5 Effective Tips to Reduce Cholesterol Fast


Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance (fat) that is present in the body cells. It is required in small amounts to produce certain hormones, bile acids, vitamin D, and to build cell walls. There are two types, namely LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). Excess cholesterol can get accumulated in the arteries and cause narrowing of the arteries. This in turn reduces the supply of oxygen to the heart and can lead to severe consequences like heart attack and stroke.Ways to Reduce Cholesterol•    Eat Right:Unhealthy dietary habit is one of the main culprits for high levels of LDL in the blood. This can be attributed to consumption of excess fats, particularly saturated fats. Hence, cut down on the intake of saturated fats and replace them with healthy fats like mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Sources of saturated fats include whole milk, cheese, butter, margarine, eggs, junk food and red meats like beef and pork. Foods rich in unsaturated fats include fish, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, olive oil and canola oil. Following a fiber-rich diet will also prove beneficial as they contain high soluble fiber that keeps the colon healthy and remarkably reduces LDL in the blood.•    Exercise Regularly:Regular exercise significantly reduces LDL and helps increase HDL levels in the blood. It also helps lower the chances of coronary artery disease. You can benefit from moderate exercises, such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, gardening, and dancing.•    Say No to Tobacco: Smoking is considered as one of the main reasons for disorders like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Also, tobacco lowers HDL levels, narrows the arteries and increases the risk of blood clots and heart disease. Hence, if you are a chain smoker or have a habit of chewing tobacco, quit right away.(•    Keep Away from Alcohol:If you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis or in excessive amounts, you could be at high risk of health complications, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and stroke. Hence, it is important to stay away from alcohol. In case you cannot keep away completely, at least restrict the amount and frequency of consumption.(•    Medication:There are several effective drugs available for treating this disorder. Generic Zocor (Simvastatin) is amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering LDL levels in the blood. Zocor treats high cholesterol and reduces the risk of strokes. It is also considered as a heart medication because it lowers the risk of a heart attack in people with diabetes and coronary heart disease. Usually, treatment is initiated with Simvastatin 20 mg daily, but people who are at a high risk of heart disease are started on a dose of 40 mg daily. However, this medicine can cause severe muscle pain and should not be used simultaneously with blood pressure tablets and certain other drugs. Hence, before taking any medication, discuss its uses, possible side effects, and necessary precautions with a physician.Although this condition can cause severe complications, it can certainly be controlled with proper medication, proper diet and healthy lifestyle changes. Hope these tips prove beneficial for you!