While high cholesterol may require medical intervention such as medication, there are also some lifestyle changes that people can make to help lower their cholesterol levels.
According to the NHS, these include weight loss, «eat healthy and exercise more.
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However, part of a healthy diet can mean Cut down on some weekly treats.
While a couple of glasses of wine or a few beers might be something many look forward to on the weekend or any other night after work, too much alcohol could affect your cholesterol levels.
This is because alcohol increases cholesterol levels.
Heart UK explains: «When you drink alcohol, it is broken down and rebuilt into triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver.
«Then, drinking alcohol increases triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood«.
«There is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption, but following certain recommended guidelines reduces the risk of harming your health.»
However, if you’re working to lower your cholesterol, even those steps could be too much alcohol.
How much alcohol can you drink if you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels?
UK Heart State: «Reducing alcohol consumption can help lower your cholesterol levels.»
Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can also «improve heart health and help prevent heart disease in other ways too, by helping take care of your liver, your blood pressure, your weight and your waistline«.
Different forms of alcohol, such as wine, beer, or liquor, can have different effects on cholesterol levels.
However, the most important thing is the amount of alcohol you consume.
Experts advise having a few alcohol-free days and spreading your drinks out over the week, rather than binge drinking.
However, they note that in some cases people may be advised not to drink at all.
According to Heart UK: «There are some health issues and treatments that may mean it’s safer to avoid alcohol altogether.
«Talk to your doctor or nurse about what’s safe for you.»
How to reduce alcohol intake
For many people, alcohol is ingrained in their social life and it can be difficult to find ways to reduce it.
Some simple ways to reduce alcohol consumption include:
- Change to alcoholic beverages with a lower percentage
- Just drink while eating
- Try to make your drinks last or drink them more slowly
- Limit yourself to a certain amount or on certain days of the week
- Avoid large glasses
- Use a measure to know exactly how much you are consuming
Some people find it difficult to cut down on alcohol and may have difficulty cutting down or stopping.
In this case, it’s important to talk to a doctor, nurse or alcohol dependence charity to find out ways they can offer guidance and support.