Ask any college student what he or she had to eat in the past day or two, and you're likely to be horrified. Most young adults, especially those from America, have adopted terrible dietary regimens. Consequently, it's not surprising that high cholesterol symptoms have started to affect people at younger and younger ages.

The problem lies not with the institutions of higher education, though; it lies with the kids themselves. Now out on their own, many (even those who come from healthy families) begin to slide nutritionally as they start to use food as a means of getting to know peers. Pizza and sub parties at midnight suddenly become completely appropriate; and high cholesterol symptoms can be the result.

Add to the fattening diets the temptation to drink copious amounts of alcohol, and the average college student can easily become a high cholesterol ticking time bomb. Though he or she may not realize it, he or she is setting up a lifetime of high cholesterol symptoms and related problems.

So how is the young adult to cope with the nutritional ?wilds? of college, avoiding high cholesterol foods along the way? If you or someone you love wants to stop the freshman fifteen (as well as lower cholesterol levels that may be raised with such weight gain), try these tricks:

Opt for Healthy Low Cholesterol Choices

Once you're in college, you pretty much know a healthy choice when you see one. Hamburgers (unless made yourself from very lean meat) are not a good choice to lower cholesterol, especially when partnered with French fries and laden with cheese. Nachos are equally as artery-clogging, and sausage and pepperoni pizza. Each of these nutritional nightmares can lead to high cholesterol symptoms(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html); hence, it's critical for the student to opt for salads, lowfat dishes, and splurge only occasionally.

Avoid Alcohol to Lower Cholesterol(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html)

The best way to avoid high cholesterol symptoms that come with long-term drinking of most adult beverages (the jury's still out on red wine, which is typically not imbibed in college anyway) is simple: Abstain in the first place. Though you may feel uncomfortable initially, it's an excellent way to guard against hearing the words from your physician, ?You need to lower cholesterol levels??

Keep Up a High Cholesterol Exercise Program

Don't use college as an excuse to allow your exercise program to go by the wayside. Instead, try new sports and fitness classes and explore all your campus has to offer. Always wanted to try mountain climbing? Join a club that's devoted to the hobby! Want to train for your first marathon? Do it with your sorority as a fund-raising project. There are plenty of ways to keep your body moving while still meeting new people and making friends. And you will be able to lower cholesterol(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html) in the process!

Remember ? you have the power to make high cholesterol a non-issue in your later years by being conscientious during your teens and 20s. Start early at a healthy lifestyle, and you're likely to be around for a long time.