You Can Lower Cholesterol Naturally

By Martin A. David martin.david@hqpublications.com Pharmavita Columnist November 18, 2005

The medical advances of the past century are close to miraculous. Diseases have been conquered and lives have been saved. However, we often look to pills as magic cures to every problem. Some conditions, such as high cholesterol can be treated with more natural means.

There's no doubt about it, elevated levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream can eventually cause permanent heart damage. If your cholesterol level is extremely high, your doctor will prescribe a cholesterol lowering drug. The good news is that if your cholesterol is above normal, but not yet in the danger zones, you can bring it down and keep it there.

Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Where does cholesterol come from? There are several answers. Some cholesterol is manufactured by the body. After all, cholesterol is a substance that the body needs in some of its building processes. The rest of the cholesterol comes from the food you eat. If you eat too much high cholesterol food and you don't exercise, your blood cholesterol level will rise to levels that can clog up your heart and cause a heart attack.

A low cholesterol diet and a minimum of a half hour of exercise each day will hold your cholesterol down to safe levels. There are also foods that can lower your cholesterol. Exercise is still an important part of the picture, but try adding soy bean products, nuts, green tea, fresh fish such as salmon that contain omega-3 oils, grains such as oats and barley, flaxseed, cinnamon, and olive oil. There are others, but this list is a good start. Cut down on the high fat, high cholesterol foods, and get 30 minutes of exercise a day, and this list could be a lifesaver.

About the Author
Martin A. David consults as a Senior Technical Writer for a number of Silicon Valley firms. He is also a translator, specializing in Danish, French and Spanish literary works. He has written numerous feature articles for publications including the Los Angeles Times. He has also published a novel, and a non-fiction book in the area of dance. Martin earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Brooklyn College in his native New York. He currently chairs the Santa Clara Cultural Advisory Commission in Santa Clara, California.