How to Eliminate Cholesterol Crystals

It’s common knowledge that high levels of cholesterol can lead to health problems. High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and heart attack and may also contribute to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. In recent research, scientists have found that when cholesterol builds up along artery walls, it crystallizes. These cholesterol crystals can tear the lining of the artery. The damage that the crystals do contributes to heart disease and can trigger blood clots to form, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The best way to reduce cholesterol crystals in the body is to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and to take steps to improve your overall heart health.

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate your diet. Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol increase your cholesterol levels, contribute to the build up of plaque in the arteries, and cause inflammation that worsens your health. Refined grains and sugars are also a concern. They raise triglyceride levels and increase inflammation. To reduce cholesterol crystals, begin by eating more fiber-rich foods, more fruits and vegetables, more lean protein, and more whole grains. Certain foods actually help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, including almonds, soy protein and foods that contain soluble fiber.

• 2

  Commit to a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight is key to reversing heart disease and recovering your health. People who are overweight usually have a higher LDL cholesterol level, and that can lead to more cholesterol crystal formation. Lowering your weight to a healthy level can counter the problem. Weight loss is not the only important physical factor. You also want to increase your physical fitness, which will lower LDL cholesterol levels and help reduce crystallization.

• 3

  Examine your lifestyle. Do you smoke? Do you drink more than one or two alcoholic beverages a day? Do you react to stress in anger? Do you get enough sleep at night? Do you make time to do things you enjoy? How often do you laugh?

  If you smoke, that will contribute to plaque formation and cholesterol crystallization in your arteries. Quitting is one of the best health decisions you can make. Excessive drinking does not contribute to rising cholesterol levels or crystal formations but it can weaken the heart and make it more susceptible to disease. Happiness, positive stress-coping strategies and good sleep all contribute to overall health. They may not directly reduce cholesterol crystallization, but they can reduce your susceptibility to heart disease.