How Can I Lower Cholesterol Naturally?

We have all seen the cholesterol lowering drugs advertised on television. Along with the benefits they tout are the disclaimers listing many side effects that may come about when using these drugs. Is it any wonder that we would rather find ways to lower our cholesterol levels naturally?

We all know the diet and exercise recommendations for healthy living. Low fat, low cholesterol diets rich in fruits and vegetables promote good health. And no healthy lifestyle is complete without regular, frequent exercise. But incorporating these things into our daily lives are difficult lifestyle changes. The results of making these changes can not only lower cholesterol naturally but also decrease the risks of developing major illnesses like heart disease.

Add Exercise Slowly But Do It Daily

As important as it is to lower LDL or bad cholesterol naturally it is just as important to raise the level of HDL or good cholesterol. Regular exercise has been shown to do just that. Raise the good and lower the bad.

Start with a fifteen-minute workout everyday. Ride a bike, jog or swim, lift weights or try a step aerobics class. Be sure that at least half of your workout exercises your cardiovascular system. Gradually increase both the length and intensity of your workout, as you get stronger. Just be sure to workout everyday with no excuses. If you can afford to go to a gym and hire a personal trainer do it. The expense of a gym now can save you a lot of money on doctors visits later.

It takes twelve weeks to develop a habit so commit to working out everyday for this amount of time. You will soon feel better and look forward to your daily workouts.

Dietary Changes Can Do Wonders For Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

Use olive and fish oils as your only fats. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. There are specific foods that will help lower your cholesterol naturally such as alfalfa sprouts, berries, brewer’s yeast, fish, eggplant, garlic, whole grains, soy products and yogurt to name a few. There are so many foods that aid in lowering cholesterol naturally that you are bound to find a few that you love.

Eat smaller amounts of food more often. Instead of three big meals a day, try six smaller ones. Prepare your own meals as often as possible. This way you know all the ingredients and control the fats and cholesterol.

Take a daily multivitamin to make sure you are getting a completely nutritious diet.

Normal Levels Of Cholesterol Can Keep Heart Healthy

Many people are working to achieve normal levels of cholesterol for the health of their heart and there are many options available to help them succeed. The problem is there are conflicting theories concerning what the normal levels of cholesterol numbers should be, while most focus on the level of bad cholesterol and ignore the fact that there such as thing as good cholesterol.

There are no age, weight or gender factors involved in determining the normal levels of cholesterol, rather they are based on their effects on the blood. Bad cholesterol, that everyone is concerned about, can also be harmful with a high level of triglycerides, which is essentially fat in the blood stream. The bad cholesterol, with an optimal density of about 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) coupled with an optimal level of triglycerides of about 150 mg/dl is considered normal levels of cholesterol.

However, good cholesterol should be between 50 and 60 mg/dl to be effective in helping the blood flow smoothly. If a person has high bad cholesterol and high triglycerides along with a low level of good cholesterol, in can be damaging to their coronary system. The blood can become sticky, causing clots and subsequent heart attack and stroke, if the clot occurs in a vessel in the brain. A balanced level of normal levels of cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart disease as well as diabetes and stroke.

Keep Options In Mind For Better Heart Health

Typically, cholesterol comes from two sources, who you are and what you eat. A person can change their diet and lifestyle to help achieve normal levels of cholesterol, but hereditary cannot be changed. It may take medical intervention to bring bad cholesterol levels into the normal levels of cholesterol considered safe. Additionally, medication may be needed to reduce the triglycerides in the blood. A low level of good cholesterol, under 50 can usually be helped through regular exercise. However, some of the drugs available for the reduction of bas cholesterol can also raised the good cholesterol level.

Cholesterol gets into the system once the food is eaten and digested and it is during this process that cholesterol drugs work. One method uses statins to help keep the cholesterol flowing through the system where it is expelled without getting caught up in the blood stream. The other uses absorption inhibitors to keep the cholesterol from being absorbed, again allowing it to be dispelled before getting into the blood. Both help maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the body.

The type of medication will be determined by talking to the doctor to see which will work best for you, as well as which type will likely have the fewer side effects.