Lower Your Cholesterol - Simple, Effective, and Natural

It is obvious that more people are concerned about their health these days than 10 years ago. New theories on promoting good health seem to be coming out almost every day. The problem is that the new approaches are very often contrary to what people have been taught just a decade ago. For example, remember the old Food Pyramid? We were told to have five servings per day of carbohydrates such as bread and grains. However, now experts are saying we need low-carb diets and carbohydrates are the cause of many health problems including obesity. Another 10 years the expert opinions on carbohydrates will probably change again.

One thing remains constant for the past 50 years is that heart disease remains the number one health threat in the United States. We all know that high cholesterol often lead to heart problems so it is important that we keep the cholesterol at the appropriate level. There are many ways to lower your cholesterol. To begin with you should get a check up at the doctor's office. If your cholesterol is only slightly on the high side, you will want to control it before it becomes a problem. Natural remedies are readily available to lower your cholesterol. On the other hand, if your cholesterols are at a significantly higher level, or you have already been suffering from heart disease, your doctor may prescribe drugs to help reducing them.

One of the simplest ways to lower your cholesterol naturally is to change your diet. Make a conscious effort to replace red meat, fatty foods, or other animal-based products with healthier alternatives such as fish, turkey, or chicken. Instead of eating refined products all the time, try adding whole grains into your diet. Things like oatmeal, almond, pistachios are all known to help lowering your body's cholesterol levels.

Another thing you can do is to exercise regularly. Exercises promote good health including lowering your cholesterol. Studies have shown that when you exercise, it helps stimulate certain enzymes in your body that moves the "bad" cholesterol, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), from bloodstream to your liver, where it is then turned into bile and eventually got excreted out of your body along with other wasteful products. Many experts have suggested that regular exercises such as a 30-minute walk everyday can benefit you greatly.

In addition to dieting and exercising, you may be tempted to try some of the herb supplements on the market that claimed to be able to lower the cholesterol levels. Some of the popular ones are fish oil, garlic, artichoke leaf extract, and turmeric. However, most these supplements are not regulated by the FDA and many of these claims may be dubious. You really can't be sure of the quality of these supplements and what they would do to your body. It is best to consult with your doctor if you plan on taking any of these supplements.

In summary, a few simple life style changes can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. It does require some commitment and discipline on your part but the result may lead you to a healthier and longer life.

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