Lower Cholesterol
Naturally Cont...
For severely high cholesterol it is recommended to seek consultation
with a physician for the best course of treatment. Traditionally, this
is treated with prescription medication. However, the majority of
people can lower cholesterol naturally without the use of prescription
drugs. Natural remedies are abundantly available. With a few changes
in eating habits and lifestyle, one can easily lower cholesterol.
Eating foods that are low in fat will help as well as avoiding those
with high fat content, especially foods containing trans-fat. Spreads
such as butter and margarine have high levels of trans-fat. Packaged
foods and frozen foods generally contain high levels also. Potato
chips, crackers, baked goods and fast foods are all types to avoid.
Instead concentrate on foods that are low in fat and high in fiber.
Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and garlic are great
to use in your daily diet.
Lifestyle changes are important if you are not leading a fairly
healthy life. Smoking can increase the chances of having high
cholesterol. Quitting not only will help this but will also reduce
several other medical risks. Regular exercise will help promote a
healthy heart. Partake in some form of aerobic exercise several times
each week.
Vitamin E may help reduce fatty formations on arteries. Artichoke leaf
extract helps produce bile while assisting in eliminating cholesterol
from the body. Chromium is a proven method of maintaining correct
blood sugar levels, which will help control cholesterol. Niacin in
high doses has shown benefits for reducing cholesterol. However, if
taking other medications, consult a physician as niacin can react
adversely to other medications.
High cholesterol is a condition that affects many people throughout
the world. It can increase chances of heart disease and potentially
shorten life. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating
healthy and exercising can reduce these risks significantly. Adding
supplements can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Although the
risks of high cholesterol are serious, it is easily controlled.
About the Author:
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for FixCholesterol.com. To learn
more about
how to lower cholesterol and
naturally lowering cholesterol, visit our site.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels are determined
through chemical analysis of a blood sample taken from a finger prick
or from a vein in the arm. Home cholesterol kits, first approved in
1993, test only for total cholesterol levels but are as
accurate as tests done in a doctor's office, says Steven Gutman, M.D.,
director of FDA's division of clinical laboratory devices.
Plant
sterols reduce cholesterol
"These tests can give a consumer very valuable information when
screening for high cholesterol," he says. "But they shouldn't
be considered substitutes for a test conducted in a doctor's office."
He adds that if test results are elevated, consumers should see a
doctor right away for a more refined blood analysis. The National
Cholesterol Education Program considers cholesterol testing in a
doctor's office to be the preferred way because the patient can get
advice immediately about the meaning of the results and what to do.
Besides determining total cholesterol
levels, doctors often order a lipoprotein profile that shows the
amounts of LDL, HDL, and another type of blood fat called
triglycerides. This information gives doctors a better idea of heart
disease risk and helps guide any treatment.
Cholesterol levels are measured in
milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The National Cholesterol Education
Program developed the following classifications for people over age 20
who do not have heart disease:
- Desirable blood cholesterol--Total
blood cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL; LDL is lower than 130 mg/dL.
- Borderline high cholesterol--Total
level is between 200 and 239 mg/dL or LDL is 130 to 159 mg/dL.
- High blood cholesterol--Total
level is greater than 240 mg/dL or LDL is 160 mg/dL or higher. For
patients with heart disease, LDL above 100 mg/dL is too high. In
addition, an HDL level less than 35 mg/dL is considered low and
increases the risk of heart disease.
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Cholesterol
can be both good and bad, so it's important
to learn what cholesterol is, how it affects your health
and how to manage your blood cholesterol levels.