Reducing Cholesterol To Improve Health

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Monday, March 31st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

There are a number of approaches to reducing cholesterol levels. Examples include drug therapy, stopping smoking, loseing weight and having an active life style. Or you could do what most individuals who have high blood cholesterol do - switch to a low cholesterol diet.

Diet and Cholesterol Reduction

One of the most effective changes someone with high cholesterol can make it to switch to eating a healthy diet - one that contains lots of fruits and vegetables and is rich in antioxidants.

Foods that are rich in fiber are also good for reducing cholesterol in the blood stream. Fiber absorbs the cholesterol which is then passed through the liver before being excreted out of the body. Wholewheat cereals, bread, rice and pasta are examples of high fiber starchy foods.

The human body needs a certain amount of fat which can be obtained from protein rich foods such as fish, meat nuts and pulses. But, for a diet aimed at reducing cholesterol, avoid foods that are highly saturated with fat such as butter, ice cream, mayonnaise and pastries. Instead substitute them with low fat alternatives or unsaturated fats.

Cholesterol Reducing Medications

Nowadays there are a number of drug therapies available. These include the statins, niacin, fibric acid derivatives and bile acid binding resins. The statins are the most effective and most popular form of medication.

As well as reducing cholesterol the following simple steps will help you improve your health overall:

Salt and Weight Reduction

Salt, as we all know, contains sodium which is associated with high blood pressure, heart diseases and strokes. Carrying excess weight is also a factor. An overweight or obese individual has more chance of having heart problems, circulatory problems and cancer. Reducing weight is also important in reducing cholesterol.

Exercising For Health

Exercise boosts the metabolic rate and also helps to keep the heart healthy as well as improving the stamina, strength and toning of the body.

Quit smoking

It will not only make you look better it will also make you live longer.

Relax

Stress is the number one contributor to poor health. Stress has an effect on the immune system. It increases the blood pressure, disrupts your eating and sleeping patterns and behavior. Although it doesn’t have a direct effect on your cholesterol level, if you can manage stress then your chances of staying healthy will increase.

Decrease Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol raises the level of the triglycerides, which leads to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increase in calorie intake. Realy excessive drinking sprees can also lead to heart attack and stroke.

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