How to Lower Your Cholestorol

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Similar to a wax and made in the liver, cholesterol protects the body's cells, among many other functions. But people with high cholesterol levels must monitor those levels on a regular basis. A healthy lifestyle as well as eating properly can reduce your cholesterol.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor for your exact cholesterol count.

• 2

  Come up with a healthy diet plan with your doctor. Begin by eating less carbohydrates. If you must eat carbohydrates, avoid pairing certain foods, such as eating rice, lima beans and corn in one meal, since the starch of each item will overload the body and raise your cholesterol level. Eating bran in foods like oatmeal and having fruits for breakfast are excellent ways to reduce cholesterol.

• 3

  Lower your weight if your doctor says you're overweight. Exercise and do physical activities that require your energy level to rise.

• 4

  If you smoke, quit. Cigarettes and other types of nicotine and tobacco products can make you a candidate for heart disease as well as other preventable illnesses.

• 5

  Drugs such as Lipitor, Zetia and Niacin can lower cholesterol levels. Take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• 6

  Get support from family and friends to help you monitor your diet and exercise regimes. Also, if you're invited to a social occasion serving food, ask in advance if you can get a low-cholesterol meal.

• 7

  Avoid fast-food restaurants and their fatty foods.