Do you know of any natural ways to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke without medication?
A disciplined diet and regular exercise may help you to achieve that, but the real question is, what are the best diets? Let’s explore some options!
Best Fitness Guru shares his experience about the best and most effective diets to lower cholesterol.
What About Statins?
Statins are a class of medications that are highly effective in reducing cholesterol levels in most people. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. While taking a pill is easier than following a strict diet, it is important to note that there are potential downsides to statin use. It is advisable to discuss the risks and benefits of statins with a healthcare provider before starting this medication. It is also worth noting that some individuals may experience side effects from statins, and it is important to report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It’s worth noting that taking certain medications for cholesterol control may lead to adverse effects in some individuals. For instance, although some people may experience significant improvements in their cholesterol levels over a couple of years, they might also develop chronic muscle aches that don’t go away, even with regular exercise. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to any symptoms you experience and seek medical attention if you believe that your medication might be causing them.
You need to get routine blood work done to check if there is any spike in the liver enzymes. If it’s so, then it could be due to the statin. To confirm this, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them for a little while and retest. And if the muscle aches disappear and your liver enzymes return to normal, then statins are definitely the culprit. So, in consultation with your doctor, consider modifying your diet.
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What Foods Work Best To Manage Cholesterol?
It is highly recommended to limit the consumption of processed foods and instead opt for unprocessed foods that are plant-based, low in saturated fat, or contain healthy fats such as nuts and avocados. Contrary to popular belief, healthy fats do not contribute to weight gain. Sticky fiber foods such as oats, peas, legumes, lentils, and beans are great options to incorporate into your diet, along with nonfat yogurt, whole grains, brown rice, and soy-based substitutes for meat. These dietary changes can lead to a healthy lifestyle and better overall well-being.
To keep your cholesterol levels in check, avoiding fatty meats, processed deli meats, hot dogs, and hamburgers is advisable. Instead, you can switch to healthier options, such as using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or tropical oils. By making this simple change to your diet, you can effectively reduce your cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
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What diets help lower your cholesterol?
Experts recommend several diets to improve your overall health. One of them is the portfolio diet, which you can access online. In addition, the Mediterranean diet is also quite popular and has received high praise recently. The DASH diet is another option that is specifically designed to regulate high blood pressure.
When you switch to healthier food options, you not only reduce your cholesterol levels but also promote weight control, prevent diabetes, and address other health conditions. These benefits are significant unless you have genetic predispositions that impede your progress, which can be a challenge for certain individuals.
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About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is an ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He
passed the Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, USA, obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says, “Age is just a number!”
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is general and for information only because it doesn’t consider your health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalized health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should determine if the information is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
