by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: September 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2010

Three Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is essential to our bodies. It manufactures sex hormones, digestive chemicals and cements healthy cells. It is a yellowish/white, soft fatty foods substance found in animal cells and blood.

However, our bodies only need a small amount of cholesterol to do the job. Any unused cholesterol lingers in the bloodstream and clings to the arteries. This results in high cholesterol which is responsible for a large proportion of heart attacks, circulatory problems and kidney disease.

When a person is diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, it means that he or she has a total cholesterol reading of 240 mg/dl or above. Their LDL or bad cholesterol reading would as a result, have a reading of 160 or above. When your total cholesterol reading is 200 to 239, that is considered borderline-high; so too are LDL levels from 130-159.

Following are some ways in which you can lower your cholesterol:

Eat Certain Foods Which Can Curb Cholesterol

Among these are fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach and potatoes. Also eat dried fruits and fresh fruits like apples, apricots and grapes. Eat legumes like black-eyed peas, lentils and lima beans. Eat whole grains such as barley, brown rice and oats to provide adequate fiber. Eat chicken breast, margarine, fish, lean meat, Drink skim milk, and use olive oil to prepare your meals and drizzle on salads.

Do Not Eat

Avoid fatty foods which cause buildup of fat in the blood. Avoid or eat sparingly sausages, hamburgers, minced meat, chicken skin and legs. Avoid also pizzas, lamb chops, chocolate, eggs and egg products; also, all dairy products such as cream, milk, butter, yogurt, cheese and custard.

Take Medication

Some people, in spite of a strict diet, still have problems in keeping their cholesterol levels under control. These people require lifelong medical management. Their doctors will prescribe necessary medication designed to lower the level of fat in the blood. Diet does not have much effect when fatty deposits of cholesterol are deposited inside the arteries and remain permanently.

New drugs on the market may partially remove the deposits, but that is over a long period of time, involving several years. Surgery can also help in clearing clogged arteries. Check your cholesterol every five years. However, patients who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol should check it on a three-month basis. You will feel guilty each time you indulge in any of those foods mentioned as "Do not eat" above, and your doctor will also show you, through blood tests, where you have gone off course. Read more about lowering your cholesterol here.

Learn more about this author, Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.