High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, can be treated with a variety of methods: from dietary changes, to medication, to regular exercise. Each patient should be individually evaluated by a doctor to determine the best cholesterol remedies to suit their needs. An initial treatment plan will likely consist of a low-fat diet, a fitness routine, and lifestyle changes. Those who are unable to lower their levels sufficiently with these cholesterol remedies may also be prescribed medication.
Cholesterol is a type of fat in the body. People need some of these fats to produce new cells, but too much cholesterol can lead to deposits in the blood vessels. This interferes with normal blood circulation and may lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. A total cholesterol level should be no higher than 200 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL). The good kind of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) should ideally be 60 mg/dL or higher, while the bad kind of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), should ideally be below 100 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL in patients with risk factors for heart disease.
Dietary changes are important types of cholesterol remedies. Patients with high cholesterol should avoid foods with trans fats and saturated fats, such as bakery items and fatty meats. Instead, they should incorporate foods with healthy monounsaturated fats in their diets, such as almonds and olive oil. A cholesterol-lowering diet should contain no more than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol daily. Common sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, whole milk and organ meats.
Regular exercise should also be added to a patient's cholesterol remedies. Patients should work with their doctors to develop a fitness routine that includes at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Over time, exercise can help decrease LDL cholesterol.
Eating a low-fat, heart-healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can also help overweight patients attain and maintain a healthier weight. Losing excess weight contributes to healthy cholesterol levels. In addition to diet and exercise, people with high cholesterol who also use tobacco products should seek their doctor's help to stop. Quitting smoking can help raise levels of HDL cholesterol.
Patients who need additional cholesterol remedies will likely be prescribed medications. There are many different drugs a doctor may prescribe, including niacin, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and statins. Niacin also helps lower triglyceride levels, another type of fat. Cholesterol absorption inhibitor drugs help prevent the body from absorbing dietary cholesterol and statins help block the production of cholesterol by working with the liver. Before taking any new drugs, patients should disclose their current medications and supplements, as well as any other medical conditions they have.
