Cholesterol is an important substance when it comes to the function of the body. It helps with cell formation, and it helps regulate and release certain hormones. But when cholesterol levels become elevated, a fatlike substance called plaque can develop in the arteries and cause them to become clogged. If this is left untreated, you run the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. To reverse the effects of high cholesterol, you can take several steps that involve both conventional and natural treatments.
Step 1
Take medication. Prescription medications can lower your cholesterol and reduce the production of it in your liver. Talk to your doctor about prescription medications such as statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and bile-acid-binding resins. If your triglyceride levels are also elevated, your doctor might prescribe fibrates or niacin.
Step 2
Increase your physical activity levels. Exercise offers the body a number of benefits such as better flexibility, better brain function, improved strength and weight maintenance. According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week can help lower your cholesterol levels. Examples of activities you can do include weight training, running, biking, swimming, elliptical training and stair stepping,
Step 3
Clean up your diet. Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats. Examples of these are deep-fried foods, whole-fat dairy products, eggs, red meat, processed meats and commercial baked goods.
Step 4
Increase your intake of healthy fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are essential fats that your body can't produce but needs for survival. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these types of fat can help improve your cholesterol levels. You can find them in olives, olive oil, canola oil, avocados, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and nuts.
Step 5
Eat more fiber. Fiber is a nondigestible substance found in both soluble and insoluble forms. Eating 10 g of soluble fiber a day can help lower cholesterol levels by blocking its absorption in the stomach. You can find this type of fiber in foods like beans, pears, apples, prunes and barley.
Step 6
Stop smoking. Smoking is already well-known for its damaging effects on the lungs. It can also cause your cholesterol to rise. According to the American Heart Association, smoking lowers your HDL cholesterol level, which is the good kind. If you currently smoke and have high cholesterol, quit. If you do not smoke and have high cholesterol, then don't start. Also avoid secondhand smoke because it is equally as bad.
