When we think of cholesterol, most of us think of drugs, diet and exercise. It’s imperative, if you have cholesterol concerns, to speak to your doctor to find out what might be the best routine for you. In addition to a medical plan, there are small steps you can take to help your cholesterol. One of those steps is drinking more water.

Dehydration can make blood more acidic, which can lead to a buildup of LDL cholesterol. Acidic blood can damage the cell walls of arteries. Hydration, on the other hand, thins blood and makes it easier for the heart to pump. The thinner, faster-moving blood can help your body clear LDL more rapidly. Moreover, plenty of water can improve your metabolic rate, which may help you lose weight.

Cholesterol is not water soluble. But, the more hydrated you are, the better your body functions to bring HDL, the “good” cholesterol, to clear from blood vessels. Dehydration from fasting has been shown to increase total serum cholesterol levels, including HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-1 and B.

Dehydration can lead to your body creating more LDL, in an attempt to keep cell membranes moist. You frequently don’t feel thirst until after dehydration had kicked in, so drinking water throughout the day helps you remain healthy. With the summer rapidly approaching, it’s essential to drink more, as hot weather dehydrates us much more quickly.

Water also aids digestive health, which is important for cholesterol levels. Twenty-five percent of cholesterol comes from the diet. Water helps your body breakdown food and supports the passage of waste. Your liver responds to food by producing LDL to aid digestion. After you have digested, LDL should return to the liver to be broken down. If you are dehydrated, digestion is slower and the liver must produce an excess of LDL.

While dehydration does not cause high cholesterol, as you can see, water can fight it. Water is the best thing you can drink as juices are high in sugar, and caffeinated beverages can make you more dehydrated. The quality of the water is also important. Chlorine, found in most tap water, can raise cholesterol levels. Using a water filter or jug can remove impurities.