Cholesterol is composed of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are the bad kind, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are the good kind. When your cholesterol levels become elevated, your risk for heart attacks and strokes goes up due to the formation of plaque on your arterial walls. Treatments for high cholesterol often involve prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. Several home treatments can lower your cholesterol without the use of conventional drugs.
Step 1
Clean up your diet. Foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fats can make high cholesterol even higher. Eliminate deep-fried foods, whole-fat dairy products, whole eggs, fried foods and commercial baked goods from your diet. Also avoid products that have partially or fully hydrogenated oils in them.
Step 2
Get moving. Exercise offers the body a number of benefits such as improved muscular strength, better flexibility, improved brain function and mood regulation. It also can help your cholesterol levels. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise and do something you enjoy. Examples include running, swimming, elliptical training, weight lifting, walking and playing sports.
Step 3
Keep your house stocked with nuts, which have a healthy type of fat in them called "polyunsaturated." According to the Mayo Clinic, eating nuts with polyunsaturated fats can keep your blood vessels more healthy and elastic, and also reduce blood cholesterol. Have these for snacks and chop them up and add them to your salads.
Step 4
Have more soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not absorb in water. Soluble fiber does absorb in water, and according to the Cleveland Clinic, 10g or more a day can help reduce your cholesterol levels. You can find this type of fiber in foods such as oat bran, oatmeal, bananas and beans.
Step 5
Reduce your waist size. Being overweight is a risk factor for many chronic conditions, and it can also have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, losing weight can help lower your LDL levels. To lose a pound a week, reduce your daily intake by 500 calories.
Step 6
Throw away the cigarettes. Smoking damages the lungs, and it can also cause your HDL levels to decrease due to its damaging effects to blood vessels. If you currently smoke, give it up to improve your cholesterol levels.
