Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Quitting alcohol is a great way to help lower your cholesterol, resulting in better overall health. It may also decrease your chances of liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.
When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down and turns it into triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver. The body then uses cholesterol to build healthy cells. However, high cholesterol levels can be dangerous.
The rate at which your cholesterol falls after quitting alcohol depends on several factors. These include:
You may see a drop within days if you practice healthy habits, including:
There is no definite timeline for decreasing cholesterol levels as it varies from person to person. However, it is guaranteed that quitting alcohol will have a positive effect on your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.11
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Cholesterol is a waxy substance that moves through your blood by attaching to proteins.3 There are two different types of cholesterol:
If you have high cholesterol, fatty deposits form in your blood vessels, restricting blood flow through your arteries. They increase the risk of breakage and clot formation, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.6
You can inherit high cholesterol, but it typically results from an unhealthy lifestyle.6 You can combat it by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some medications can also help.
If you have high cholesterol, drinking liquor, beer, and other types of alcohol can be dangerous. If you are going to drink, stick to moderate alcohol consumption only.7
The recommendations for moderate alcohol intake include the following:
This limit has been shown to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease.
You should talk to your doctor about drinking with high cholesterol. Your doctor can help determine how safe it is for you to drink with high cholesterol. If necessary, they can prescribe you medications to help lower cholesterol.
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High cholesterol puts you at an increased risk of heart disease. It is important to follow medical advice and keep your cholesterol healthy.
To prevent high cholesterol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink throughout the week.1 Some people may need to stop drinking altogether.
Maintaining your health through regular, moderate exercise is also essential. Moving your body boosts your cardiovascular health and supports your mental health.
Lastly, build a more positive relationship with food, and eat less sugar and processed foods. Making healthier choices can keep your total cholesterol at ideal levels.
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