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Having high cholesterol isn’t an unusual health condition, but it’s a dangerous one nonetheless. Cholesterol is a thick, waxy substance that occurs naturally in the fats in your blood. Though some cholesterol is actually essential to your body’s ability to build healthy cells, other “bad” cholesterol has a tendency of accumulating in your blood vessels. When enough cholesterol clogs these main pipes of your body, blood can’t flow efficiently through your arteries, and your heart becomes deprived of oxygen-rich blood. A heart without blood can’t function properly, leading to heart attack and other heart conditions.
Some people inherit high cholesterol and genuinely need to take medications that lower cholesterol for their own safety, but most Americans struggle with high cholesterol due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. If those habits were to be reversed, high cholesterol would disappear. If you have high cholesterol yourself, these strategies can help you embrace your heart health without relying upon medication.
Eat Right
This is basic advice, but it’s the most powerful. Changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts can significantly lower your cholesterol. Trade fried chicken for grilled chicken, fast food for a smoothie, and donuts for oatmeal. You’ll be surprised to watch your cholesterol levels drop! As the matter of fact, healthy breakfast choices like oatmeal and oat bran are high in soluble fiber, which minimizes the digestion of cholesterol within the body, so your smart food choices will have an even stronger impact on your health.
Check for Vitamin D
Despite the sun’s nearly constant presence in Florida, many people unknowingly suffer from vitamin D deficiency. In addition to hurting your energy levels and causing chronic pain in the body, a lack of vitamin D is also linked to high cholesterol. It’s easy enough to take a vitamin D supplement to solve this problem and support your body as it fights high cholesterol.
Consider Red Yeast Rice
Talk to your cardiologist about red yeast rice, a traditional Chinese medicine that is chemically identical to the active ingredient in statins. If you don’t have any conflicting conditions, taking a red yeast rice supplement each day could help to lower your cholesterol naturally.
Living with a high risk of heart disease and heart attack doesn’t have to be your story. It’s possible for you to take control of your cholesterol and embrace a healthier, more active life. Cardiovascular Solutions Institute in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida is here to give you the comprehensive cardiovascular care you need to live a long and healthy life.