Lowering Cholesterol Naturally for a Healthy Heart
You’ve heard of the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol, but understanding each and knowing the difference can help you become heart-healthy. Where some cholesterol is produced naturally by our bodies, other forms of cholesterol are drawn from our daily diets.
Recognized as the good cholesterol, healthy levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the body can help prevent risks for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, can increase such risks when circulated in the blood, altogether causing atherosclerosis, or the formation of a thick, hard deposit that clogs artery walls, and cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in the United States taking approximately 2,200 lives each day.
A Balanced Diet and an Active Lifestyle for Lowering Cholesterol Naturally
There’s no denying that what you eat affects your health. The AHA states that roughly 25 percent of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from the foods that we consume. Eating foods saturated in fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol have the potential to increase levels of bad cholesterol and increase the overall risks for heart disease and stroke. Rather, sticking to a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet can help manage blood cholesterol levels and reduce these risks. Whether it’s preparing fresh veggies with herbs and spices, reducing the amount of meat in your meal, or adding more fiber and whole grains to your diet, having balanced and nutrient-rich dishes daily can help in lowering cholesterol naturally.
Staying fit with regular exercise is also key to being heart-healthy. Studies have shown that people who live sedentary lifestyles are at least twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to those who exercise regularly. Researchers have further found that regular physical activity can allow your body to produce more HDL, or good cholesterol. From biking to jogging, swimming to dancing, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can get you moving toward a healthier you.
But reaching a healthy cholesterol level can be difficult even if you’ve made a conscious lifestyle change. Doctors may prescribe a cholesterol lowering medication or you may choose to try a cholesterol lowering supplement. Consulting with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional is important before taking these products, though they may give you the added push for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Clinical studies have shown that hearth health supplements like Cholesterol Solution with omega-3 fatty acids have reduced LDL, or bad cholesterol, by approximately 10 percent after the first 30 days of its use.
Still, developing a plan for prevention and treatment of high cholesterol starts with you. Recognizing the differences between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol early on is a first step in lowering cholesterol naturally. Additionally, adults should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program, and build on their personal plans for health.