How to Lower Bad Cholesterol Naturally and Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

When people ask how to lower bad cholesterol they are referring to reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, to a level which is within normal range. LDL attaches itself to arterial walls, creating plaque which can restrict the flow of blood and eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke if not taken care of. That's why it's important to ensure that your bad cholesterol levels don't get too high.

It is equally important however to have high levels of the good kind, high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, as it can remove excess LDL from your bloodstream and bring it back to the liver to be reprocessed. So low LDL and high HDL is the ideal scenario.

There are many ways of lowering bad cholesterol, from prescription medications to natural supplements to diet and exercise. Although many doctors are quick to prescribe a statin drug such as Lipitor or Zocor, oftentimes the problem can be remedied naturally, so it's important to be aware of all of your options and discuss each with your physician.

Lowering Bad Cholesterol Naturally

The first step in reducing LDL is watching what you eat, although it's important to note that only about 20% of your total cholesterol comes from your diet...the other 80% is manufactured by your liver. Obvious things like cutting out trans fats, hydrogenated oils, fast food and fried foods can help lower bad cholesterol. Cooking with extra virgin olive oil and adding garlic to your foods can help as well.

Exercise is another proven way to lower LDL, as well as raise HDL. It also helps improve blood flow, clearing clots and strengthening the heart. Incorporate aerobic activity at least 3 times a week to achieve maximum results.

Natural supplements can also play a major role in wellness.xtend-life.com/healthconditions/Cholesterol_Imbalance.aspx lowering bad cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids, policosanol, green tea extract, beta sitosterol and rice bran oil have all been shown to boost HDL and reduce the amounts of LDL in the bloodstream.

Nutrients Can Work Together To Reduce LDL

Many of the better quality cholesterol formulas incorporate many of these nutrients together which can enhance their therapeutic value. One of the advantages of a natural supplement vs. a statin medication is the lack of side effects. Pharmaceutical cholesterol drugs can cause muscle pain, liver damage and other serious health complications.

So if you're looking to lower bad cholesterol, make sure you know all of your options and talk to your doctor to determine the best one for you. A combination of a good diet, regular exercise and natural supplements just might be right for you.

Stan Rogers is an alternative health researcher and an expert in natural healing. He is a contributor to many health sites, including the Cholesterol Imbalance section of wellness.xtend-life.com Xtend Life Wellness.