subject: Naturally Lowering Cholesterol Methods [print this page] Many people searching for naturally lowering cholesterol information probably have high levels and are worried about their health. However, there is good news and that news is that not all of your cholesterol is bad for you.
When looking for a safe method for lowering cholesterol, keep in mind that there are two types prevalent in the body. These are known as good and bad cholesterol. Healthy function of the body depends on having a certain amount of both.
The bad type is called LDL and is found in all those bad foods you lecture your children about not eating. As this substance builds up in your system, it can start to cling to the inside of veins and arteries and cause blockages. This leads to all sorts of health problems regardless of your age. These are mainly stroke, heart disease and a heart attack.
The good form that your body needs in a minimum amount is called HDL. The worst possible case that you could have is a high level of LDL and a very low level of HDL. HDL keeps LDL under control and lack of it can allow your health to degenerate quickly. Trying to find a balance point is essential to getting the levels of the two types under control.
People looking for more information about naturally lowering cholesterol likely fear having to go on a statin drug. They often wonder how they can avoid exposing themselves to the possible side effects of these kinds of drugs.
Well, there are several things you can do on your own before resorting to medication. One of them is adjusting your food intake and types of foods you eat which would be a safe method for lowering cholesterol. This type of diet is very different than others though. Diets of this type are meant to save your health and possibly your life. You may look good afterwards but that is not the intent of a diet like this.
One thing to do is to take the bad fats and oils out of your diet and go for healthy versions. If you eat a lot of oily foods or cook with them, use more natural oils like virgin olive oil or macadamia nut oil. Start reading the labels on everything you buy and if anything has partially hydrogenated oil, put it back. You can also aid yourself by using natural cooking sprays instead of fats and oils for your cooking pans.
Your body needs a certain amount of good fat to operate properly. If you like desserts and snacks and want a healthier alternative, try fruits and berries with optional whipped topping. If you love red meat, consider switching to chicken, turkey or fish. The ultimate goal is to eliminate as much saturated fat as possible.
One healthy component that you can add to your diet is plant sterols. These come from vegetables, and eating salads and vegetables can increase the amount you get.
Most notable among the oils to help control your cholesterol is Omega 3. This essential oil is primarily found in fish like salmon, sardines, halibut and hoki. Be sure to use wild salmon, not the farmed version as the farmed salmon have excessive chemicals from the food fed them.
Another safe method for lowering cholesterol that you can do is to add more activity to your lifestyle by walking. Walk at work on your lunch break, walk around your house and walk outside. Eventually as you get your body moving, you will feel better and can add more activities to your day. After a while, your body will become stronger and you will reap the benefits of being active.
Eating good meals every day and exercising are not hard to do. Simply allocate the time for them every day and soon you will be doing them on instinct. The types of exercises you do are up to you. If you can run or jog, do that or you may use a home exercise machine. Regardless, whichever you chose will begin to bring your cholesterol levels down.
Many health conscious people worry about ending up on medication because they are unable to fight this on their own. The big worry for many is statin drugs, which have negative effects on the body. However, if you improve your lifestyle and eat healthier, you may not have to rely on medicines. But if your levels are still too high, then consider adding a proven naturally lowering cholesterol supplement to your daily regimen.
Naturally lowering cholesterol supplements with herbal extracts have been proven to help balance LDL and HDL. These can do everything that statin drugs can but without the side effects. Most medications have side effects, and when you can go natural and get the same results, it is advised that you do so.
So if you are wondering how to lower cholesterol naturally and reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, then these are naturally lowering cholesterol things you can do. Exercising, staying active, eating healthier and taking supplements can definitely improve your health. The end result will be a healthier life that will last much longer and that is something that we all want and deserve.
