Low-density lipoproteins are linked with raised risks for cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. To lower LDL levels, doctors generally prescribe statin drugs. Some of the major side effects of statin drugs are muscle pain, weakness, liver damage, rash, memory loss, and confusion. When side effects are noticed, doctors generally switch from one statin drug to another, but the problem of side effects remains with all statin drugs.
Our food habits and lifestyle are responsible for raised low-density lipoprotein and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Since high cholesterol levels are a big problem these days, cholesterol management is extremely urgent to prevent heart diseases.
Apart from statin drugs, there are many natural ways, such as food and herbs that help lower the raised cholesterol levels. We can lower the cholesterol levels by making very simple changes to our food and lifestyle habits. It is now the general opinion that statin drugs have many side effects and should be avoided to lower cholesterol.
- Quitting smoking is essential to lower the raised cholesterol levels. It also lowers the risk of hypertension.
- Limiting alcohol intake is another step taken towards natural cholesterol management.
- Stick to low-fat food. Low-fat foods such as salads, green vegetables, skim milk, and fruits are healthy alternatives to statin drugs to lower raised LDL levels. Cutting down on whole milk, cream, and butter from food is also very important.
- Including fish is a healthy food option for better cholesterol management. Omega-3 fatty acids protect us from heart diseases and lower cholesterol, mainly low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides.
- Incorporating oatmeal in food is also a healthy choice to manage LDLs.
- Olive oil, being a natural source of antioxidants, can lower low-density lipoproteins. Taking 20 milliliters of olive oil per day is sufficient.
- Including garlic in our food is the best solution to control raised LDL levels. Garlic is a cholesterol- and fat-burning food.
- Fenugreek can be a natural alternative to statin drugs. It lowers raised low-density lipoproteins levels. It has cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, and pain-relieving properties as well.
- Now that you are aware of the healthy alternatives to statin drugs, it is time you managed your cholesterol naturally and work towards low LDL levels.
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