Thursday, November 09, 2006

How To Lower Your Cholesterol

The risk of heart disease is greatly increased if you have high
cholesterol. This can include potentially fatal heart attacks.
Lowering cholesterol is recommended to lead a more healthy life
and maintain a healthy heart. High cholesterol causes hardening
of the arteries which reduces blood flow to the heart. This may
result in chest pains or heart attack. 
 
Favorable cholesterol levels should be less than 200. Anything
over 240 is considered high risk. For severely high cholesterol
it is recommended to seek consultation with a medical
professional for treatment and medications. A physician will
test the blood to determine the exact levels and to determine
whether drug therapy is necessary. There are a number of drugs
available to lower cholesterol. Your physician will be able to
recommend one that is best. These include nicotinic acid and
cholesterol absorption inhibitors
 
Most drug therapies are also used in tandem with lifestyle
changes. Natural remedies are available in grocery stores,
health food stores and pharmacies. Changing eating habits,
toxic intake and activity levels will help lower cholesterol.
 
Low fat foods, especially green leafy vegetables are beneficial
in your diet and will help reduce cholesterol. Ensuring a
balanced diet from all food groups is ideal. Choose fresh
fruits, fish, grains and soy. Avoid foods such as butter,
margarine, prepackaged foods, junk foods and fast foods. These
types are typically high in trans-fats, which are particularly
damaging.
 
If you smoke, it can increase the chances of having high
cholesterol. Quitting will not only help this but will also
reduce several other medical risks. Also reduce your total
caloric intake and maintain a healthy weight. Regular aerobic
exercise will help achieve this. Lower the amount of alcohol
consumption. Also, lessening your intake of caffeine such as
coffee and tea will help.
 
There are several vitamins and supplements that can help lower
cholesterol levels. Vitamin E, artichoke leaf extract, niacin
and chromium are all reported to help control high levels of
cholesterol. When using these options while on medication
consult a physician for correct dosage. Some natural remedies
will also react adversely with certain combinations so it is
suggested you disclose all eating habits and dietary
supplements to your doctor.
 
Heart disease is a potentially fatal condition that affects
millions of people annually. Reducing the amount of cholesterol
in your blood will help lower the risk of a heart attack. Taking
medications per your doctor's orders, making lifestyle changes
and taking supplements can vastly improve your odds of
remaining healthy.


About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
FixCholesterol. To learn more about how to lower your
cholesterol, visit
http://www.fixcholesterol.com/howtolowercholesterol/ and
http://www.fixcholesterol.com/cholesterolsupplements/