Introduction
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to health issues, including high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. To help reduce your risk of high cholesterol, it is important to be aware of the worst drinking habits for those over 50. According to experts, certain types of alcohol can increase your risk of high cholesterol. In this article, we will discuss the worst drinking habits for high cholesterol after 50 and provide tips on what to drink instead. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to reduce your risk of high cholesterol. By following these tips, you can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Worst Drinking Habits for High Cholesterol After 50, Say Experts — Eat This Not That
If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, you may want to watch your drinking habits. According to experts, certain types of alcohol can increase your risk of high cholesterol and other health problems. Here’s what you need to know about the worst drinking habits for high cholesterol after 50.
1. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one drink per day. Drinking more than this can increase your risk of high cholesterol and other health problems.
2. Drinking Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks, such as soda and energy drinks, can also increase your risk of high cholesterol. These drinks are high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain and an increase in cholesterol levels. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea or coffee.
3. Drinking Too Much Beer
Beer is high in calories and can also increase your risk of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your beer consumption to one drink per day for men and half a drink per day for women. If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, it’s best to avoid beer altogether.
4. Drinking Too Much Wine
Wine can also increase your risk of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your wine consumption to one drink per day for men and half a drink per day for women. If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, it’s best to avoid wine altogether.
5. Drinking Hard Liquor
Hard liquor, such as vodka, whiskey, and rum, can also increase your risk of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your hard liquor consumption to one drink per day for men and half a drink per day for women. If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, it’s best to avoid hard liquor altogether.
Conclusion
If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, it’s important to watch your drinking habits. Drinking too much alcohol, sugary drinks, beer, wine, and hard liquor can all increase your risk of high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. If you’re over 50 and have high cholesterol, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
Cholesterol is a tough thing to fight, especially as you get older. With high LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, you’re unfortunately looking at a higher risk of things like heart attack, clogged arteries, and stroke.
“We are discovering more about what impacts a person’s cholesterol levels from genetics to diet to lifestyle habits, and it is becoming more clear that genetics play a larger role in how the body processes cholesterol and one’s risk for high cholesterol,” says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD at Balance One Supplements. “Still, there are some dietary habits that can exacerbate or lead to high cholesterol.”
Here are some of the worst drinking habits you’ll want to skip after 50 in order to avoid high cholesterol. And for more healthy tips, make sure to check out Side Effects of High Cholesterol After 50.
Alcohol in moderation is usually fine. In fact, many cultures see a daily glass of red wine can be an important part of a healthy diet. However, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol over a long period of time can cause lasting damage to your health.
“Excess alcohol can increase blood cholesterol levels,” says Anna Rios, RDN. “Alcohol can be converted to fat when metabolized, and may also increase a type of cholesterol called ‘triglycerides.’”
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Sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas and processed juices should always be consumed in moderation, but even more so into your 50s and if you are at risk for high cholesterol.
“Sugary beverages are among the top beverage contributors to high cholesterol,” says Best. “One 12-year study involving 6,000 participants found that sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed more by those with high cholesterol than those with normal cholesterol in the study.”
RELATED: Drinking Habits That Help With High Cholesterol
Sometimes it’s not just about the drinks that should be avoided, but also about the drinks you may need more of. For example, it is crucial at any age to drink plenty of water on a daily basis, but it’s also an important factor in trying to lower cholesterol.
“The body needs a decent amount of water for metabolism functions and other processes,” says Rios. “Staying well hydrated can help reduce your risk of high cholesterol.”
RELATED: What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking Water
Coffee itself can be a part of a healthy diet for most people, especially if you consume it black or with a lighter option of creamer. Unfortunately, coffee can become an unhealthy habit if you consume too many fancy coffee drinks with tons of added sugar or fat.
“Coffees with extra cream, high-fat milk, whipped cream, or creamer are rich in saturated fats, making them bad for trying to lower cholesterol levels,” says Dr. Shauna Hatcher, a certified nutritionist for the National Wellness and Public Health Network.
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