The following article is a quick, yet comprehensive guide on how you can lower cholesterol without drugs – you have to remember that a low cholesterol number in your next check-up would reap both long and short-term benefits. It is unfortunate that many individuals try to take the easy way out of high cholesterol through prescription drugs. Don’t get us wrong, we are not saying these drugs do not work, because they do. The problem is both the short term and long-term side effects.
Even more dangerous than the side effects of prescription drugs to lower cholesterol is not getting cholesterol under control. If not controlled, a high cholesterol level can be detrimental to your heart and arteries, and the consequences can be dire – these include, but are not limited to atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
Here are 5 steps you can take today to lower your cholesterol without prescription drugs.
Eat right. Yes, I know you were expecting this, and indeed, the most obvious key towards lowering cholesterol is to alter your diet – moreover, you would want to determine whether high cholesterol is in the genes or in the food you eat. Lowering cholesterol can be achieved in time with a low cholesterol, low fat diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Start working out. The war against high cholesterol can be won in part by developing a cardiovascular exercise regimen. Exercise itself doesn’t directly lower cholesterol, but will strengthen the heart and entire circulatory system.
Stop smoking immediately. If you smoke, the plaque build up in the arteries due to high cholesterol is accelerated. We’ve heard that before, so read on – smoking accelerates the buildup of artery plaque due to high cholesterol, which subsequently makes it harder to pump oxygen into your heart. This can potentially cause a heart attack. A stroke, on the other hand, would be the result of plaque from high cholesterol completely clogging up the arteries.
Relax. Cholesterol levels can be amplified by constant stress. If you are constantly stressed and eating a low cholesterol diet, you may not see any improvement in cholesterol readings until you learn to relieve stress.
Talk things over with your doctor. Doctors who prescribe medications immediately just want to get things over with. In fact, the more enlightened doctors will help you form a diet and exercise plan that is suitable for your current overall health and abilities as a first step toward lowering cholesterol. It is always important to ask your doctor if your decision to follow a specific diet or exercise plan is right for you. In addition, do not stop taking medications before consulting with your doctor. You can lower your cholesterol with diet and exercise, and under the care of your doctor, see about removing drugs from the process.
It does not take long to see significant improvements in your cholesterol. You can cherish low cholesterol and enjoy its benefits in about a few weeks’ time.
There is no better substitute for traditional cigarettes than an ecigarette!