How to Reduce Cholesterol Without Statins

Statins are drugs used to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the body. These include Zocor, Crestor, Levacor, Lipitor and more. Statins work by interfering with the production of cholesterol inside your liver. They reduce LDL levels and raise good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein, or HDL) and can help prevent plaques (fat) from building up in your arteries. However, statins are very potent and cause serious muscle problems. They are also not recommended for individuals who have chronic liver disease or are pregnant. There are ways to effectively lower your bad cholesterol levels without taking statins.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat three servings of foods rich in soluble fiber daily. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol, eliminating it from your body through waste. It also makes your stools more bulky, preventing constipation. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oats, psyllium, flaxseed, potato skins and all legumes.

• 2

  Avoid eating red meats or meat products composed of beef, pork, non-skim dairy products and egg yolks (very high in cholesterol). Your diet should consist more of healthy fruits and vegetables, which can drastically lower cholesterol. Consume at least three servings of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis. If you follow this diet regimen, chances are your cholesterol levels will be lowered to the desired normal levels. The normal total cholesterol level in blood is 100 mmol/l (Millimoles per Liter) or below.

• 3

  Drink two glasses of pomegranate juice every day. It contains high amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants, which can help lower your bad cholesterol levels.

• 4

  Add garlic daily to your diet daily to reduce cholesterol levels. This herb includes the compound allicin, which can help lower LDL. You may also consume garlic in supplement form. The recommended dosage for garlic is one 500 mg tablet taken once a day. In addition, garnish your main dishes with garlic as well.

• 5

  Perform vigorous exercises such as running, aerobics, swimming and biking for at least one hour daily. Exercising daily can stimulate the enzymes that help transport bad cholesterol (LDL) from the walls of your arteries and bloodstream to your liver. From your liver, LDL is excreted as waste or turned into bile to be utilized for digestion.