How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

What is cholesterol?

Before you take steps toward increasing your health and improving your cholesterol levels, it is helpful to know a little bit about what cholesterol is and how it works within your body.

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance found within all of your cells that produces hormones, vitamin D and some substances that aid in digestion. Your body receives cholesterol in one of two ways – through natural production or through the foods you eat.

What’s the difference between good and bad cholesterol?

Cholesterol is carried throughout your blood in small clusters known as lipoproteins – or little bundles of fat surrounded by outer layers of protein. These lipoproteins exist in two types, high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoproteins.

While both types are crucial to the health of your body, LDLs are sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol since high levels can cause cholesterol buildup in your arteries. On the flip side, HDLs are often known as “good” because they lower cholesterol naturally by transporting it to the liver where it is then removed.

What are the dangers of high cholesterol?

As LDL builds up in the arteries over time, it decreases blood flow which can negatively affect your body’s cells and organs. If your cholesterol gets too high it puts you at risk for certain diseases and conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease – or narrowing of the arteries in your legs

How do I lower my cholesterol?

To maintain healthy LDL levels, it is recommended that you stay below 100 – but levels under 80 are even better. While there are several drugs and medical remedies designed to help keep cholesterol levels down, the best way to lower cholesterol naturally is through a proper diet and taking steps toward overall body wellness.

• Limit the amount of dietary cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fats in your diet. These include foods like butter, red meat and dairy products.
• Eat more foods rich in fiber, like oats, barley, beans, vegetables and fruits.
• When you can, choose plant foods, such as beans, nuts, legumes and seeds, over meats.
• Integrate chiropractic care into your lifestyle.
• Add wellness services to aid in lifestyle changes.

Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally with Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic

While the above alterations to your diet are a great way to begin decreasing your cholesterol levels, the most effective way to lower cholesterol naturally in through a personalized consultation with a nutrition expert and chiropractor. Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic offers a wide variety of chiropractic and wellness services to help you lower cholesterol naturally and assist with lifestyle changes. Contact our staff at Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic to schedule your consultation today at (215) 546-1010.