Ten Healthy Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

You found out your cholesterol is too high, now what do you do? Medication is not the only answer. It can be an answer, but definitely not the only one. Here are ten healthy ways to get your cholesterol down to where it should be. Of course, as with anything, it is always wise to discuss any decisions you make regarding your health with your doctor.

1. Nutrition. I am a firm believer that we are what we eat. I feel that good nutrition and a balanced diet goes a long way to ensure we are healthy and stay healthy. Just doing the basics like eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting out fried foods and drinking less soda and more water, will make a drastic change in our health. I dare you to try it!

2. Exercise. Exercise is another way to boost your energy level and benefit your health greatly. Even just a 30 minute walk a day would go far in keeping you healthy and strong. If you currently do not exercise then you want to take it slow and start off easy. When you can, I would gradually work in a longer and harder workout, adding in cardio to your exercise routine. Exercising will not only make you feel better overall, but it can also help you get rid of any unwanted pounds.

3. Herbs/Supplements. In my personal opinion I would much rather take natural herbs then medicine any day. I feel that God created those plants and herbs and He definitely knew what he was doing. Not to say that there isn't a place for medicine, of course, but when you can, I think it would be well worth your time to look into the different herbs that can help you. I also suggest you go to a health food store to get your herbs and not your local Wal-mart or even GNC.

4. Medicines. There is always a place for medicine and sometimes there is no other choice. You can even start on a medication and eventually get weaned off of it with good nutrition and exercise. When you do make the decision to start on a medication I would read all you can about it and find out any side effects and the pros and cons before taking it. You have to be your own health advocate, no one else will do a better job!

5.Lower your fat intake. As mentioned earlier reducing the amount of fat you eat will drastically improve your appearance and health. Omitting saturated fat, or most of it, from your diet is a good place to start.

6. Don't smoke. The benefits of not smoking are so numerous that I can't go into them all. Most of us know, and our common sense tells us, that smoking is bad for us. So, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and don't smoke or quit if you do. I know, easier said than done, but living a long and healthy life is worth it.

7. Eat more nuts. Really! Almonds and walnuts are very nutritious and can even help lower your cholesterol over time. Nuts are very high in calories so definitely limit your daily intake to a handful.

8. Drink green tea. I am sure you have seen and heard how green tea is beneficial. It really is! Green tea has compounds that can help lower cholesterol. Green tea is beneficial in many other areas too.

9. Eat fish! Fish is a great source of the Omega-3's that can help lower cholesterol. It is recommended to eat fish about 2-3 times a week. Salmon and tuna are good choices.

10. Drink more water. I don't know if there is any specific research that states drinking more water specifically will help lower your cholesterol, but I am a firm believer that none of us drink it enough. Drinking more water would probably help a vast amount of problems that we have. Water is a purifier and can help wash the toxins out of your body. If you don't like water or don't want to drink it then just start with the 8 8oz. glasses a day. That is pretty easy to do when you spread it out over an entire day.

When you find out your cholesterol is too high you don't have to panic. There are many options to lower your cholesterol and improve your overall health.