lungs but also negatively affects your cholesterol levels. Chemicals in cigarettes can lower your HDL cholesterol and promote the formation of plaque in your arteries.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health and lower your cholesterol levels.

5. Limit Alcohol Consumption

While moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, excessive drinking can raise your cholesterol levels. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, this means up to two drinks per day, and for women, one drink per day.

It’s worth noting that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with numerous health risks, so it’s important to drink responsibly.

6. Include Heart-Healthy Fats in Your Diet

Not all fats are bad for you. Some fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can actually help to lower your cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Foods rich in heart-healthy fats include avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon. However, moderation is key, as all fats are high in calories.

7. Increase Soluble Fiber Intake

Soluble fiber is known to effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Foods high in soluble fiber include oats, barley, legumes, and fruits such as apples and oranges.

Aim to incorporate these foods into your diet regularly to reap their cholesterol-lowering benefits.

8. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can raise your cholesterol levels. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cholesterol as a response.

Therefore, managing stress through various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and regular physical activity, can help lower your cholesterol levels.