4 Ways to Lower down Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a type of an organic lipid molecule that is biosynthesized by all animal cells. It is a waxy, fat-like substance found in body cells that protects the nerves and aids in the developmentof cell tissues. It is produced in the liver and required by the body for production of several hormones, which makesmaintaining optimal cholesterol levels important for healthy body functioning.

High cholesterol level increases the risk of clogged arteries, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failures. Some factors that increase the cholesterol level include:

• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Diabetes
• Smoking

Cholesterol is carried by blood with proteins attached to it. This combination of cholesterol and protein is known as lipoprotein, further classified intotypes as Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL).High cholesterol levels can be inherited, but it’s often a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Luckily, the condition is treatable and preventable.

Some of the best ways to lower down cholesterol level include:

Diet

Eating heart healthy food helps in effectively lowering down cholesterol level. Since poor diet is one of the major reasons for raised cholesterol levels, change in food habits and dietary plans can work miraculouslyto keep themnormal. Some changes include:

• Reduced consumption of foods containing saturated fats (red meat, full-fat dairy products)
• Elimination of foods containing trans-fat (junk food)
• Increased consumption of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnut, flaxseeds)
• Increased consumption of soluble fiber (oatmeal, kidney beans, fruits)

Weight loss

An overweight or obese person is more likely to suffer from high cholesterol levels and related complications. Body weight is directly proportional to LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as increased weight results in increased cholesterol levels. Some ways to lose weight in order maintain cholesterol levels include:

• Exercising
• Dieting
• Inclusion of physical activities in daily life

Smoking

Smoking or intake of tobacco significantly increases the risk of heart diseases in several ways asit increases the bad cholesterol level in the body. In case of smokers, the immune cells are not able to return cholesterol from the vessel walls back to the blood. This dysfunction of immune cells contributes to faster development of clogged arteries. Thus, one should completely quit smoking to lower down the cholesterol levels.

Supplements

Using supplements manufactured by trusted pharma manufacturing companiescan efficiently lower down the cholesterol levels of a patient. Supplements like fish oil are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids andlower down a patient’s risk of developing heart diseases. Similarly, soluble fibers like Psyllium can reduce LDL cholesterol and cholesterol deposits.

Although lifestyle changes work effectively in lowering down cholesterol levels, one should always consult medical experts for proper medications in cases of inefficient results.