Effective Ways to Lower Cholesterol Levels Naturally

Cholesterol is a naturally found substance in the human body and is present in the cell membranes, bloodstream, skin, nerves and internal organs. It is essential for normal functioning of the body. However, too much cholesterol is considered a medical concern, as it accumulates in the blood vessels. Over time, high cholesterol levels increase the risk of blockage of the arteries, heart disease and coronary artery disease.

Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol:

·      Low Cholesterol Diet: Considering that certain foods contribute to bad cholesterol in the body, a diet plan plays a crucial role in maintaining cholesterol levels. Include lots of fresh vegetables and fruits that provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help reduce cholesterol.
Foods that contain soluble fiber help expel cholesterol from the body, via bowel movement. Seeds and nuts that are rich in polyunsaturated fats prove helpful in countering cholesterol build-up in the body. Low cholesterol foods include oatmeal, psyllium husk, oat bran, whole grains, almonds and walnuts. Eating fish rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids can also prove beneficial.

·      Cholesterol Lowering Supplements: Studies prove that garlic, omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed, and red yeast rice are good for reducing cholesterol. Furthermore, cholesterol lowering supplements include products formulated with B complex vitamins, and chromium.

·      Stay Fit and Active: Maintaining a low weight is an easy way to minimize the risk for hypercholesterolemia. Regular exercise is one of the key tips to reducing cholesterol naturally. It helps reduce bad cholesterol levels or LDL, and increase good cholesterol levels or HDL. Even simple exercises like brisk walking can help a great deal in managing high cholesterol levels.

·      Avoid High Cholesterol Foods: Avoid foods that elevate cholesterol levels in the blood. Foods that should be avoided include fried food, cheese, red meat, margarine, dairy products, processed food and eggs. Also, restrict the intake of sugar and caffeine.

·      Stop Smoking: Smoking is considered to be a major contributing factor for high cholesterol levels. Smoking lowers HDL and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Quitting can improve HDL levels, and just 20 minutes after stopping smoking, the blood pressure decreases.

·      Avoid or Restrict Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious health disorders which include high blood pressure, stroke and cardiac arrest.

The first line of treatment to control high cholesterol levels includes a healthy diet in combination with regular exercise. However, for some people, diet and lifestyle changes may not be sufficient to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, cholesterol lowering medication can be imperative for such people. 

Drugs like Simvastatin are prescribed for patients suffering from high cholesterol levels. Simvastatin is a cholesterol lowering medicine which belongs to the group of medicines called statins. It is used to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol. However, before purchase Simvastatin, make sure to consult a doctor.

When combined with regular exercise, these natural dietary methods prove effective in lowering high cholesterol levels significantly. These lifestyle changes may even help you avoid the need for medications.