Cholesterol is a substance that is produced naturally in the body. It has a waxy consistency, and its main function is to promote cell formation and hormones. When it becomes too high, a fatty substance called plaque can build up on the walls of the arteries. This can compromise blood flow and increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Treatments for high cholesterol involve both conventional and natural remedies.
Step 1
Lose a few pounds. Eating high amounts of food will cause weight gain, and being overweight is a risk factor for high cholesterol. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing 5 to 10 pounds can lower your cholesterol. Reduce your total caloric intake to lose some weight.
Step 2
Cut back on fats. Foods that are high in saturated fat have two problems: They can increase your weight and LDL cholesterol, which is the kind you want to keep low. Avoid foods such as whole-fat dairy products, eggs, deep-fried foods, processed meats and packaged foods that contain hydrogenated oils.
Step 3
Take to your doctor about medications. Prescription drugs can be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications to lower your cholesterol levels. Examples of these include statins, bile-acid-binding resins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
Step 4
Eat more fiber. Fiber is a non-digestible substance that can be soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber can get absorbed with water and, according to the American Heart Association, it can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Examples of foods that are high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, rice bran, citrus fruits, apples, pears and barley.
Step 5
Increase your activity level. Exercise can help you lose weight, and it can also help your cholesterol. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. If you do not have time to do it all at once, break it up into a series of bouts throughout the day. Do something you like. Examples include running, weight training, biking, swimming, elliptical training, rowing and playing sports.
Step 6
Stop smoking. Smoking can increase your blood pressure, it can damage your lungs and worst of all, it can lower your HDL levels, which is your good cholesterol. Quit smoking if you currently do, and don't start if you currently don't.
