Lowering Cholesterol: Non-Medical Cholesterol Treatments1The general consensus in cholesterol management is “the lower, the better.” There are two major lifestyle modifications for lowering cholesterol.
- Diet: This is the obvious first step in improving one’s cholesterol profile. Maintaining an appropriate weigh is essential. Diets should be low in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fats (ex. olive oil, avocados, nuts), fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. (See Nutrition for more comprehensive approaches to improving diet).
- Exercise: Exercise is also extremely important for cholesterol management. For adults age 18 or greater, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) or 75 minutes per week of intense aerobic activity (jogging/running) plus at least 2 days per week of muscle strengthening activity working all muscle groups.2 (See Exercise for more comprehensive approaches to initiating an exercise regimen).
References1. Citkowitz E. Familial Hypercholesterolemia. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/121298-overview#a0101: Medscape Reference; 2012.2. Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011.