Too Much Of A Good Thing

Having some cholesterol is good. Cholesterol is crucial for making several hormones and promotes the flexibility of cell walls. But, in this case, there can be too much of a good thing. If cholesterol gets too high, the result can be an over-deposit of cholesterol in the blood vessel walls, which leads to clogged arteries. In turn, the risk is a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Can lifestyle changes help? Consider these natural remedies, such as bergamot, for lowering cholesterol.

Watch your fats

Some people think eating fat-free is risk-free. But that’s not necessarily the case. People need to choose fats wisely. For example, monounsaturated fats have been directly linked to lowered cholesterol. These types of fats can also help reduce the risk of clogged arteries. To get the most bang for the buck, choose olives, olive oils, avocados, and tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds.

Eat more fiber

In one study, adults who took 3g of soluble fiber daily experienced an 18% decrease in harmful cholesterol. Humans can’t digest soluble fiber. However, the healthy bacteria in the gut, called probiotics, feed on soluble fiber. These probiotics directly help to reduce lipoproteins that can lead to high cholesterol.

Clean up your vices

From a health perspective, smoking is one of the worst vices a person can have. People who smoke are more likely to have high cholesterol and clogged arteries. The good news is that giving up smoking today can still have positive health effects and even reverse some of the damage. Additionally, some studies have shown that overconsuming alcohol can be linked to increased cholesterol. While moderate wine drinking can protect against heart disease, too much will have adverse effects. Experts recommend that women limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink daily and that men stop at two.

Benefits of bergamot

Bergamot is an Italian citrus fruit that can have surprising benefits for heart health. In one study, the supplement allowed patients to decrease statins while lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. Research is still ongoing, but some healthcare providers point to bergamot as a highly effective supplement option for improving heart health.

Ask your pharmacist about a supplement

The only noted side effect of bergamot has been mild heartburn, a small discomfort compared to the muscle pain and weakness associated with statins. People on heart medications should never stop taking medicines before speaking with a healthcare provider. Speak with a pharmacist to find out if a bergamot supplement is a good option.