5 Unexpected Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a serious health concern, as it can lead to health issues such as heart disease and stroke if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are many ways to lower cholesterol levels in your daily life. In this post, we’ll share five unexpected ways to lower your cholesterol levels. We’ve included a variety of options, from diet and exercise to more out-of-the-box solutions, so you’ll be sure to find something that works for you.

By making small changes to your lifestyle and eating habits, you can start to see a reduction in your cholesterol levels. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your heart healthy and lower your cholesterol, keep reading to learn more about these methods.

Diet

It is important to pay attention to what you eat when trying to lower your cholesterol, as the food you consume can unknowingly harm your cholesterol. From fiber to different types of fats, here is what to avoid and what to incorporate more of into your diet:

Increase Dietary Fiber

Increasing dietary fiber can help reduce the intensity of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels without reducing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, something that other dietary modifications can’t do. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, and nuts.

Avoid Trans Fats

Trans fats are especially damaging because they increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol levels. These fats can usually be found in processed or fried food.

Reduce Saturated Fats

Saturated fats, which can be found in red meat and dairy products, should also be limited if you’re looking to lower your cholesterol levels. Replacing these foods with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and fish, is an excellent way to help keep your cholesterol under control.

Exercise

Exercise is a key component in any health regimen and is especially important when looking to lower cholesterol levels. But where exactly should you start? Here are 3 recommended types of exercise that can help you get started:

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, running, or swimming, can help increase your HDL cholesterol levels while reducing the intensity of LDL cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to optimize your heart health.

Strength Training

Adding strength training exercises into your routine can also help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels by increasing muscle mass and improving overall fitness levels.

Flexibility Exercises

Increasing flexibility exercises can help reduce stress and improve circulation. This can also result in improved cardiovascular health and reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

Supplements

Before trying any supplement, it’s best to seek the advice of a medical professional. Here are a few that may help you lower your cholesterol levels:

Plant Sterols and Mastic Gum

These are naturally occurring fatty acids found in plants that have been shown to effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels without affecting HDL cholesterol levels when taken regularly. Mastic gum comes from the mastic tree and has been shown to do the same thing.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This supplement has been shown to reduce inflammation, which can lead to improved cardiovascular health and reduced LDL cholesterol levels over time when taken regularly as a supplement or eaten as part of a healthy diet. You can easily find omega-3s in fish such as salmon or sardines.

Niacin (Vitamin B-3)

Niacin is a vitamin that can be effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels over time when taken as a supplement regularly combined with exercise and sensible dieting practices.

Quit Smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease due to its effect on the circulatory system. It can also raise your “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and lower the “good” HDL ones.

Heart Disease and Blood Flow

Quitting smoking decreases the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation in the circulatory system. Quitting can also improve blood flow throughout the body, which helps improve oxygenation; this helps make it easier for your body to process fats more efficiently.

Stress Reduction

Stress has been linked to numerous health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease. This is why reducing stress should be an essential element of any program designed to keep one’s cholesterol under control.

Meditation has been known for centuries as a method to reduce stress by helping people become more mindful of their thoughts and feelings. This makes it an excellent added boost for anyone’s overall health regimen.