Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Are you constantly worried about your cholesterol levels, feeling overwhelmed by the conflicting advice out there? You’re not alone. Many grapple with the fear of potential health risks tied to high cholesterol, often feeling lost in the sea of information. 

Inspired by the enlightening podcast episode of me&my health up hosted by Anthony Hartcher, this comprehensive guide aims to demystify cholesterol. While cholesterol is crucial for our body, an imbalance can indeed pose challenges. 

Dive deep with us as we unravel holistic strategies to manage and lower cholesterol naturally. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with knowledge, feeling empowered and confident in your health journey. 

So, stay with us till the end and embark on this transformative journey to better health.

Understanding Cholesterol: Beyond the Myths

Cholesterol plays a pivotal role in our body, especially for cellular health and brain function. It’s vital for the fluidity of cell membranes, ensuring nutrients are absorbed and waste products are expelled. Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is necessary for our overall well-being.

However, the issue arises with excessive amounts. Like any substance, too much cholesterol can disrupt the body’s natural balance. High blood cholesterol becomes a concern due to its correlation (not causation) with heart disease. 

But it’s crucial to understand that high cholesterol alone doesn’t directly cause heart disease; it’s the combination with other risk factors that increases susceptibility.

Dietary Cholesterol vs. Body Production

Harvard research indicates that only 20% of the cholesterol issue is related to dietary intake. The remaining 80% results from the body producing excessive amounts. While dietary cholesterol does play a role, the primary concern is the consumption of animal fats. 

Guidelines do exist regarding daily cholesterol intake. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends a limit of 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. 

However, they also emphasise the importance of consuming fewer saturated fats, sugars, and trans fats. 

This sentiment is echoed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to diet and overall health.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

• Full Cream Milk: A glass contains only 26 milligrams of cholesterol. Plus, it’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins beneficial for heart health.
• Eggs: While egg yolks contain cholesterol, they also offer numerous health benefits. Consuming two eggs daily still falls within the recommended intake.

The Holistic Approach to Managing Cholesterol

1. Diet

Your diet plays a pivotal role in managing cholesterol. It’s not just about avoiding certain foods but embracing a balanced, nutritious diet.

• Whole Foods: Prioritise foods in their natural state, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are packed with essential nutrients that your body needs to function optimally and can help regulate cholesterol levels.
• Limit Animal Fats: While some animal fats can be part of a balanced diet, excessive consumption can raise cholesterol levels. Opt for lean cuts of meat and consider plant-based protein sources like legumes and tofu.
• Phytosterols: These are plant-derived compounds that can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Foods rich in phytosterols include vegetable oils, seed oils, and olive oil. Incorporating these into your diet can offer a natural approach to cholesterol management.

2. Lifestyle

Your daily habits significantly influence cholesterol levels. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can work wonders in maintaining a balance.

• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can raise HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can indirectly contribute to high cholesterol by leading to unhealthy habits like overeating or smoking. Find stress-relieving activities that work for you, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Limit Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption might have some heart benefits, excessive drinking can lead to high cholesterol, among other health issues. Stick to recommended guidelines, which typically suggest one drink a day for women and up to two for men.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can lower your good cholesterol and harm your heart in various ways. If you smoke, seek support to quit. Your cholesterol levels, heart, and overall health will benefit.

3. Supplements

While diet and lifestyle are foundational, certain supplements can further support cholesterol management.

• Red Yeast Rice: This traditional Chinese medicine has compounds that can help lower cholesterol. It’s believed to work similarly to some cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Plant Sterols: Available as a supplement and high in plant based foods, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Plant sterols can block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, helping to lower LDL cholesterol absorption into the blood.
• Psyllium husk: Found in some cereals and as a supplement, psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre that can help lower LDL cholesterol by binding to bile (which contains cholesterol) in your intestines and then removed from your body via your bowels.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

It’s essential to empower yourself with knowledge. While doctors aim to care for their patients, their toolkit to support their patients is limited to primarily drugs. Whilst drugs can be supportive and preventative they ultimately fail to address the root cause and produce unwanted side effects!  . 

Therefore, seeking holistic doctors or professionals who look beyond pharmaceutical solutions can be beneficial. Understand your health, seek a balanced approach to diet and lifestyle, and avoid extremes.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing cholesterol is a journey. By embracing a holistic approach, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Remember, it’s about balance, understanding, and taking proactive steps towards a healthier future.

Navigating cholesterol management can be intricate, but you don’t have to do it alone. At me&my wellness, we offer tailored holistic health coaching, blending nutritional science with lifestyle medicine to address your unique needs. Ready to take control of your health? Book a consultation with us and let’s embark on your personalised wellness journey together.