If high cholesterol levels are giving you sleepless nights, then follow these simple steps to lower your cholesterol levels naturally…

Remember, high cholesterol levels can up your risk for heart disease. However alarming that may sound, the good news is that cholesterol is pretty easy to lower by following these simple steps in your everyday life…

The first thing you need to do is to consult with your doctor. Let him decide whether you need medication or mere lifestyle changes will work for you. Then get started:

• Did you know controlling your weight can be your first step towards controlling your cholesterol? So your aim should be to shed a few kilos to see the difference. This can be done through portion control, eating healthy and exercising.
• If you are a smoker, consider quitting. A simple step like this could alter your cholesterol levels straightaway.
• Start exercising. Walking at a moderate pace for half an hour everyday can do the trick. It increases your heart rate and heart health. You may not see immediate results, but over a few months you will definitely see lower cholesterol levels.
• Go all out at increasing your intake of fruits, fibre and vegetables in your diet. The soluble fibre in beans works wonders at lowering cholesterol levels.
• Omega 3 fatty acids are the miracle which can lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good one. This can be found in salmon, mackerel and other fish. Red meats are best avoided. If you don’t eat fish, consider popping an Omega 3 supplement / pill.
• It’s important to make healthy eating choices. Learn to read nutrition labels and learn to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fats. Saturated fats (or fats that solidify at room temperature) are bad for cholesterol, and therefore best avoided.
• Stress can push up cholesterol levels. Find a stress-buster that works for you. Choose from meditation, Yoga, pranayama or even a hobby that relaxes you. You could even consider adopting / keeping a pet. Staying stress free can lower blood pressure and consequently the cholesterol.

Cholesterol is made out to be the bad guy, but the fact remains it’s an indicator of your heart health. Get in control of it now!