What can be done to reduce high cholesterol levels in the blood, beyond using medications such as statins?
A Little Background on Cholesterol
The causes of excess cholesterol in the blood – hypercholesterolemia – are varied, and it is important to understand the source of the problem. Hypercholesterolemia can be caused by disease, substance abuse, or genetic factors, therefore, a person suffering from excessively high cholesterol must consult a specialist doctor to diagnose the causes of their high cholesterol levels and prepare a comprehensive treatment plan.
Herbs and Nutrition as a Holistic Approach to Lower Cholesterol
Here are 11 ways to lower high cholesterol levels without medication, or as an addition to medication and other medical treatment:
- Eat foods known to reduce bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels, such as nuts, almonds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oats, legumes, and Omega-3-rich fish.
- Use olive and avocado oils instead of other plant oils or margarine in your cooking.
- Increase the amount of fiber-rich foods in your diet, from whole oats, vegetables with roughage, and seeds.
- Avoid unhealthy, sugary snacks and processed food.
- Add cinnamon and fenugreek to your diet.
- Add infusions of licorice, psyllium, and hawthorn to drink daily.
- Add onions, garlic, and lemons to your diet.
- Practice light exercise several times a week for 45 minutes at a time.
- Avoid smoking, or reduce smoking significantly.
- Avoid alcohol, or reduce your intake of alcohol significantly.
- Maintain your weight within the parameters of a healthy BMI.
