How can I naturally lower my cholesterol?
June 26, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Kleine
Dear Doctor,
My name is Rolf Gerdes and I have been suffering from high cholesterol for some time now. My latest blood test showed a value of 250 mg/dl, which is above the recommended normal range. I am concerned about the impact that high cholesterol levels can have on my health, especially in terms of my risk for cardiovascular diseases.
So far, I have not decided to take medication as I prefer to try natural ways to lower my cholesterol levels. I have already made changes to my diet, avoiding fatty and unhealthy foods. I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as nuts and avocado. Additionally, I exercise regularly and make sure to maintain my weight.
Despite these measures, my cholesterol levels have not significantly decreased. Therefore, I am wondering if there are other natural methods to lower my cholesterol. Are there specific foods that are particularly effective? Should I further adjust my diet or are there plant-based supplements that can help? I would like to know what specific steps I can take to naturally lower my cholesterol levels and reduce my risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Rolf Gerdes
Dear Mr. Gerdes,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an internal medicine doctor. It is commendable that you are actively addressing your high cholesterol levels and prefer natural ways to lower it.
A cholesterol level of 250 mg/dl is indeed above the recommended normal range and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is important that you have already taken initial steps to change your diet and exercise regularly. These measures are very important and contribute to lowering your cholesterol levels.
There are certain foods that are particularly effective in lowering cholesterol due to their high content of fiber and healthy fats. These include oatmeal, flaxseeds, walnuts, avocados, olive oil, fish, and certain fruits like apples, berries, and oranges. These foods can help lower LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) while increasing HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).
It may also be beneficial to further adjust your diet to effectively control your cholesterol levels. Reduce the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and sugary foods. Additionally, ensure an adequate intake of fluids and only consume alcoholic beverages in moderation.
When it comes to plant-based supplements, there are some that can support the lowering of cholesterol levels. These include red yeast rice, artichoke extract, garlic supplements, and phytosterols. However, it is important to take such supplements only under medical supervision as they may interact with other medications.
In addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, it is important to also monitor other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Therefore, I recommend having regular medical check-ups and working closely with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Feel free to ask any further questions or seek additional support. Stay healthy and all the best in lowering your cholesterol levels.
Best regards,
Babette Kleine, Specialist in Internal Medicine
