Cholestrol Lowering Naturally

[Michael1947]

Hi Im needing some ideas on how to lower my cholestrol naturally. I am starting on physillium husk tonight and watching my diet

[andyswarbs]

With the psyllium husk make sure you take plenty of water and please talk to your doctor about whether it is appropriate for you.

The starting point, for my money, is to remove animal foods from your diet since that is the only source of dietary cholesterol, otherwise you are just making life more difficult for yourself. The next dietary change is to reduce saturated fats, so this generally includes nuts. The third dietary change is removal of refined oils. Don't do these changes overnight, rather gradually migrate and watch that cholesterol begin to drop safely.

Just as important as what to remove from your diet is what to include. The cornerstone is fibre. I don't mean breakfast cereals with "added fibre" but rather the fibre that is around whole plant foods.

[Hidden]

Hi Michael1947, firstly physillium husk is very hydroscopic so it absorbs a lot of moisture and acts like a super roughage and is used for colonic irrigation. It's an emulsifier therefor a thickener and used in many Pakistani dishes. So I would be careful you don't end up with the runs.

Here's a couple of links about reducing cholesterol on a plant based diet which also apply regardless. Its also important to avoid foods that will increase your cholesterol:

onegreenplanet.org/natural-...

pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nut...

And good luck with your new dietary regime. 👍

[Tudee in reply to Hidden]

I enjoy the delights of lentils, mung and barley daily they great carriers of any flavourings and spices you wish to add. I eat a dish if those singularly or mixed together, they act as blotting paper for bad cholestrol I am told.

[Zest]

Hi Michael1947

Welcome to the Healthy eating forum. I hope you'll enjoy participating here. There is also a Health Unlocked community called 'Cholesterol Support' which you might also find helpful.

Zest

[Penel]

Much will depend on the reason you need to lower your levels. If you have raised blood pressure, or ongoing heart problems, then it would be a good idea to try a vegetarian diet. Cholesterol levels go up naturally at the menopause and are unlikely be a cause for concern, unless there are other health problems.

If you have slightly raised levels, cutting out sugar, processed foods such as white bread, most breakfast cereals etc, upping the veg, may be enough to see a result.

Pysillium husk may not make a difference, unless you have been eating a very unhealthy diet. Porridge would be a better option, without the possible side effects of psyllium.

[Hidden]

There's a cholesterol forum on H U that is very good for advice.

You don't say what you eating or anything on your life style when you was diagnosed with high cholesterol.

I think its important when asking for advice to give something about yourself.

[Want2BHappy3]

Drop the Fatty food and eat more foods with fiber

[Cooper27 Administrator]

I've read that it's also important to watch your salt intake, so keep an eye on that too. There's salt hiding in more places than you realise

[DianaTrapani]

My total levels were borderline high. I talked with a life coach who is also a certified nutritionist. She was a wealth of info about diet changes, exercise, sleep and more. You might want to find one near you.