LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can be raised by a variety of factors, including:
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Diet: Eating a lot of foods high in saturated fats, such as fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products, can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Foods high in sugar can also cause the liver to make more LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and less HDL cholesterol.
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Certain medications: Some drugs, such as certain birth control pills, corticosteroids, and antivirals, can raise cholesterol levels.
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Pregnancy: During pregnancy, cholesterol levels may rise up to 50% in the second and third trimesters, which is a temporary spike that usually doesnt harm the mother or baby.
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Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.
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Lack of exercise: Exercise helps boost the bodys HDL, or "good," cholesterol.
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Smoking: Cigarette smoking may lower the level of HDL, or "good," cholesterol.
To lower LDL cholesterol levels, healthcare providers often recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing consumption of saturated fats, eliminating trans fats, and increasing exercise. Some foods that can help lower LDL cholesterol include apples, grapes, strawberries, foods fortified with sterols and stanols, soy, fatty fish, and fiber supplements.
