Lowering Cholesterol Without Medication

Statin drugs are all the rage; however, what is a person to do if they want to lower cholesterol without medication? Before running off to get a prescription filled, a lot can be done, safely and effectively.

1. Check your cholesterol levels. Remain proactive, and in touch with your doctor.  What may have been the case fifteen years ago might not be today, so don’t neglect getting yourself checked.
2. Do your research! Your doctor should be your friend and an advisor you trust; but doctors don’t always have time to research every facet of every problem; some may be quick to write a prescription without talking to the patient about changes in their lifestyle and diet.
3. Lose some weight. Many (though not all) people with high LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular problems are carrying excess weight – when this happens, metabolism is slowed from the body’s attempts to process the fat.  The heart works harder, unnecessarily.  Losing weight reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
4. Get walking! Even five or ten extra pounds can significantly affect the levels of cholesterol.  Exercise is easy to avoid; there’s always an excuse.  But walking is hard to say no to – it is a highly practical form of exercise.  Most of us live in cities or suburbs, where schools, stores, clubs, restaurants and other day-today venues are within walking distance.
5. Don’t shun all fat. Some fats are actually healthy: Moderate amounts from pastured beef and lamb, olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, nut oil, flax, and the fat in fish are cardiovascular superstars.
6. Get enough fiber. Doing so is one step toward lowering cholesterol without medication.  Adequate fiber allows you to feel fuller faster, thus consuming fewer calories and maintaining a healthier weight.  It also helps absorb LDL-forming fats.
7. Take a high quality multivitamin. Food is lacking in nutrients due to soil depletion.  To give your heart and the rest of your body what it needs, consider taking a natural, whole-food supplement.
8. What works for one, doesn’t work for all. Consider your options.  Talk to your doctor about modifying your diet and your lifestyle.
9. Stress Less! Did you know that stress, anxiety and insomnia all contribute toward high cholesterol levels? Cortisol, when released constantly by stress, can wreak havoc in the body.  That aside, a highly stressed individual is less likely to be proactive and make positive lifestyle changes that can help them lower cholesterol without medication.