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How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally in 4 Steps | Dr. Josh Axe
07, Jun, 2024
Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Lowering Cholesterol:
Dietary Changes:
Increase Soluble Fiber" Foods high in soluble fiber can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Good sources include oats, barley, beans, lentils, fruits (especially apples, oranges, and pears), and vegetables.
Healthy Fats" Replace saturated and trans fats with healthy fats such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts, can also help improve cholesterol levels.
Plant Sterols and Stanols" These substances, found in certain fortified foods and supplements, can help reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
Whole Grains" Foods like whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels.
Nuts and Seeds" Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are beneficial for heart health and cholesterol management.
Limit Sugary Foods and Refined Carbohydrates" Reducing intake of foods high in sugar and refined carbs (like white bread and pastries) can improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Physical Activity:
Regular Exercise" Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling) per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (such as running or aerobic dancing). Exercise can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Weight Management:
Healthy Weight" Losing even a small amount of weight if you're overweight can help lower your cholesterol levels. Focus on a balanced diet and regular physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol:
Quit Smoking" Stopping smoking improves HDL cholesterol levels and benefits your heart and blood vessels.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption" If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For adults, this means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Natural Supplements:
Red Yeast Rice" Contains compounds similar to statins and can help lower cholesterol. However, it should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Psyllium Husk" A source of soluble fiber that can help reduce LDL cholesterol.
Garlic" Some studies suggest that garlic supplements may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Green Tea" Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 Supplements" If you don't consume enough omega-3-rich foods, supplements can help improve cholesterol levels.
Important Considerations:
Consistency" Natural remedies and lifestyle changes require consistency and time to show results. Be patient and stick with the changes.
Medical Supervision" Always discuss any new supplements or significant lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.
Holistic Approach" Combining several of these strategies can provide the best results. Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes work synergistically to improve cholesterol levels and overall health.
By adopting these natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can help manage and potentially lower your cholesterol levels, improving your overall heart health.
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