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Cholesterol natural treatment

home remedies for cholesterol
(19 Dec 2007)

Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance that is naturally present in the body. The body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. However, excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause it to stick to the artery walls.


This is known as plaque and it can cause a narrowing of the arteries and even obstruct them. High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream increase the body’s vulnerability to heart disease. The level of cholesterol tends to rise with an increase in age. High cholesterol levels usually do not exhibit any symptoms and are usually detected through a blood test. Consuming foods that are very rich in fat can increase the cholesterol level in the blood. Individuals that suffer from obesity are most likely to have high levels of cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol is also a condition that runs in families, thereby indicating that genetics may also have a part to play in this condition.  

Cholesterol is present in the body in the form of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is known as low density lipoprotein or LDL; and the good cholesterol is known as high density lipoprotein or HDL. High LDL levels cause blockage in the arteries, while the HDL helps to cleanse the arteries of the bad cholesterol. When cholesterol levels are analyzed by a blood test, the LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels are reported. Triglycerides are the most common type of fats that are found in the body. A reading that is low in HDL and high in LDL and triglycerides will increase the risk of developing heart disease.  

Apart from lifestyle changes such as healthy dietary habits and maintenance of ideal body weight, home remedies can also be employed to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Garlic is known to be very effective in regulating the level of cholesterol in the blood. A clove of garlic may be boiled in milk and taken. Consuming coriander water daily helps to lower cholesterol levels and can be taken daily for a month. A drink of equal parts of apple juice, apple cider vinegar and grape juice serves as a healthy drink for bringing down high cholesterol levels. Sunflower seeds contain linoleic acid which helps in the reduction of cholesterol and regulates proper blood circulation. As such using sunflower oil for cooking is beneficial for the health. Olive oil is very good for the health of the heart and also helps to decrease the blood cholesterol levels. Onion juice may also be taken as it is effective in purifying the blood and keeping cholesterol levels in check.
answered by G M on 7 Apr 2010, 1:12:30

 

Cholesterol is known to be of two types: the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol. The low-density lipoproteins or LDLs (bad cholesterol) are responsible for blockages in the arteries and many other health problems. They block the flow of your blood to major organs like the kidneys, liver, genitals, brain, and are a major cause of heart diseases. The high-density lipoproteins or HDLs (good cholesterol) carry the unused cholesterol back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. This cholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the nerves and brain. Cholesterol can also be found as a major element in the digestive juice bile, and in the formation of our sex hormones. They help in transporting fat to the various parts of the body and also protect the red blood cells. Even though cholesterol is mainly produced in the liver, around 20 to 30 percent of it usually comes from the food we eat. Standard levels of cholesterol vary between 150-200 mg per ml of blood. When cholesterol levels are substantially higher than this, a person is considered to have high cholesterol or, more accurately, hypercholesterolemia. The main causes for this increase could be obesity, stress, excessive drinking and smoking, high blood pressure, and an improper diet.

When diagnosed with high cholesterol, you should consult your doctor for the required measures, because the details of the condition vary from one individual to the next. Sometimes, it can be due to hereditary factors, and medication may be the only way to help cure it. However, if your cholesterol levels are high due to your lifestyle, then there are several ways to get it back to normal. As far as home remedies go, onion juice is supposed to be highly effective at reducing your cholesterol levels. It helps clean your blood and the digestive system, regulates your heart function, and also helps in curing insomnia. Eating a garlic clove every morning on an empty stomach can also be very beneficial. If eating raw garlic is difficult, you could also add a piece of it in a glassful of milk and drink it, or else simply add it to your food. Having one cup of walnuts and one cup of yogurt everyday is also supposed to get down your cholesterol levels substantially.   
When diagnosed with high cholesterol, a change in your diet lifestyle is highly required. These remedies may help you control your cholesterol, but you need to support them by eating right. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet and strictly avoid fast food. Regular exercise is also very important as it helps in increasing the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). If medication is advised, make sure it is taken on time and regularly.

answered by G M on 7 Oct 2009, 3:54:38

 

Keep the following points in mind to decrease your cholesterol levels naturally -
  • The sole source of cholesterol in the diet is animal products (mainly organ meats like liver, brain and kidneys, egg yolk, shell fish, meat and chicken with skin) so try and avoid these rich sources of cholesterol. However keep in mind that if you exceed on visible fat (mainly saturated and Trans fats) and sugars the excess of it gets converted in to cholesterol. Thus moderation is the key for fat intake when one has to decrease the cholesterol levels in the body.
  • Load your diet with fiber in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole cereals, grains, millets, sprouts, pulses and oat meal. Minimize the consumption of refined, canned and processed foods, fatty or fried foods, sweets, chocolates, ice creams, cheese and cream as far as possible.
  • Garlic does wonders in decreasing cholesterol. Crush a garlic in the morning before brushing your teeth and have it after 5 minutes (don’t simply swallow) also use it liberally in your meals.
  • Fenugreek seeds are an excellent source of soluble fiber which helps to decrease cholesterol levels in the body. Soak 10 g of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water at night and eat them in the morning along with the water 30 minutes before having breakfast. Similarly soak another 10 g of fenugreek seeds in the morning and eat those 30 minutes before having dinner. This is a very effective remedy to decrease cholesterol levels significantly.
  • Make sure that you exercise on regular basis as this is one of the easiest way to decrease your cholesterol levels naturally.
answered by Dr S on 8 Jan 2008, 1:03:20

 

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