Lower Your Cholesterol Doing These 6 Things

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Because you may not feel any symptoms associated with high cholesterol, it is important to get regular screenings. When your doctor tells you that your cholesterol level is high, it’s time to take action sooner than later. High cholesterol has been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, among other health concerns. Your doctor will have some advice for you as far as medications and such, but there are some things you can do to compliment a medical plan. Try these 6 things to create better overall health and lower your cholesterol.

Eat More Fruit

Try eating at least five types of fruit a day to enhance your health and raise your good cholesterol level. As I talked about before in a previous article, blueberries, in particular, are great as they contain pterostilbene. This chemical lowers your cholesterol naturally. If you can get a handful of these every day, it will go a long way for better health.

Take Supplements

Another way you can keep your cholesterol level down is by taking supplements. For example, research studies have found that Lactobacillus Acidophilus can improve cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about any additional supplements that may help keep a healthy cholesterol level.

Watch out for Certain High Fat Foods

One of the top ways to lower your cholesterol level is to stay clear of high-fat foods. Avoid foods full of saturated fat, such as butter and red meat. Always check food labels for fat content and the type. Remember that some fats like omega 3 are good to help protect you against heart disease and high cholesterol. Cooking with olive oil or other quality fats like coconut oil will also help to keep cholesterol down.

Eat More Fiber

Consider eating more fiber to lower your cholesterol level. As discussed in this article, it is recommended to have at least 25 grams of fiber a day. Unfortunately, most adults eat only 12 grams on average.  You can find fiber in some cereals, nuts, and whole grain pasta and breads, as well as in other complex carbs like beans and vegetables.  

 Exercise Regularly

Another way you can lower your cholesterol level is to exercise regularly. Make sure you are getting, at least, 2 hours of exercise a week. Try to find an activity that you enjoy. Even better, find an exercise buddy who will encourage you and keep you motivated. Consistent movement will help strengthen your body systems, as well as assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

Stay Calm 

Staying calm and stress-free will help keep your body’s chemical balance in check, as well as other systems operating properly. Meditation, yoga or Pilates are all healthy, low impact ways to stay calm and get some exercise at the same time. You could also start journaling your feelings and thoughts to help process potentially negative emotions. Breathe deeply when you enter a stressful situation or someone angers you.

**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.