Proven Methods to Reduce Cholesterol

Lowering cholesterol can be a formidable challenge for most. However the benefits of lowering one's cholesterol, particularly if it is relatively high, have proven to be exceptionally positive for improving one's health and longevity. There are also several methods by which one can reduce their cholesterol. These methods of reducing cholesterol range anywhere from surgery and prescribed medications, to much less invasive measures such as simple lifestyle changes, or herbal remedies.

Upon a visit to your family doctor or general practitioner, there are several medications that can be prescribed to individuals based on their physical capabilities, severity of their cholesterol levels, and ability to withstand certain side effects of the medications. These medications typically reduce the levels of the bad cholesterol, also called LDL (or low density lipoprotein), in a person's body. It is common to have more than one of these such medications prescribed at the same time, as combinations are often much more effective than singular medications. There are roughly five families of drugs that a doctor can prescribe to a patient with high cholesterol. These five drug families (not by individual name) are Statins, Resins, Cholesterol Absorbtion Inhibitors, Fibrates, and Niacin. Each family is made up of numerous different commercial drugs available by prescription only, and each group performs a different task within the body that eventually results in the lowering of cholesterol. However, while these drugs are indeed, wonderfully effective at reducing one's cholesterol level, they also come with a range of side effects that any user should be well aware of. Side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, bloating, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, muscle fatigue, flushing of the skin, and even sleeping problems.

Another common and less invasive method of reducing one's cholesterol readings, is to try herbal supplements designed to reduce bad cholesterol. Such natural and herbal remedies that are known to aid in reducing cholesterol levels are Vitamin B3 (also called niacin), artichoke leaf, plant sterols, red yeast rice, garlic, guggulipid, policosanol, turmeric, rosemary, basil, ginger, and yarrow. Products such as soy foods, legumes, flax seed, and oats (or oatmeal) provide soluble fiber, and are also commonly known to reduce cholesterol levels, and can often also be a good source of added dietary protein as well.

Finally, there are in addition to both medical and herbal remedies for cholesterol, several lifestyle changes as well that can have a huge impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The first, and most profound change that one could make to lower cholesterol, is to stop smoking. If you are a smoker, this should be your number one goal in order to lower your cholesterol levels. The second and third most effective lifestyle changes known to reduce cholesterol levels, is eat a healthy, well-balanced and rounded diet, and get plenty of physical exercise. The physical exercise you choose to participate in does not have to be extremely over active, or cause you to over exert yourself, however 30 minutes of walking (or more), a day is a very good, and easy entry exercise into the world of physical activity. Finally, the last most effective lifestyle change known to lower your cholesterol, is to reduce one's amount of alcohol consumption.

There are many ways in which an individual can choose to work towards lowering their cholesterol. Through options such as medicinal prescriptions, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes, one has several options available to reduce their cholesterol levels. Some options are far less invasive, and have far fewer side effects than others. However, thanks to the wide array of available options, one has the ability to work with their doctor to choose the method that will work the best for them.

Michael Stanford is a freelance writer in the nutritional industry. He has contributed research on many of the top cholesterol-reduction.org cholesterol lowering products available today, as well as serving as a consultant to the supplement industry.