Are you seeking treatment for high cholesterol butfeeling skeptical and wary of some medications or therapies? Completely understandable! Many people are in the same boat and often search for alternative treatment plans to help them lower their high cholesterol levels.
“Low-Density Lipoprotein” also known as LDL cholesterol is what is known as “bad” cholesterol as it can collect in the walls of your blood vessels. This can result in serious health problems if left unchecked, such as greatly increasing the likelihood of a stroke or cardiac arrest.
While it is true there also exists “good” cholesterol that your body needs, it’s important to keep overall LDL cholesterol levels low.
The Family Medicine & Geriatric Clinic’s family doctor in Edinburg, Texas, is here to talk about the alternative ways you can lower “bad” cholesterol!
Make Changes to Your Diet
One of the best ways to reduce LDL cholesterol levels without the use of medical intervention is to change your diet. Research shows that foods with meaningful levels of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and soy can lower bad cholesterol.
Some examples of each include:
- Fiber – You can get healthy amounts of fiber from various fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans, and grains, like oat bran and barley.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Particularly effective in lowering heart disease, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines also help fight high cholesterol.
- Soy – Soy protein is found in soybeans and the many food products containing soybeans.
Be sure you also cut out saturated fats when you make changes to your diet as well!
Add Mind-Body Exercises and Cut Certain Ingredients
As we learn more and more about the role mental health plays in our lives, it makes perfect sense that mental and physical health complement one another.
In addition to aerobic exercise, some more meditative options that can help improve your overall health from a holistic approach include:
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
Also, you should do your best to not consume many hydrogenated vegetable oils, also known as trans fats.
Include Supplements in Your Daily Routine
Finally, there are herbal and nutritional supplements that will greatly benefit your daily routine. Consider the benefits of some of these supplements:
- Fiber – If you aren’t eating sufficient fiber in your diet, you can consider a daily fiber supplement to help fight bad cholesterol. Just be sure to drink plenty of water!
- Whey Protein – A milk-based protein, whey is sold typically as powder and is added to liquids or soft foods.
- Garlic – Believe it or not, some studies show garlic as effective in fighting LDL cholesterol levels in the short term.
Family Doctor in Edinburg Offers Holistic Ways To Reduce Cholesterol
While it’s always good to pursue a healthier lifestyle, you should always discuss any planned dietary or physical activity changes with your doctor. The family doctor and staff at the Family Medicine & Geriatric Clinic in Edinburg are always ready to help!