How to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally Today

Ever since 2008, when Business Week reported that cholesterol-lowering drugs might lower cholesterol numbers but don't translate into health benefits for most people who take them, many people have become interested in natural ways of lowering their cholesterol. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are harder to accomplish than popping a pill, but they also contribute to better overall health. Follow your doctor's advice about lowering your cholesterol, and don't make any changes in your diet or exercise routine without checking with her first.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise on most days for 30 to 60 minutes. Check with your doctor to make sure your chosen exercise is okay, but in general, walking, biking and swimming are all excellent forms of exercise. MayoClinic.com notes that if 30 minutes is too long at first, even 10 minute blocks of exercise can make a difference.

• 2

  Replace "bad" fats in your diet with "better" fats. Bad fats are saturated fats, such as you find in meat and dairy products; and hydrogenated fats and transfats, which are both present in many processed foods. Better fats include unsaturated fats that are liquid in their natural state, such as olive oil and canola oil; and fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are in certain kinds of fish and nuts.

• 3

  Eat more fresh, unprocessed and high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• 4

  Choose leaner proteins, such as leaner cuts of meat, skinless chicken, and low-fat milk and cheese.

• 5

  Lose weight. If you have a lot to lose, don't be discouraged -- even a small weight loss of 5 or 10 pounds can make a difference, according to MayoClinic.com

• 6

  Drink alcohol only in moderation. Heavy drinking can interfere with the way your body processes cholesterol.