Beat Cholesterol with an Easy Change of Lifestyle

Although there are a variety of medications available to reduce the risk of high cholesterol, there are far more natural solutions that have proven to be equally as effective. The real key to lowering one’s cholesterol is to combine a nutritional and balanced diet with regular exercise. This does not require the consumption of only ‘low-cholesterol’ labeled products – far from it. Medical professionals and alternative practitioners alike will invariably recommend whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables over processed foods.

The most important element to a balanced diet is variety. It is crucial to mix and match the content of meals on a consistent basis to reap the full benefits. Plant-based foods are not only a prominent part of a healthy balanced diet, but they also contain elements that can actively reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body.

Some of the most popular drugs used to reduce cholesterol are called statins, which have a very high success rate, although it is believed that 25 percent of males exhibit allergic symptoms to these drugs. However, certain of the diet and lifestyle approaches proven to reduce cholesterol levels can in fact, be more effective than these potentially over-prescribed drugs; lowering cholesterol in the body up to a rate of 40 percent, and reducing plaque buildup in the arteries.

But when it comes to diet, there is a wealth of products claiming to reduce cholesterol, and it may be confusing to know where to begin. Natural supplements are often advertised as being quick and convenient, but there are very few that have actually been proven to reduce cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are one example of a supplement that is believed by many to benefit cholesterol levels, although there is no definitive scientific evidence.

Supplements containing plant sterols and soluble fiber are currently the most reliable. Metamucil is one product on the market that contains beneficial soluble fibers, although these are also present in foods such as oats and nuts. Niacin is another recommended option, but individuals using statins should avoid this supplement, as there is a risk of side-effects.

There are also a range of suggested diets to choose from; the Mediterranean and Ornish diets (named after Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California) are two popular examples. Combining these diets with a regular exercise routine is the quickest way of reducing cholesterol levels in the body.

Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise performed for 12 weeks can reduce cholesterol by 10-12 percent. If one can commit to 30 minutes per day to an active exercise regime, it will greatly improve your chances of success.

In many cases, prescribed drugs will produce faster results than a change in lifestyle; however, the right foods and embarking on a consistent exercise routine will benefit your health and well-being in so many other ways. Combine the right supplements with your new healthy lifestyle and you will be well on your way to gaining control of your cholesterol levels.

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