High levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in your blood can place you at a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, according to Medline Plus. You are more apt to have high cholesterol if you eat a large amount of of fatty foods. Cholesterol is also produced naturally in the body. Some may inherit the tendency to produce more than they need. Certain vitamins combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle adjustments can help you lower your cholesterol naturally.
Considerations
High cholesterol is typically detected in a blood test since it rarely produces symptoms. Eventually excess cholesterol levels can disrupt blood flow and lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, which may cause a stroke or heart attack.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help lower LDL or " bad" cholesterol while raising HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, reports the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute or NHLBL. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic activity such as swimming laps, bike riding or taking a brisk walk most days of the week.
Lose Excess Weight
Shedding excess weight may help lower your LDL or "bad" cholesterol. Those who are overweight are more inclined to have higher cholesterol levels than those who maintain a normal weight, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC. The NHLBI defines overweight as having a waist measurement greater than 40 inches in men and more than 35 inches in women.
Niacin
Niacin or vitamin B3 can help raise HDL cholesterol levels and help manage your total cholesterol level, according to the Mayo Clinic. Taking niacin supplements or eating more niacin-rich foods such as fish, nuts, eggs, and dairy products may help naturally prevent and/or lower high cholesterol.
Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Diet
Eating a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help keep high cholesterol levels at bay. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and skinless poultry are low in saturated fats. Limit your intake of foods that are high in saturated fats such as snacks, lunch meats, fried foods, whole eggs and organ meats such as liver and kidneys.
Prevention/Solution
Healthy dietary and lifestyle changes that help lower cholesterol can also prevent high cholesterol from developing. Quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption can also guard against high cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Outlook
High cholesterol can be effectively managed. Talk to your health care provider about an individualized plan that best suits your needs. Following your treatment guidelines can help lower your cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
