How to Lower Your Cholesterol Without Statin Drugs

If your cholesterol is high, your doctor will often suggest that you start taking statin drugs. Statins, such as Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor can lower your cholesterol, but they often have side effects and unless you've already had a heart attack, there's little evidence that the drugs prevent heart disease or prolong life. There are methods for lowering your cholesterol naturally.

Things You'll Need

• Weight loss regimen, if needed
• Healthy foods
• Time to exercise

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Instructions

• 1

  Lose weight. According to MayoClinic.com, even a modest 5- to 10-pound weight loss can affect your cholesterol levels.

• 2

  Choose healthier fats. This might include eating more olive oil, nuts, and other sources of unsaturated fat, as well as avoiding trans fats.

• 3

  Choose unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains all have more fiber than their processed cousins, which can have a beneficial effect on your cholesterol numbers.

• 4

  Exercise regularly. Thirty minutes of brisk walking a day will go a long way in helping you to reduce your cholesterol.

• 5

  Drink only in moderation, and stop smoking if you smoke. Smoking and heavy drinking are associated with unhealthy cholesterol levels.