Life or Death -- Lower Cholesterol Naturally!

You many not even feel it. In fact, you probably won't. Its not like a broken arm or arthritis. Most often there is no pain associated with high cholesterol at all. So why should you worry about it -- much less worry about how to naturally lower cholesterol?

Simply this: High cholesterol can kill.

What is high cholesterol exactly. Cholesterol is made naturally by your body and is essential for healthy circulatory well being. In the right combination of HDL - high density lipoprotein (the happy, or good guys), and LDL - low density lipoprotein (the lousy, or bad guys), your arteries are supple and flexible. But in the wrong combination -- with LDL too high and HDL not high enough, plaque can build up in your arteries -- which also start becoming less flexible - and the trouble begins.

From the time the plaque starts building, and the arteries start hardening -- you become a walking time bomb! You are now a candidate for a stroke, heart disease, heart attack -- or yes, even death! The number one killer in the United States -- of both men and women is heart attack.

Hopefully, if you have high cholesterol, I now have your attention. The first line of defense is to try to naturally lower cholesterol. Yes, you can take a pill. But pills often have harsh side effects and unless you alter your life-style, you could still be at risk.

How to Naturally Lower Cholesterol

First are the dietary changes:

• Add high fiber foods to your diet -- including raw and steamed vegetables, hearty whole grains, beans and lentils.
• Eat a handful of almonds each day -- almonds are high in plant sterols and are great to help lower cholesterol naturally. Don't over do it though as almonds are high in calories.
• More fish, less red meat. Fish, especially salmon, contain Omega-3's that help to lower cholesterol. Red meat on the other hand are high in cholesterol -- just adding to your dilemma.
• Drink plenty of water -- this is a good idea regardless of your cholesterol levels. It keeps you hydrated, it helps keep your skin supple and more youthful looking,and it keeps your body functioning like the well tuned machine that it is!
  
• One more dietary tip -- lose weight. If you are overweight, cholesterol is probably just one of your problems. Losing just 10% of your current body weight can significant lower your overall cholesterol.

The second changes involve getting off the couch:

• Move more to improve muscle mass and cardiovascular functioning.
• Incorporate moderate weight lifting into a basic workout regimen. If you're a woman, not only will you lower your cholesterol, you will also be building stronger bones.
• Add some aerobic exercises at least five days each week. These can be small changes, like walking Fido, or riding you bicycle, or just taking a brisk walk.
  
• Exercising 30 minutes a day -- even in three 10 minute intervals will make a big difference.

The best way is to naturally lower cholesterol, because by so doing you begin establishing a healthy life-style that can serve you in so many ways! You'll eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, lose weight, exercise and you'll be reaping all of the rewards of living a healthier life.

You will not only ward off high cholesterol, but you will add years of high quality living!