Quit smoking
The association between smoking and cholesterol is twofold. For starters, smoking makes LDL cholesterol stickier, so it clings to artery walls. As we know, clogged arteries hinder blood flow and can lead to heart problems. Secondly, smoking lowers HDL cholesterol. That isn’t good because the job of HDL is to escort LDL out of the arteries. Quitting can make a big difference. A review of studies found that HDL levels increase by as much as 30 per cent just after three weeks of stopping smoking. As strong as the argument to quit smoking is, it’s rarely easy to do.
Dr Chokshi says the key is to devise a personal strategy by understanding and addressing the reasons you smoke. Here are 22 ways to help you get started.
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Source: RD.com
