Lower Cholesterol without Medication

Lowering Cholesterol without Medication Is Not a Myth

Perhaps you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol for the first time, and all you hear are the words heart attack ricocheting through your mind. Your doctor may prescribe a popular cholesterol medication, but you know you can do more to correct this dangerous issue. People can lower cholesterol without medication by following a few basic steps. Anyone can follow the steps. Your current cholesterol profile will determine how relevant each step is in improving your overall health status.

People who follow these steps lower cholesterol without medication, and establish a solid lifelong foundation for cholesterol control. The only requirement is to get started. People with a combined cholesterol level of 240 mg/dl are two times more likely to have a heart attack than people with a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or less. The first step in the plan to lower cholesterol without medication is to get your cholesterol level checked on a regular basis. The old saying that no news is good news doesn't apply to your cholesterol level. All adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked once every five years according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

The second step is to learn all you can about cholesterol. The body needs it to perform vital functions so it is an essential internal substance. Lowering your HDL cholesterol level can actually hurt rather than help your body. The main villain is LDL cholesterol. You can start to control your LDL number by knowing what it is, where it comes from, and how it interacts with the good HDL cholesterol. Once you know the difference, the next step is to get rid of those extra pounds. People who are overweight disrupt their normal dietary fat metabolism. Just by dropping 5 or 10 pounds over a healthy period of time (don't use a crash diet) you will lower cholesterol without medication.

Know the Good Fats and Foods

There are good fats called monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL and triglycerides levels in the bloodstream. Saturated fats found in meats, butter, and cheese raise your cholesterol level, and the monounsaturated fats in peanut butter, avocados, and olive oil lower your bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in albacore tuna and salmon are also considered good fats. Moderation is the key word when it comes to eating these good fats. Foods that are low in total fat are still the best choice.

Fiber is another great way to control cholesterol. There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The soluble, which includes pectin, is the best kind. Just 15 grams of soluble fiber can lower cholesterol by 5 to 10%. Don't forget to take a good multivitamin because it will cover nutritional gaps in your diet. Find a multivitamin that has 400 micrograms of folic acid, 6 micrograms of vitamin B12, and 2 mg of vitamin B6.

Other important steps are reducing your daily dose of stress, anxiety, and tension. Go for a walk or run, and begin stretching or try Yoga. Meditation is another great way to lower your cholesterol level. Take time to reflect and appreciate life for what it has to offer. The other thing that most people do to lower cholesterol without medication is to make a commitment to yourself. Resolve to take care of your body, and it will take care of you.

Including a natural supplement is also recommended to combat your struggle with high cholesterol. To find out more information about how to lower cholesterol without taking medication visit www.vasacor.com.