5 Easy Ways Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a condition that can be treated one of two ways; through lifestyle changes based on diet and exercise and in more extreme cases with prescription drugs used in conjunction with the first two. No matter the ways used to lower cholesterol not taking care of the problem creates dangers that can be life threatening. Raised cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries), which puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol here are 5 ways you can lower your levels without the use of prescription drugs.

1. Eat a healthy diet - Your diet has a large impact on your cholesterol levels. A diet low in Trans fats and saturated fats is key because these two substances are the biggest contributor to high blood cholesterol levels. This change alone can have a large impact on what you levels do.

2. Start exercising - Exercise builds up your cardiovascular system which is essential to reversing the dangerous effects caused by high cholesterol.

3. Quit smoking - Smoking accelerates the rate at which dangerous plaques build up in your arteries. These plaques block the flow of blood causing your heart to work harder and raising your blood pressure. This can cause a heart attack or if a plaque breaks loose it can cause a clot and a stroke.

4. Reduce stress - Learning to relax can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Stress can contribute to high levels of cholesterol even when you are eating a low fat low cholesterol diet.

5. Visit with your doctor - As more is learned about cholesterol and its effects on your health doctors are becoming more in tune with the proper way to treat this dangerous problem. Most doctors will recommend changes in diet and exercise before they prescribe cholesterol lowering medications. In more extreme cases drugs will be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. In many cases once your cholesterol is under control there is a good chance that medications can be discontinued.

If you adhere to these 5 ways to lower cholesterol you will soon see an improvement in your levels along with your overall health.

For more information about how to reduce cholesterol please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Other articles by Andrew Bicknell

Diabetic Weight Loss Diet for Type 2 Diabetes - by Andrew Bicknell

For many type 2 diabetics their diet has the double duty of not only controlling their blood sugar levels but also losing weight, which is an important step in reducing the risk factors for complications presented by this disease.

Newest Articles in Heart Disease

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Using Natural Methods - by Teresa Tackett
If you suffer from hypertension, you have probably wondered how to lower your blood pressure without using prescription medications. Not only do prescription drugs cost an arm and a leg, but did you know that they can be dangerous?

12 Cardiac Risk Factors in Men - by D.S. Braun
Most men think themselves stronger than women. When it comes to heart health, though, women have a slight edge. Being a male per se is a risk factor. Studies show that the male of our species have a greater

Has the Prevention and Reversal of Heart Disease Been Discovered? - by Paul A Phillips
In 1953, Canadian physician G.C Willis put forward the idea that cardiovascular disease was caused by a lack of vitamin C. Through his research, he found that vitamin-C-deprived humans and guinea pigs were discovered to have fatty atherosclerotic deposits

Are Your Friends Hurting or Helping Your Heart? - by Eliz Greene
Who are the five people with whom you spend the most time -- at work, at home and socially? According to Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Could

Did You Know That Panic Attacks Can Cause Heart Attacks? - by Sylvia Dickens
Have you been told that your panic attacks aren't dangerous? Do you believe it? A new study seems to indicate that panic attacks can, in fact, put you at high risk for serious illness later on.