Did you know you have the ability to lower cholesterol without medication by following some basic steps that will not only change your cholesterol readings, but also improve your health today and in the future.  So often we use a prescription drug and hope it will magically cure whatever ails us.  The truth is prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol do work, and some people may need them depending on how severe their levels are, and if genetics plays a strong part, but for the average adult, most times their high cholesterol levels are a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Medications even while they work have long and short term effects. Even more dangerous than the side effects of prescription drugs to lower cholesterol is not getting cholesterol under control.  Over time, high cholesterol can lead to numerous conditions of the heart and arteries, not the least of which are atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke or heart attack.

Here are 5 steps you can take today to lower your cholesterol without prescription drugs.

1.

Eat right.  May sound simple, but diet has such a significant impact on lowering cholesterol that it should be the number one factor you look at in determining if your high cholesterol is hereditary or a matter of dietary choices.  A low fat and low cholesterol diet is the first step toward lowering cholesterol. I went plant based and even though I never suffered from cholesterol issues. I did a test. I had my labs drawn before going plant based, My Total cholesterol was 189 to begin, and even though that is normal after 11 days it went down to 125. My LDL the bad cholesterol was 101, normal is less than 100 and after 11 days it went down to 79. This alone shows that a diet rich in plant foods with no meat or dairy products can significantly lower bad cholesterol levels. I am not forcing my lifestyle on anyone, just emphasizing the importance of diet especially one that has loads of fruit and veggies and plant-based protein.

2.

Exercise.  Improving cardiovascular health is a step toward reversing the effects of high cholesterol.  Exercise can help you lose unwanted weight by moving waste from your waist. I am not saying you have to become a gym rat, but making fitness a part of your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease.  Start by developing a fitness routine you enjoy. It can be something simple as walking or dancing. I prefer the latter lol.

3.

Quit smoking: If you smoke, the plaque buildup in the arteries due to high cholesterol is accelerated.  When plaque blocks the flow of blood to the heart, the muscle has to work harder to get oxygen.  This can lead to a heart attack.  If the arteries get completely blocked with plaque from high cholesterol then a stroke can occur.

4.

Relax.  Chronic stress can affect cholesterol levels. 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.

5.

Talk to your health care provider. Not all doctors are quick to prescribe medications like myself.   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. Lower cholesterol can be yours in just a matter of days to weeks. Be sure to follow me on social medial and stay tuned for more health tips and services.