How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Dr. Anita Petruzzelli ♦ January 12, 2012 ♦ 2 Comments

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that statin use increased the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women. Many medications have side effects.

What can you do to lower your cholesterol naturally and avoid taking a statin?

Following a diet that is low in fat and low calorie such as the American Heart Association’s TLC diet (www.americanheart.org) can help.

Another diet, the Portfolio diet has also been scientifically shown to lower cholesterol as much as a statin. It consists of soy protein 35 g/a day, soluble fiber (Metamucil, psyllium, oatmeal, barley, beans, apples, eggplant etc.) 18 g/day, plan sterols (margarines like Benecol, Take Control, Heart Wise, etc.), and 20 whole raw almonds a day.

The Mediterranean diet which I blogged about earlier has also been shown to lower cholesterol.

Moderate aerobic activity at least 30 min. five days a week or vigorous aerobic activity 20 min. three days a week and strength training two days a week have been shown to lower cholesterol as well.

Three to 4 gms of fish oil a day that contain EPA and DHA at a 3:2 ratio plus GLA (gamma linoleic acid) 50 to 90% of your total EPA/DHA ratio with mixed vitamin E has also been shown to lower cholesterol .

For more information on how to lower your cholesterol naturally you can read Michael Ozner’s, The Great American Heart Hoax or consult with a BodyLogicMD physician.