How to Lower Your Cholesterol

Eat more fiber that is Soluble
Soluble fiber finds the excess cholesterol and binds with it to remove it from your body. Experts agree that you should get at least 3 grams of this kind of fiber every day. You can get this fiber in many different forms of food. Here are some things you may want to consider adding to your diet oats, oat bran, barley, flax seed, beans, peas, nuts, oranges apples, and carrots. This type of fiber will help you lower your LDL count and allow your stomach to process sugars at a slower rate. Since LDL is the bad cholesterol you will be lowering your risk of heart disease, this type of cholesterol can clog your arteries over time. You can take fiber supplements if you cannot fit this amount of fiber into your diet. Although it is best to get your fiber from your whole grains, fruits and vegetables there may be times that you do not reach your fiber needs for the day. Talk to your doctor before adding any fiber supplements to your diet so that you can fully understand what you are putting into your body.

Cut your saturated fat intake
Another way to cut down on the LDL is to limit your intake of saturated fats. You can do this by monitoring the amounts in each food by looking at the nutrition facts label. You should try to avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol so that you can lower your current levels faster.

Exercise
You need to exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor before you start so you can find out if you should have any limitations on the type of activities you want to do. Exercising can be fun too, you just need to find some way to keep your body moving for a longer amount of time.

Drink water
You need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Try not to over do it though there is such a thing as drinking to much water. You can keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. If you are participating in a vigorous activity, you may want to increase your water for the day to make up for sweating.

Get eight hours of sleep every night
Sleep is very important especially when it comes to having the energy to stay on top of a good exercise program. If you are having trouble falling asleep, you may want to consider starting a bedtime routine an hour before you want to go to sleep. Reading is a great way to wind down at the end of the day, or you can journal about your progress.

You should have your cholesterol checked at least once a year during your annual physical, through a blood draw. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions and limit your chocolate intake during the last few weeks before your test. Before you know it, you will have lowered your cholesterol and your risk for heart disease.