The body needs cholesterol to make hormones and vitamins and to digest food. But too much of this waxy substance — particularly the "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol — can attach to the walls of arteries and limit or block the flow of blood, eventually causing heart disease. "Good" HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol carries LDL cholesterol from the body to the liver, which eliminates it from the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 102 million adults in the U.S. have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels.[1]
Many patients with high cholesterol take cholesterol-lowering medications, known as "statins." Although statins effectively reduce cholesterol in the blood, some people who use them experience side effects, including muscle-related issues, diabetes, and an elevated risk for stroke.
Lowering cholesterol naturally sometimes allows patients to avoid or reduce medication. (Always talk to your physician before stopping any medication or changing the dose.)
Many things contribute to high total cholesterol, which is calculated by adding your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and 20 percent of your triglyceride level. These are the key risk factors:
Medications aren't always needed to protect heart health. You may be able to lower your cholesterol significantly by following these measures:
The saying, "exercise is the best medicine" has its merits. Studies have shown that incorporating physical activity into your daily routine encourages healthy HDL cholesterol levels. This research has also revealed that regular exercise may even offset the increase in unhealthy LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Just 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity during the week can help you back on your path to wellness. Some healthy activities you can embrace include brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling.
Kicking the habit tends to raise HDL cholesterol, and it improves your heart health in many other ways. Smoking elevates heart rate and blood pressure, plus it increases clotting and inflammation.
Weight loss is particularly important for people with metabolic syndrome — a constellation of risk factors, including low HDL cholesterol, a large waist circumference, and high triglycerides. Losing weight while reducing the number of calories you consume is essential.
In some people, chronic stress can sometimes raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. You can lower the effects of stress through exercise, as well as activities like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
The ideal diet to combat high cholesterol is one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet may improve the function of HDL cholesterol in people at risk for heart disease.[2] It may also help to rid the coronary arteries of excess cholesterol and keep blood vessels open, reducing the risk of heart disease.
There is also a possibility of lowering HDL cholesterol levels through a natural, plant-based diet. Studies have shown that a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat helps achieve or maintain normal, healthy cholesterol levels — something a meat-based diet may prevent.
Limiting your consumption of saturated fat is particularly important for reducing LDL cholesterol. Saturated fats are found in red meat, particularly the fattier cuts, poultry with skin, lard, and some vegetable oils, including coconut and palm oils. Eat more unsaturated healthy fats like olive oil instead. (See "Foods That Lower Cholesterol" below.)
It's best to try to avoid trans fats altogether. These unhealthy fats, which are formed when hydrogen gas is used to turn liquid vegetable oils into solids, are found in stick margarine; baked products, such as crackers, cookies, doughnuts, and bread; and foods fried in hydrogenated oils, like french fries and chicken.
Although we often hear that small quantities of alcohol may reduce the risk of heart disease in some people, there's a very fine line between the amount that may provide this alleged benefit and the amount that will contribute to high blood pressure and high triglycerides.[3] If you're trying to lead a healthy life, the best bet is to avoid alcohol entirely.
You can eat specific foods known to help reduce total cholesterol, including the following.
Fiber, particularly soluble fiber, helps to block cholesterol and fats from being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Studies suggest that people who increase their soluble fiber intake by five to 10 grams each day can lower their LDL cholesterol by about five percent. Good sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal and oat bran; legumes, such as kidney beans, lentils, and lima beans; and fruits like peaches, prunes, oranges, apples, and berries. Ironically, if you need fiber, a fiber supplement is less than ideal as they have been known to cause blockages and gastrointestinal distress in some people.
When used instead of saturated fats, unsaturated fats can help you lower your cholesterol. There are two types of unsaturated fat: monounsaturated, found in olive, canola, sunflower, and peanut oils, and polyunsaturated fats, which are in safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, and cottonseed oils. Nuts, olives, and avocados also provide these heart-healthy fats.
These substances, which are derived from soybean and tall pine-tree oils, are added to some types of margarine. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol through the walls of the intestine, which lowers LDL cholesterol. Just two grams a day can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent, according to the National Institutes of Health.[4]
In addition to healthy eating, taking certain supplements may help reduce the need for statins or reduce the serving size needed to achieve a healthy cholesterol reading. The following supplements show promise for lowering cholesterol naturally. (It's wise to discuss the use of supplements with your healthcare provider.)
A recent review of studies showed that glucomannan, a fiber-rich extract from the Asian konjac plant, can reduce LDL cholesterol by about 10 percent.[5] Other research also showed lowering effects of glucomannan on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.[6]
Research suggests that this supplement, which is derived from the turmeric root, may promote normal triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels.[7] Although more research is needed to determine the ideal serving size, there's no harm in taking a supplement or adding more turmeric, which is responsible for the rich golden color of many Indian dishes, to your diet.
An extract from this pungent Italian citrus fruit may help lower high total cholesterol levels. One study found that participants' cholesterol dropped from an average of 278 mg/dL of blood to 191, which is the healthy range. In the study, participants were able to reduce the dose of their statin medication. Bergamot may also raise HDL cholesterol levels.[8]
There's some evidence that garlic supplements can reduce cholesterol modestly. A 2013 review of studies that included 39 previous studies showed that garlic reduced total cholesterol by 17 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by about 9 mg/dL in people with total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.[9]
There's some evidence that a coenzyme Q10 supplement may encourage normal LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.[10] It may also reduce muscle weakness associated with statins.[11]
To stay healthy and lower your risk for heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke, it's important to keep track of your cholesterol readings. Do you know your numbers?
Desirable cholesterol levels are as follows:
With knowledge and diligence, you can effectively lower your cholesterol naturally. Together, you and your healthcare provider can plot a course of action to achieve and keep your cholesterol in the healthy zone.
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