9 Tips on How to Manage High Cholesterol Naturally At Home
To manage cholesterol at home is not going to be difficult at all provided you follow the tips given in this blog. But before you wrap your head around cholesterol, let's give you a few basics.
Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol:
Low-Density Lipoprotein
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because high levels may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
High-Density Lipoprotein
It is also called good cholesterol and is commonly known as HDL. It is healthy for your body, carries cholesterol away from your blood vessels, and prevents heart-related problems.
The human liver produces cholesterol and whether you will suffer from a cholesterol problem or not depends on certain external factors as well. Some of them include:
- Your family history or genetics
- Smoking habit
- Inactive lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Eating and sleeping habits
So it is clear that you will have to make certain changes to your diet and lifestyle. But we are not going to leave you in the middle of it all.
How To Lower Your Cholesterol Using The Following 9 Tips Naturally
1. Understand What Mono-Unsaturated Fats Are
The opposite of saturated fats is monounsaturated fatty acids or simply monounsaturated fats. A few examples include:
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Nuts such as cashews, pecans, and almonds
- Avocados
- Butter extracted from nuts
Include these oils into your diet because they may help you manage blood cholesterol better. Also, some experts say that switching to a Mediterranean diet is not only fun but also loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats. So you can try that as well.
2. Avoid Smoking
If you want to lower your bad blood cholesterol level, it is better to quit smoking and eliminate tobacco use. If you fail to do that, your LDL may rise, HDL may fall, and your arteries may suffer blockage. You may be able to manage bad cholesterol buildup naturally if you commit to quitting smoking as soon as you discover that you have this problem.
Say Goodbye to Alcohol to Manage Cholesterol
Alcohol is not your friend. You can take alcohol in moderation and still might be able to lower LDL cholesterol in your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage occasionally is preferred to drinking too frequently. Moderation in alcohol consumption is advised for maintaining heart health and optimal blood LDL level. There is no credible research yet that you will find that links better heart health with alcohol consumption.
4. Limiting Your Trans Fat Intake Is a Good Idea
Understand what trans fat is and what its sources are. Trans Fat is basically unsaturated fat that is prepared through hydrogenation. Trans fats, often found in processed foods, may negatively affect cholesterol levels. Certain food items that contain trans fat and make it difficult for you to lower bad cholesterol include:
- Pastries and various baked and processed goods
- Microwaveable popcorn
- Fried fast foods
- Pizza and burgers
- Coffee creamer (non-dairy)
- Whipped cream in eating joints
- Cakes and cookies that you get in your favorite cafes and restaurants
5. What Is Soluble Fiber?
Another way to manage LDL cholesterol naturally at home is to include food items in your diet that have a lot of soluble fiber. These include:
- Fresh fruits
- Flaxseeds
- Leafy vegetables such as spinach
- Green beans and lentils
- Rolled oats and cereals made from rolled oats
- Green peas
- Brussel sprouts
- Kidney beans
- Chickpeas
- Whole grain bread
- Quinoa
- Barley
6. Try A Few Health Supplements
Make room for a few health supplements in your life as you hit your 40s or 50s. They may support overall wellness as part of a balanced diet and daily nutrition. For example, if you want to pick fish oil, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may help you with triglyceride levels.
Another is Coenzyme Q10 which can be produced naturally in your body if you take a GG supplement. This potentially helps your cells produce more energy and may also assist in reducing bad cholesterol in the long run. A combination of high-quality astaxanthin and natural geranylgeraniol may support overall heart health when combined with a balanced diet for people struggling with bad cholesterol. Try to find the same in soft gel form for more efficacy.
7. Become a Fan of Low-Fat Dairy
It is time to embrace low-fat milk products in your life. Cheese, butters, and yogurts made from low-fat milk may be a good option as part of a balanced diet, and a way to maintain good cholesterol. If you want, you can try a completely different source of healthy protein such as soy milk or tofu. These healthier alternatives may lower your blood cholesterol levels at home.
8. Remember To Snack Healthily To Manage Cholesterol
One of the most delicious and healthiest ways to snack is to include yummy fruits into your diet. You will have to give up cookies, cakes, pastries, and crackers that you have become so fond of. Instead, you can try to increase your good HDL cholesterol and lower LDL bad cholesterol by munching on the following:
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Olives
- Blueberries
You can also prepare baked snacks using the following food items broccoli
- Carrots
- Okra
- Eggplant
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
9. Look For Simple Ways to Get More Exercise
If you are not keen on joining the gym or a dance class, it is better to stay active throughout the day. You can start counting the steps you walk every day. You can even choose to walk to work at least 3 or 4 times in a week. This may support overall health and well-being and a healthy weight too.
In the End
It is quite clear that your journey to lowering your LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol is not going to be difficult at all. When you have Wellness Extract guiding you every step of the way, living a healthier and better life becomes so much easier!
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.