Heart Health Alert
Keeping your cholesterol levels healthy is important for your heart. Did you know that some drinks can also be harmful? To help, there's Nexlizet, a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels, helping reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and helps block cholesterol absorption from food.
Drinks to Avoid for Cholesterol
1. Sugary Sodas
Sugary sodas are filled with added sugars that can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL). These drinks can also lead to weight gain, which makes managing cholesterol even harder. Regular consumption of soda has been linked to higher risks of heart disease due to its impact on cholesterol levels.
2. Sweetened Coffee Drinks
Many people love coffee, but adding lots of sugar, syrups or cream can turn your coffee into a problem for cholesterol. These added sugars and fats can raise bad cholesterol and contribute to unhealthy weight gain, making it harder to control your levels.
3. Alcoholic Beverages
Too much alcohol can have a negative effect on your cholesterol. Drinking large amounts of beer, wine or spirits can lead to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Alcohol is also linked to liver problems, which can make it even harder for your body to manage cholesterol.
4. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are often loaded with sugar and caffeine. The sugar in these drinks can increase bad cholesterol and contribute to weight gain, while the high caffeine content can cause other heart-related problems. Regular consumption of energy drinks may increase your risk of heart disease.
5. Full-Fat Milk
Full-fat milk is rich in saturated fats, which can raise your bad cholesterol levels. While milk is a good source of calcium, it’s best to choose low-fat or fat-free options to protect your cholesterol levels.
6. Fruit Juices with Added Sugar
While natural fruit juice can be healthy, many store-bought juices contain added sugars, which can raise cholesterol. These added sugars can lead to weight gain and increased cholesterol levels over time. It’s best to choose 100% natural fruit juice or limit your intake to avoid cholesterol spikes.
7. Creamy Milkshakes
Milkshakes may taste delicious, but they are often packed with sugar, ice cream and full-fat milk, which can raise your cholesterol levels. The high sugar and fat content makes milkshakes one of the worst drinks if you’re watching your cholesterol.
8. Flavored Iced Teas
Flavored iced teas from the store often contain a lot of added sugar. These drinks may seem healthier than soda, but the added sugars can have the same negative effect on your cholesterol. Choose unsweetened iced teas or add a slice of lemon for flavor.
9. Hot Chocolate with Full Cream
Hot chocolate, especially when made with full cream and lots of sugar, is another drink that can raise your cholesterol. The combination of saturated fat and added sugars can contribute to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
10. Sweetened Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are often marketed as healthy, but they are usually high in sugar. These drinks can raise cholesterol levels if consumed regularly, especially if you’re not exercising enough to burn off the calories. Stick to water or low-sugar options instead.
Treatments to Manage Cholesterol
If your cholesterol levels are high, several treatments and lifestyle changes can help:
- Healthy diet: Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fried foods and processed snacks.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications like statins to help lower your cholesterol levels. Always take these as directed.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol in moderation or cutting back can help control your cholesterol levels.
Nexlizet
Nexlizet is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol (often called "bad" cholesterol). It contains two active ingredients: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. These two components work together to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and help block cholesterol absorption from food.
Nexlizet is typically prescribed to individuals with high cholesterol, especially those who have trouble lowering their levels through diet and exercise alone, or who are unable to take statin medications due to side effects. It is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering treatments.
Sipping Smart
By avoiding these drinks and making healthy lifestyle changes, you can manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart problems. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.