Instead of just relying on medication, you should try the natural ways to lower cholesterol. These techniques will help you as much as any pill and will enhance your immune system as well.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise develops your muscles. It will help reduce your calories and get rid of fats. There are many exercise routines you can choose from, including stretching, weight lifting and aerobics. You can try breathing techniques and yoga. These routines will make your body more flexible and also reduces blood pressure.
Do Not Eat Trans Fats Foods
You get these from fried and greasy foods. Trans fats are also prevalent in cookies, desserts and pastries. Buy only cookies and foods with the label “trans fat free” on them. If trans fats can’t be avoided, limit it to 1% a day. Cutting off trans fats is definitely one of the best and most natural ways to lower cholesterol.
Getting Rid of Stress
When you are emotionally upset, your body reacts to it. This results in increased blood pressure and higher cholesterol. While stress from work, home and school can’t be avoided, there are methods that can deal with them. Buy a book about yoga or enroll in a yoga class. With regular practice, you’ll be able to better deal with stress.
Besides yoga, meditation also works. Lie or sit down. Focus your mind on a favorite place or keep it blank. Allow your body to relax. Try this for 10 minutes every day, preferably in the morning.
Reduce Your Weight
Another natural way to lower cholesterol is to maintain your ideal body weight. Consult your doctor for the appropriate weight for your physical frame. Aim to lose a couple of pounds a week. At the same time, change your diet. Add more vegetables and less meat in your diet. Slowly replace those sweet desserts with fruits.
Change Your Lifestyle
Get involved in sports. You should also keep your body moving throughout the day. When you sit and do nothing, the tendency is to just pass away the time eating. Inactivity will cause the fats to build up in your body. Eat more meals but with smaller servings. Go for a walk after you eat so the food is digested quickly.
Other Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol
Reduce or eliminate red meat from your diet. Cut back on the egg yolks (once a week will be fine). Replace whole milk with the non fat type. You should eat more foods with Omega 3 fatty acids, as they lower the bad cholesterol in the body.
Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids include walnuts, herring fish and dried cloves. These foods also possess antioxidants that help cleanse the body.
Other foods you should eat are brown rice and oat bran. Look for foods with soluble fiber as these help eliminate fats. Studies have shown that blueberries are effective in reducing cholesterol, so include them in your diet.
Knowing the natural ways to lower cholesterol is necessary knowledge for everyone. Even if you are in good shape, it pays to know the facts so you can maintain your good health.
