Improving Cholesterol Without Medication

Improving cholesterol can be done with simple lifestyle changes. High cholesterol levels are largely attributed to diet. The need to maintain a healthier diet becomes more important with age. High cholesterol can eventually lead to heart attacks and strokes. Medication helps but lifestyle changes can also have major effects on lowering cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an essential part of cellular structure and hormone production. Cholesterol is essential for bile production in the liver. The liver produces most of the body’s cholesterol, but additional amounts are consumed through food. Poor diets often lead to high cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). High amounts of LDL lead to clogged blood vessels in the heart. HDL works to move cholesterol around the body. Excess cholesterol is transported back to the liver and expelled out of the body through urine. LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol and HDL as good cholesterol.

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

The symptoms of high cholesterol are often impossible to catch. Most individuals find out during routine medical screenings. High levels of cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. When the arteries become blocked, less oxygen is able to reach the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks. High cholesterol can also lead to heart disease. If the buildup is in the vessels of the brain, a stroke can occur.

Is medicine the only fix?

Medicine does work but is not the only answer to lowering cholesterol. Simple lifestyle changes can work. Looking at nutrition is a good place to start. Diets rich in omega-3s, fiber, and whey protein are heart-healthy. Individuals with high cholesterol should cut saturated fats, trans fats, and excess sugar. Soda and alcohol are some of the biggest culprits of a poor diet for adults. Daily exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight. Doctors recommended moderate exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Even finding extra ways to stand up at work can prove beneficial. Exercise increases HDL levels within the body.

Do supplements work?

Many cholesterol lowering medications contain statins, which can increase body pain. Statins reduce the amount of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a naturally occurring antioxidant. CoQ10 is essential for muscle cell production. Supplements can be used as natural alternative methods to standard medication. Bergamot is a supplement often used to lower LDL levels without reducing CoQ10 levels. Bergamot also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Reduce cholesterol with a healthy life

Lifestyle fixes are one of the biggest contributing factors towards tackling high cholesterol. Eating well and maintaining daily exercise will improve overall health, help an individual maintain healthy weight, and lower LDL levels. Supplements such as bergamot can provide an extra natural boost. Speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about supplements that help lower cholesterol.