Natural Remedies for Lowering Cholesterol

High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, produces plaque that coats the insides of the body's arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The plaque can eventually block these arteries and cause a higher risk for stroke and heart disease. Changes in diet can lower cholesterol naturally, as can the addition of exercise and natural dietary supplements. Many of the drugs used for fighting high cholesterol use synthesized plant sterols. Sterols also occur naturally in unprocessed foods.

Fruits, Vegetables and Other Snacks

• Fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol. Choosing vegetables that are high in fiber will help give the stomach a full feeling, while also supplying vitamins and minerals. Fruits satisfy a sugar craving while providing nutrients and denying the body the cholesterol-promoting ingredients in the high sugar/fat contents of processed foods.

  Try to avoid transfats and saturated fats to help control cholesterol. These fats occur in fried and processed foods. When reading labels, look for vegetable oils and foods that contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Try including nuts in your new diet plan. Many nuts (walnuts and almonds especially) contain the healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and are increasingly recommended by doctors.

  Increasing soluble fiber intake reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Soluble fiber foods are: Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, yams, peas, beans, oats, barley, rye, apples, prunes and berries.

Sterols

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs use synthesized sterols to treat the condition. You can find naturally occuring plant sterols in the foods you eat and reap the sterol benefits naturally without having to use prescription drugs. Choosing foods like nonfat yogurt, fortified margarines, salad dressings and cream cheese is helpful. These foods are known to contain phytostanols, which are a type of sterol.

  Health food stores carry any number of natural plant sterols in the form of dietary supplements.

Fish Oil and Supplements

• Experiment with fish oil to naturally lower your cholesterol. Fish oil is known for omega-3 fatty acids and is contained in seafood, such as salmon. The omega-3s help lower blood cholesterol levels and also have a host of other positive health benefits for your body. Increase the consumption of fish in your diet, or supplement your food with omega-3s in pill form.

  Other supplements to consider are statins. Statins are extracted from red yeast rice, which is also available as a supplement for purchase.

  Vitamin B3, or niacin, is also a supplement used to treat high cholesterol, but should be used with caution because of its side effects. A British study reported in the September 2008 edition of "Phytomedicine" found artichoke leaf extract reduces the level of cholesterol in the body. Psyllium powder is a soluble fiber dietary supplement and also helpful.