How to Lower Cholestrerol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be found within the blood stream. "Good" cholesterol, or HDL, carries about a fourth of the cholesterol in our bodies to the liver and out of our bodies. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, carries the majority of cholesterol in our bloodstream and can build up along the wall of the arteries. This is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. It is important to keep the LDL cholesterol under control, and there are several steps you can take to lower your cholesterol.

Things You'll Need

• Oatmeal
• Nuts
• Fish

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Instructions

• 1

  Change your diet in order to fight high cholesterol. Oatmeal and other foods high in soluble fiber, such as beans and apples, reduce the amount of LDL within your blood. Eat one and a half cups of oatmeal with fresh fruit every day. Other foods that help fight high cholesterol are nuts, such as walnuts and almonds. Eat a handful of nuts every day to lower your risk of high blood pressure. Fish such as tuna and salmon reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by providing omega-3 fatty oils and help to lower blood pressure. For best results, eat two servings of fish per week.

• 2

  Exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise maintains blood pressure and heart rate, keeps blood flowing and prevents plaque from forming. Exercise can also help you maintain your weight. The heavier you are, the harder your heart has to work in order to move blood through your system.

• 3

  Quit smoking help lower your cholesterol. Tobacco products can lower your good cholesterol and increase the tendency of clotting within the blood, putting you at a greater risk for heart attack or stroke.

• 4

  See your physician regularly. Your doctor can diagnose high blood pressure or high cholesterol and can give you advice on how to lower them and maintain and healthy lifestyle. Both conditions can occur without symptoms which make them silent, deadly killers. Take your medications for high cholesterol if your doctor has prescribed. Take them as directed and do not to miss a dose.