How Fiber Can Help Prevent High Cholesterol

High cholesterol, a condition in which there is too much fat in the bloodstream, can cause cardiovascular disease, a category of potentially fatal conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. There are several reasons why a person's cholesterol levels could be elevated, and for many people, the tendency to have high cholesterol is genetic. High cholesterol may also occur for other reasons, including too much consumption of meat, cheese, butter and other foods high in saturated fat. Excess cholesterol causes plaque to build up in the arteries, leading to elevated blood pressure, risk of stroke, heart attack, and more. Risk factors for high cholesterol include diabetes, obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity, and men above the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at risk for high cholesterol. (American Heart Association, 2010)

After being told by a physician that their cholesterol is elevated, many people wonder how they can quickly and effectively lower their cholesterol levels without the risk of experiencing side effects by taking prescription medications. If you are looking for all-natural methods that will help lower your cholesterol, try these:

1. Talk with your doctor about how to incorporate exercise into your life. Exercise, especially cardio-centric workouts, will help you burn calories and increase your endurance levels. You will also increase your heart rate, which can help increase your body's metabolism.

2. Eat a healthier diet. Plan your weekly meals to ensure you are getting all the essential and recommended values of each food group. Decrease your intake of meat, cheese, ice cream and butter. Opt for healthier replacements such as chicken or tofu, sorbet, and yogurt-based buttery spread.

3. Up the amount of fiber in your daily diet. Increased fiber intake is an excellent way to reduce (and even prevent) elevated cholesterol levels. In addition to adding fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, and fruits to your diet, you should also try a psyllium fiber supplement, like Metamucil. Psyllium fiber is a thick, sponge-like fiber that actually absorbs some of the excess cholesterol from the blood, helping you lower your cholesterol levels and keep them low. Metamucil is recognized by the FDA to treat occasional constipation and help lower cholesterol. It's also very convenient to take. With the various varieties of Metamucil's psyllium fiber, you can choose the form you prefer in order to meet your recommended daily fiber intake.

Sources:

American Heart Association. (2010). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp on August 15, 2010.