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Simple Ways to Get Rid of Cholesterol - Dr. Hansaji Yogendra

Cholesterol improvement techniques -

Foods that are higher in saturated fat may be high in cholesterol. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium salt , and added sugars.

These foods include lean meats; seafood; fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt; whole grains; and fruits and vegetables. Eat foods naturally high in fiber, such as oatmeal and beans black, pinto, kidney, lima, and others , and unsaturated fats, which can be found in avocados, vegetable oils like olive oil, and nuts.

Find healthy, seasonal recipes at the Million Hearts ® healthy recipes page. Maintain a healthy weight Talk with your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you. Last Reviewed: May 16, Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion , Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

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Cancel Continue. Statins may also reduce inflammation and may prevent heart attacks and strokes through this mechanism.

While most people tolerate statins well, there are some potential side effects, mainly muscle pain, aches, or weakness. Use of statins may also increase the risk of developing diabetes, although the risk is seen mostly in those with prediabetes, and the benefit in reduction on heart attack and stroke is about four times that of the risk of developing diabetes.

Changing statins and using low doses often can avoid these issues, but if not, non-statin medications can be used to lower LDL cholesterol. It is important to closely follow the dosing instructions for when to take statins; some are more effective when taken before bedtime while others should be taken with a meal.

In addition, some foods, such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice, can increase the risk of side effects of statins. Most manufacturers recommend that people who take lovastatin, simvastatin, or atorvastatin consume no more than one-half of a grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice per day.

Ezetimibe — Ezetimibe brand name: Zetia blocks the body's ability to actively transport cholesterol from food as well as cholesterol that the body produces internally. It lowers LDL cholesterol levels by 20 to 25 percent and has relatively few side effects. It is usually prescribed in combination with a statin but is also used alone in patients who cannot tolerate a statin.

When used in combination with a statin after an acute coronary syndrome eg, heart attack , ezetimibe provides a small additional reduction in the risk of having another cardiovascular event.

PCSK9 inhibitors — PCSK9 monoclonal antibody inhibitors are another class of drugs that lower LDL cholesterol levels sample brand names: Praluent, Repatha table 1 ; they are given by injection under the skin every two to four weeks. They reduce cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke and potentially death.

Aside from mild skin reactions at the site of injection, they have few side effects. Inclisiran brand name Leqvio is a PCSK9 inhibitor that is given by injection once, 90 days later, and then every six months.

However, they are expensive and their use is limited to patients treated with maximal tolerated statins who have persistent elevations of LDL cholesterol.

Bile acid sequestrants — The bile acid sequestrants include colesevelam brand name: Welchol , colestipol brand name: Colestid , and cholestyramine sample brand names: Prevalite, Questran table 1.

These medications bind to bile acids in the intestine, reducing the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from foods. They are used only occasionally. They lower LDL cholesterol only modestly 10 to 15 percent. Side effects can be bothersome and may include nausea, bloating, cramping, and liver damage.

Taking psyllium a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil can sometimes reduce the dose required and the side effects. Bile acid sequestrants can interact with some medications, including as digoxin brand name: Lanoxin and warfarin brand name: Jantoven , and with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A, D, K, and E.

Taking these medications at different times of day can solve these problems in some cases. Bempedoic acid — Bempedoic acid brand name: Nexletol is the newest lipid-lowering agent, and it is approved for lowering LDL cholesterol.

It works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis at a step before the HMG-CoA reductase or the enzyme inhibited by statin therapy.

Bempedoic acid alone or in combination with a statin or ezetimibe brand name: Nexlizet lowers LDL cholesterol as well as other atherogenic proteins. Bempedoic acid can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Side effects include an increase in the incidence of gout, gallstones, kidney damage, and small increases in liver enzymes.

Early studies reported Achilles tendon rupture as a rare side effect; however, this effect was not seen in a recent large trial. Omega-3 — Oily fish, such as mackerel, herring, bluefish, sardines, salmon, and anchovies, contain two important fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA.

Eating a diet that includes one to two servings of oily fish per week can lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease.

Fish oil supplements, supplements with low-dose mixed fish oils usually approximately 1 gram per day of combined DHA and EPA , had been thought to provide cardiac benefit, but large trials have found no significant benefit.

As such, they are no longer recommended. A second study of a high-dose agent that had both EPA and DHA failed to provide benefit, suggesting that the EPA only preparation at the 4 g dose is important.

However, the trials found that omega-3 fatty acid medications increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Therefore, a discussion with your cardiologist on the net benefit or harm from taking fish oil supplements including icosapent ethyl is needed before starting this treatment.

Nicotinic acid niacin — Nicotinic acid is a vitamin that is available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release formulations table 1. Nicotinic acid is rarely used for a high cholesterol. In most situations, ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor is tried before nicotinic acid.

Historically, this agent used to be used to raise HDL cholesterol levels, but that is no longer recommended. It is sometimes used for patients with high lipoprotein a levels and LDL cholesterol that is refractory to more effective and better-tolerated medications statins, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors.

Nicotinic acid is associated with many side effects, including flushing when the face or body turns red and becomes warm , itching, nausea, numbness and tingling, and worsening of gout. This medication can also cause liver damage; people who use it require regular blood tests to monitor their liver function.

Red yeast rice — Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product that can lower serum cholesterol. Red yeast rice contains naturally occurring substances called monacolins that act to reduce cholesterol by a mechanism similar to that of statins.

Although red yeast rice is effective for lowering total and LDL cholesterol, there is not evidence that it decreases rates of cardiovascular events or that it is safe to take long-term. Moreover, red yeast rice supplements are not standardized in the United States.

Different commercial preparations vary widely in the amount of the active ingredient, and some commercial preparations have been shown to contain potentially toxic substances or lovastatin, a statin medication. Soy protein — Soy protein contains isoflavones, which mimic the action of estrogen.

A diet high in soy protein can slightly lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and raise levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol. However, normal protein should not be replaced with soy protein or isoflavone supplements in an effort to lower cholesterol levels.

Soy foods and food products eg, tofu, soy butter, edamame, some soy burgers are likely to have beneficial effects on lipids and cardiovascular health because they are low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats. Garlic — Garlic has not been proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol.

Plant stanols and sterols — Plant stanols and sterols may act by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. They are naturally found in some fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

They are also available in commercially prepared products such as margarine Promise Active and Benecol , orange juice Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise , and rice milk Rice Dream Heart Wise as well as dietary supplements Benecol SoftGels and Cholest-Off.

Despite lowering cholesterol levels, there are no studies demonstrating a reduced risk of coronary heart disease in people who consume supplemental plant stanols and sterols.

These products need to be studied more before they can be recommended. Although medications can rapidly lower your levels within a week , it often takes 6 to 12 months before the effects of lifestyle modifications are noticeable.

Once you have an effective treatment plan and you begin to see results, it is important to stay committed to the plan. Stopping treatment usually allows lipid levels to rise again and increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems.

Even while taking medications, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to obtain the most benefit from these therapies. Most people who stop treatment do so because of perceived side effects. However, there are a wide variety of medications available today, which should make it possible for most people to find an option that works for them.

Talk with your health care provider if a specific medication is not working for you; he or she can recommend alternatives that are compatible with your lifestyle and preferences. Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.

This article will be updated as needed on our web site www. Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below. Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.

The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.

Patient education: High cholesterol The Basics Patient education: High triglycerides The Basics Patient education: Can foods or supplements lower cholesterol? The Basics. Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed.

These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon. Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids Beyond the Basics Patient education: Heart attack recovery Beyond the Basics Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Overview Beyond the Basics Patient education: Exercise Beyond the Basics Patient education: Diet and health Beyond the Basics.

Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings.

These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading. Contributor disclosures are reviewed for conflicts of interest by the editorial group.

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Conflict of interest policy. Why UpToDate? Product Editorial Subscription Options Subscribe Sign in. View Topic Loading Font Size Small Normal Large. Patient education: High cholesterol and lipid treatment options Beyond the Basics. Formulary drug information for this topic. No drug references linked in this topic.

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Please read the Disclaimer at the end Cholesterol improvement techniques this Cholexterol. A high cholesterol level techniuqes called "hypercholesterolemia" can significantly increase your risk of developing chest Improvemetn, heart attack, and stroke. Fortunately, a number of effective treatment options are available. While total cholesterol has been a primary focus in the past, current guidelines focus on low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol. Higher levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with greater risk of heart attack, stroke, need for stenting or coronary bypass surgery, and death.

Cholesterol improvement techniques -

One serving of a breakfast cereal with oatmeal or oat bran provides 3 to 4 grams of fiber. If you add fruit, such as a banana or berries, you'll get even more fiber.

Fatty fish has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your triglycerides — a type of fat found in blood. These acids also may help lower your blood pressure and risk of developing blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of sudden death.

Omega-3 fatty acids don't affect LDL cholesterol levels but may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL , the good cholesterol. But because of those acids' other heart benefits, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week.

Baking or grilling the fish avoids adding unhealthy fats. Omega-3 and fish oil supplements are available. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Almonds and other tree nuts can improve blood cholesterol.

Studies have shown that walnuts, which have omega-3 fats, may help protect the heart and lower the risk of heart attack for people who already have heart disease.

All nuts are high in calories, so a handful added to a salad or eaten as a snack will do. Avocados are a good source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids MUFAs. Research suggests that the fiber from avocados can improve HDL cholesterol levels and the quality of LDL cholesterol.

Adding two servings of avocado per week to a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk of heart disease. People tend to think of avocados in guacamole, which often is eaten with high-fat corn chips.

Try adding avocado slices to salads and sandwiches or eating them as a side dish. Also try guacamole with raw cut vegetables, such as cucumber slices. Replacing saturated fats, such as those found in meats, with MUFAs are part of what makes the Mediterranean diet heart healthy.

Try using olive oil in place of other fats in your diet. You can saute vegetables in olive oil, add it to a marinade or mix it with vinegar as a salad dressing. You can also use olive oil as a substitute for butter when basting meat or as a dip for bread.

Extra virgin olive oil also reduces the risk of heart attacks. Sterols and stanols are substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.

Foods that have been fortified with sterols or stanols are available. Margarines and orange juice with added plant sterols can help lower LDL cholesterol.

It's not clear whether food with plant sterols or stanols lowers your risk of heart attack or stroke — although experts assume that foods that lower cholesterol do cut the risk. Plant sterols or stanols don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.

Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy. Studies have shown that whey protein given as a supplement lowers both LDL and total cholesterol as well as blood pressure.

You can find whey protein powders in health food stores and some grocery stores. Getting the full benefit of these foods requires other changes to your diet and lifestyle. One of the most helpful changes is limiting the saturated and trans fats you eat.

Saturated fats — such as those in meat, butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy products — raise your total cholesterol.

Trans fats, sometimes listed on food labels as "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil," are often used in margarines and store-bought cookies, crackers and cakes. Trans fats raise overall cholesterol levels. The Food and Drug Administration banned the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils in processed foods sold after January 1, There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Show references Tangney CC, et al. Lipid management with diet or dietary supplements. Accessed March 6, Your guide to lowering your cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed March 8, Grundy SM, et al.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol hyperlipidemia. American Heart Association. Feather A, et al. Lipid and metabolic disorders. Elsevier; Pacheo LS, et al. Avocado consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease in US adults.

Journal of the American Heart Association. Eating an avocado once a week may lower heart disease risk. Amirani E, et al.

What is Blood Cholesterol? What is Metabolic Syndrome? Understand Your Risk for Heart Disease. Choosing Heart-Healthy Foods. What are triglycerides? Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes TLC To Lower Cholesterol. Download PDF. MENU CLOSE. What is the TLC Program? What is the TLC Diet? At the core of the TLC diet, it's important to: Decrease saturated fat and cholesterol Add plant stanols and sterols found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and oils, like olive and avocado oil Increase soluble fiber like in fruits, beans, and oats.

Eating Well with TLC While the TLC Diet means eating well for good heart health, it also means learning how to eat well — in other words, how to best prepare or cook foods so that they are heart-healthy.

TLC and Relationships with Healthcare Providers Healthcare providers are important partners while treating high cholesterol. Here are some pointers on how to make the partnership work well: Speak up. If anything is not clear, ask questions and ask for explanations in simple language.

Write it down. Be sure to write down any treatment instructions. If hearing is a challenge, take a friend to the visit. Keep records.

Record test results at each visit. Review the treatment. Use each visit as a chance to go over the treatment plan. Check goals and make sure everyone is in agreement about next steps. Be open. If the healthcare provider asks questions, give full and honest answers.

Talk about any challenges while following the TLC Program. Changes can probably be made so the program is easier to follow. Talk about any symptoms or side effects. Maintaining a Healthy Weight Overweight and obesity increase the chances for having high LDL cholesterol and developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and other serious health problems.

Living the TLC Lifestyle Making lifestyle changes is never easy, but adopting the TLC Program can help people live healthier, longer lives by lowering cholesterol and other risk factors and reducing the risk for heart disease.

Some tips to increase chances for success include: Keep track of changes by starting a TLC diary to record food intake, physical activity, and weight. A diary can also help healthcare providers assess progress. Set SMART goals to make changes, like walking an extra 2, steps each day or adding a new vegetable to one meal each week.

SMART goals are Specific, Measured, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-Bound. Create a reward when achieving a goal, but not with food.

Making TLC a Family Affair Discuss plans with family and friends to get support. Your Guide to Lowering Cholesterol With Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes TLC The TLC guide is a set of tools, including lifestyle changes and sample menus, you can use to help lower your cholesterol. View the booklet.

Cholesterol improvement techniques Updated July This improvemebt was created by familydoctor. org editorial staff and reviewed by Peter Rippey, Cholesterol improvement techniques, CAQSM. Cholesterol is a waxy, Cholesteerol substance in your body. Your body uses it to protect nerves, make cell tissues, and produce certain hormones. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you also get cholesterol directly from food you eat. Common sources include eggs, meats, and dairy products. First of all, Improevment is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, Cholestero, substance that our bodies need improvwment build healthy Choelsterol. Not all cholesterol is the same. If you have high cholesterol levels, it usually means that you have too much LDL and not enough HDL. High cholesterol levels affect around one in every three Americans. But there are changes you can make today to help lower your LDL and increase your HDL. Here are ten things you can do to lower cholesterol without the use of medication, including foods that lower cholesterol, light exercise ideas and more.