How to Naturally Lower Cholesterol

In the modern age, we have prescription medications that are quite effective at lowering cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, these medications may have serious side effects. If you can't tolerate prescription cholesterol medications, you may want to consider these ways to naturally lower cholesterol.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Reduce red meat and saturated fats.
   
   Red meat and saturated fats are known to elevate cholesterol levels. Substitute vegetarian protein sources such as tofu for meat based foods. Restrict red meat consumption to twice per week, if at all to help naturally reduce cholesterol levels.

2. Add psyllium to your diet.
   
   Psyllium is a source of soluble fiber which has been shown in studies to lower cholesterol levels. Psyllium can be taken in capsule form or as a liquid such as Metamucil. It's most effective when taken with meals.

3. Exercise and weight loss.
   
   Lowering your weight and exercising at least three days per week for thirty minutes at a time can modestly reduce cholesterol levels. Plus, exercise helps to increase HDL, the good cholesterol.

4. Use plant stanols and sterols.
   
   These plant components help to reduce absorption of cholesterol from food as well as help to eliminate it from the body. Studies have shown they can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 15%.You can find them in Benecol magarine spread as well as some of their competitors.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check with your doctor before attempting to lower cholesterol naturally. In some cases, your cholesterol level may be so high that you require prescription medications.

Resources

• Heart Friendly Foods and Recipes
• Prescription Free Cholesterol Cure

[schrat]

on 9/5/2008 Prior to marrying my Italian husband, my cholest. was 208. In our almost 15 years of marriage it has dropped every time I have been tested. He cooks with only extra virgin olive oil and plenty of garlic and rarely ever fries anything. Last check I was at 168!

[kohuether]

on 9/1/2008 I also read somewhere that garlic can help lower cholesterol. It couldn't hurt to cook with it a little bit more, anyway (unless your doctor told you not to eat garlic!)

[VernBoggs]

on 8/27/2008 I have read that apple cider vinegar is good for this. I have tried it and will let you know in about a month or two. I drink about 6oz of water with 2 teaspoons and honey together, 2x a day. I really hope this works. Please let me know what you think please. Truth or fiction. Thank you

[VernBoggs]

on 8/27/2008 I have heard and read on the web and by certain doctors that Apple cider vinegar is good for lowering cholesterol. I have drinking that with a little honey and water, 2x a day. I will let you know if it works in about 2 or 3 months.

[Trixxxie]

on 7/24/2008 I started taking GROUND Flaxseed meal - "Bob's Red Mill" brand is in the grocery store - cheaper than buying flaxseed in the "vitamin" aisle.
It has fiber, Lignans (antioxidant) and Omega3's. My cholesterol needed to be checked every 3 months (for several years) before, now they only want to check it once a year. (Cholesterol level is still around 200 but was higher!).
You can add it to foods (cereal for example). I just put a couple tablespoons in a glass of apple juice, and drink with a straw. It has a slight nutty taste - not too bad. (Helped my IBS too.)