Did you know that statin drugs which are a commonly prescribed medication to reduce high cholesterol do not come without side effects?
In fact, studies have found adverse effects such as muscle pain, memory loss, and even elevated liver enzymes.
This makes it even more important to do what you can with dietary and lifestyle changes to get your cholesterol levels under control naturally and without the use of potentially harmful medication.
Having high cholesterol can put you at risk for developing heart disease, and it’s something that a lot of people suffer from.
To help you naturally control your cholesterol, here are three tips to get you started:
Tip #1: Supplement with Red Yeast Rice
It contains chemicals that are similar to prescription statin medications. One of these, called monacolin K, has the same makeup as the drug lovastatin (Mevacor). Doctors prescribe statins to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tip #2: Keep Trans & Hydrogenated Fat Out of Your Diet
These are two of the worst types of fats you can consume, and they are found in things like baked goods, crackers, margarine, and certain candies. Be sure to read all food labels and completely eliminate any type of trans or hydrogenated fat from your diet.
Tip #3: Enjoy More Fiber Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol. Try including things like oats, yams, and sweet potatoes in your diet. Other fruits and vegetables are also great sources of fiber and can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet.
For this week’s challenge, I challenge you to consume a cholesterol friendly diet by enjoying some of the following foods
- Oats
- Dark leafy greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Wild-caught salmon
- Berries
- Apples
- Pears