Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol |Tips | Symptoms | Causes
Understanding Cholesterol– Cholesterol is used by the body to produce vitamin D, Hormones and bile acids which helps in digestion. The body needs only a small amount of cholesterol to produce all these acids, hormones and when the cholesterol level in the body increases it leads to various problems such as a risk of heart disease, heart attack etc.
High Cholesterol level will increase the cholesterol deposits in blood vessels which will eventually create a blockage in arteries which will lead to low oxygen level blood flow which will decrease the level of blood flow to the brain and will also increase the risk of heart attack. Cholesterol can be inherited but it is always advisable to take precautions from your side as well. Cholesterol can be tackled by consuming a healthy diet followed by regular exercise and some medication in certain cases. Some Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol would also work.
Source: wjgnet
What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
There are no particular symptoms of High Cholesterol. One has to undergo blood test every 5 years. This is the only way to be sure about whether or not you have cholesterol.
• If you have a family history of cholesterol, Heart Disease etc.
• If you are a smoker, Diabetic patient, or someone with high blood pressure.
• High cholesterol is a risk factor for other illnesses and it does not show any prior symptoms.
• It is advisable that everyone above the age of 20 should have their blood cholesterol checked every 5 years.
• A blood test known as Lipoprotein is usually suggested and it helps you to find your cholesterol numbers.
What are the Causes of High Cholesterol?
High Cholesterol can be caused due to some hereditary disorder or due to an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. It can also be caused due to some issues in the thyroid, kidney, liver etc.
• Weight:
Excess weight can lead to an increase in LDL also known as bad cholesterol level which can complicate and trigger High Cholesterol level.
• Heredity:
High Cholesterol can also be caused due to hereditary disorder. Genes influence body metabolism to treat LDL. Hereditary high cholesterol can lead to early heart disease.
• Age and sex:
After the age of 50 years, when women enter menopause, their cholesterol level increases as compared to men of their age. Normally blood cholesterol of a human being increases after the age of 60-65 years of age.
• Mental stress:
Stress affects the body in many ways. People usually consume a lot of junk fatty food while they are depressed which can lead to increases in blood cholesterol level.
• Alcohol use:
Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of High blood pressure, High Cholesterol level, it also damages the liver, kidney, Heart muscle etc.
Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol
• Garlic (Lehsun):
Garlic helps to decrease blood level and cholesterol by a certain percentage. It has a disadvantage to the patient who has to undergo surgery or a person who consumes certain blood thinning supplements.
• Turmeric (Haldi):
Turmeric helps in lowering cholesterol level and reduces the chance of developing heart disease.
• Nuts (Kaju, Pista, Badam):
Nuts like walnuts, almonds, pista can help in reducing and controlling cholesterol. Eating Walnuts daily reduces the risk of heart disease and replaces high saturated fats with fibre which is good for the heart.
• Soybeans:
Soybeans/ soy protein is known to lower LDL cholesterol as well as to help with heart disease. Soy protein is present in soy milk, soy yoghurt, soy nuts, and other products made of soybeans.
• Omega-3 fatty acids:
Eating food rich with omega-3 fatty acids will help in reducing heart attack and heart disease risk. Omega-3 is also good for controlling cholesterol and also helps with blood thinning. Products like walnuts, flax seeds, salmon, tuna etc are high on omega-3 fatty acids.
• Herbs:
Herbs like rosemary, basil contain anti-oxidants that are very helpful and effective in lowering cholesterol naturally.
High Cholesterol Tips That You Must Follow
• Eat healthy food which is rich in protein and fiber such as fresh fruits, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, low-fat food.
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. Regular exercise helps a lot in maintaining and controlling blood cholesterol.
• Stop smoking as it reduces HDL levels which in turn affects the cholesterol level.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid Ghee, Butter, Cheese, Cream and keep a track on your daily Salt intake.
• Reduce consumption of meat products. Eg- Sausages.