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Nonpharmacological Treatment of LDL Cholesterol

For many people with high LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, nonpharmacological options are often more attractive than prescription drugs. These options may be especially for people who are already on a number of prescriptions or who have pre-existing conditions. Eating healthy, exercising more and using supplements to control LDL levels is more desirable.

  1. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

    • Many heart-healthy foods can act as LDL cholesterol reducers. Oatmeal, oat bran and psyllium are excellent sources of soluble fiber, which can contribute to reducing LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in a number of other food items, including kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. A handful of nuts (walnuts, almonds) a day can also help reduce your risk of heart disease.

    Reduce Dietary Cholesterol

    • Since our livers produce all the cholesterol we naturally need, eating too much animal meat and animal byproducts can increase our cholesterol intake to unhealthy levels. Think about it: animals also produce cholesterol and when we eat beef, pork, dairy and eggs, we're also ingesting the animal's fats. To control dietary cholesterol intake (cholesterol from animals), replace red meat and pork twice a week with lean fish or vegetarian options. In addition to having less dietary cholesterol, fish also contain vital omega-3 fatty acids that work to reduce blood pressure and LDL levels.

    Take Over-The-Counter Supplements

    • Nicotinic acid, a type of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin), is an over-the-counter supplement that is thought to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. However, niacin and other supplements should only be taken under a doctor's supervision, as they can cause dangerous interactions when taken with other prescriptions or in the wrong dosages. Fish oil supplements that contain omega-3s are also popular options for lowering LDL cholesterol.

    Use Spices To Lower Cholesterol

    • Garlic powder, curcumin (an extract of curry spice/turmeric) and golgul gum resin (from the myrrh tree) lower LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Policosanol, which is derived from sugar cane wax, is known for preventing LDL fats from hardening in the blood. While these products can be effective, they are short-lived and only tend to be helpful for about six months.

    Exercise and Weight Loss

    • Losing weight is one of the fastest ways to get lower LDL levels. Regular exercise (30 minutes a day, five days a week) naturally boosts your HDL levels and lowers your LDL cholesterol. Any cardiovascular exercises are recommended, including running, walking, swimming, biking and dancing. If these aren't for you, you can also do low-impact workouts such as yoga and tai chi.

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