There are two types of cholesterol: LDL, the bad kind, and HDL, the good one. High cholesterol needs to be controlled in order to reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes that can help lower your cholesterol naturally.
Step 1
Limit foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. These include whole milk, butter, ice cream, cheese, egg yolks, duck, goose, fatty cuts of beef, cookies, cakes, shortening, fried foods and saturated oils. All of these items can adversely affect your cholesterol levels.
Step 2
Consume low-fat foods. Instead of full-fat cheese and milk, for instance, opt for fat-free or low-fat versions.
Step 3
Adjust the way you cook. Use cooking spray instead of butter or saturated oil when you prepare your meals. Broiling and grilling are healthier ways to cook than pan-frying and can help lower your cholesterol.
Step 4
Include cholesterol-lowering foods in your diet. Your diet should include oats, walnuts, almonds, tuna, salmon, herring, olive oil, fortified yogurt, fortified orange juice and oat bran.
Step 5
Incorporate more exercise into your lifestyle. Physical activity has the ability to lower cholesterol numbers. Any type of aerobic exercise is acceptable, including walking, swimming, cycling and running. Start by exercising 20 to 30 minutes a day and then gradually increase the time.
