health sectionhealth sectionHigh cholesterol occurs when there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in the blood, causing plaque build up on the artery walls, according to the U.S. Library of Medicine. People trying to avoid taking cholesterol medications should consider alternative approaches, such as diet changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, making a few simple dietary changes may be enough to lower cholesterol levels, and stay off medications. Having a few tips for finding cholesterol friendly foods and understanding which foods to avoid can help.
For many people, lowering blood cholesterol is a very important part of maintaining optimum health. High cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and stroke. There are many ways to lower your blood cholesterol, including statin drugs. Statin drugs, however, can have side effects, and many people prefer to try natural alternative methods before starting a statin regimen.
Cholesterol is a sticky substance that, if it over accumulates, can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. You have two types of cholesterol that should be carefully monitored through blood tests. Your HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is good cholesterol, and its levels need to be greater than 45 mg/dl. Your LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is bad cholesterol, and its levels need to be maintained at approximately 60 to 180 mg/dl. If your levels are not normal, your doctor will most likely put you on cholesterol lowering medications, but there are alternative treatments available for you to…
People with high cholesterol are at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Prescription medications are very effective to lower cholesterol levels when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Those who do not want to use medicine to lower cholesterol levels may turn to natural or alternative medicine as a solution. Yoga, acupuncture and herbal supplements are all alternative methods that may help lower cholesterol.
