Cholesterol and Heart Disease
LDL cholesterol causes a buildup of plaque in arteries. This is the major cause of heart disease in the United States, but you don't have to fall victim to high cholesterol. By taking care of your body and using the right foods, along with supplements, you can lower your cholesterol naturally. Be aware that genetics can play a role in high cholesterol, you should never feel as if you have failed if your LDL levels fail to respond to natural treatments. Only your doctor can tell you if genetics are part of your problem.
Garlic Can Help Lower Cholesterol
People in the know have used garlic as a cholesterol reducing tool for decades. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and blood thinner. If you are already taking a blood thinner, let your doctor know before you begin taking garlic supplements or eating large amounts of the bulb.
Niacin and Cholesterol
Niacin is another supplement that is noted to lower bad cholesterol and increase the good HDL levels. If you are already taking a medication for cholesterol, do not supplement with niacin before talking with your doctor. Niacin has a side effect called 'flushing'. This is when the blood vessels and arteries dilate, allowing more blood to fill them. A red face and warm sensation is the primary effect of flushing. People that are new to taking niacin supplements notice this sensation in the first week or two of starting a niacin regime.
Plant Based Foods and Supplements Can Help Lower Cholesterols
Plant based foods are wonderful for reducing high LDL levels. This is due to the compounds in plants known as stanols and sterols. Researchers believe that the reason these compounds work to lower cholesterol is due to their chemical structure which is very similar to cholesterol's chemical structure. These plant compounds are present in many foods, not just fruits and vegetables. Stanols are added to a variety of foods we eat every day. This would usually involve eating a set amount of legumes, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables a day, but with the use of EnergyFirst’s Cholesterol & Heart Formula you can achieve your daily intake more easily.
Soluble Fiber Helps Lower Cholesterol
Soluble fiber can be added to any diet to work against bad cholesterol. Vegetables, fruits, and grains contain soluble fiber. When you have more of this type of fiber in your diet, it blocks the amount of cholesterol absorbed in the intestines. You need between five and ten grams of fiber a day to lower LDL levels by about five percent.
Don't allow cholesterol to gain the upper hand. It is easy to incorporate all of the natural cholesterol fighting powerhouses into your diet. A healthy diet will often give you everything needed to lower your cholesterol without resorting to prescriptions. Again, sometimes you will still need medical intervention and that's okay. In any case, a healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way to supporting your efforts to achieve and maintain health levels of cholesterol!
