How can I lower my cholesterol level quickly?
Asked by
janbb (
62878
)
September 23rd, 2009
I’ve never had a problem with high cholesterol but the last time I went for a physical, my number was 235. My doctor said he would suggest a statin if it isn’t down by my next visit in November. Is that really a number to worry about? I don’t want to go on medication. I do feel that I eat quite healthfully with occasional indulgences (that I don’t want to give up.) If I lose 5–10 pounds will that help? (I am about 15–20 pounds overweight.) Is a slice of pizza for lunch 2–3 times a week a problem? I only eat meat about once a month and generally have seafood, fish or veggies/hummus or cheese (sometimes) for my meals. I walk a few times a week and do water aerobics two to four times a week. Any thoughts? Anyone here on a statin?
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13 Answers
Get yourself some oatbran fast!
Exercise can help. Also reduce your fat intake.
The pizza is definitely contributing to you cholesterol problem. these three sites offer great suggestions
Oat bran for breakfast is tasty. Oat fiber can be added to foods also and can be found at most health stores.
You will need at least 3 grams of oat fiber per day to reduce your cholesterol, though I’d personally aim for 10gms if this were a problem for me.
Eliminate your saturated fat intake if you can during this time.
Increase your fruits and vegetable intake (the fiber will help you lower your cholesterol intake).
And, do as @Judi & @Facade said ^^^ up there. Say goodbye to the pizza for now (unless you’re making it yourself from scratch) and get some aerobic exercise daily.
I don’t think @janbb has to completely give up pizza, but having it 2–3 times a week is no good for anyone as I chomp chomp on some Pizza Hut
Lose the weight. That is likely to take care of your problem. Don’t stop at 5 or ten pounds either. Go for all twenty.
@Facade I’d agree, once the cholesterol is lowered.
Remove all deli meat, hot dogs, etc. from your diet.
Look at dietary cholesterol on food labels and avoid foods with high levels (such as coconut milk).
Eat a handful of walnuts every day.
Add salmon or tuna to your diet two servings a week.
Olive oil
Here is a list from the Mayo Clinic.
You may want to try some dietary supplements. Here is a list of those from the Mayo Clinic.
We managed to lower my husband’s so significantly, he did not have to go on statins. the doctor was really surprised.
Years ago I had cholesterol that was a little high (not as high as you mention) and blood pressure that was a little high. My doctor told me to work up to an hour a day of cardio exercise. I worked up to brisk walking for an hour or more every day (at least 6 times a week), and within a month both of these numbers were significantly better. I had a bit more fiber, but the big change was exercise for me. Within that time I lost a little weight (maybe 5–7 lbs?) but noticed the biggest change in how quickly I could recover a resting heart rate.
Since then I’ve had some time where I’ve maintained the weight loss but fallen on and off the exercise wagon. The biggest change is always whether I’m exercising regularly or not.
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