You may already know that not all cholesterol—a waxy, fat-like substance found in the human body's cells—is bad for you. In fact, we all need some cholesterol for our bodies to digest food and function properly. There actually are two kinds of cholesterol in the body. One is HDL cholesterol and the other is LDL cholesterol. The liver makes cholesterol, and we also get cholesterol from certain foods. So, what does it mean to have "bad" cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol consists of high-density lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is a combination of fat (lipid) and protein. HDL is considered the "good" cholesterol because it helps the liver to remove cholesterol from the body. LDL cholesterol, which is also known as "bad" cholesterol, consists of low-density lipoproteins.
LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" as other substances in the blood can combine with it to form plaque deposits in the walls of blood vessels. As a general rule, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Plaque can lead to narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. This may result in a heart attack and stroke. If you are struggling with a high LDL level, here are a few natural remedies that can help to lower LDL cholesterol and improve your health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that physical treatments and the consumption of herbal remedies can help to lower bad cholesterol. The treatments range from stress relief, natural, healthy weight loss, and treatment of indigestion or lack of qi (vital energy force) in the liver and kidneys.
To lower your LDL cholesterol, be sure to consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol daily. Animal-based foods and organ meats, shrimp, egg yolk, and dairy products contain cholesterol.
It's also important to increase your intake of foods that are rich in soluble fiber. These include whole-grain cereals like oatmeal and bran, legumes like chickpeas, lentils, kidney and lima beans, and black-eyed peas.
Eating fruits and vegetables can provide your body with a compound called sterols. It works in the same way as soluble fiber to lower cholesterol levels in your body.
Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are important sources of good fats. They can regulate cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Moreover, ingredients that are rich in antioxidant properties, like black garlic, may lower cholesterol levels and improve overall metabolic health.
Maintaining a healthy weight helps to keep blood cholesterol levels in check. Eat low-calorie foods and exercise regularly to burn fat and maintain your weight.
This TCM practice stimulates your body's natural self-healing process by inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin at specific acupoints. It can improve digestion, sleep quality, and overall sense of well-being.
Ancient therapies like baguan (cupping) and gua sha (scraping) help revitalize the circulatory system and reduce "dampness," improving metabolism and oxygen delivery to cells.
A TCM practitioner may recommend certain herbs to help maintain normal LDL cholesterol by supporting healthy weight loss, improving digestion, and addressing qi deficiencies. Red yeast rice extract contains natural statins like monacolin K, which can lower LDL cholesterol.
Herbal teas with organic turmeric powder provide curcumin, which lowers and prevents LDL oxidation and suppresses plaque build-up. Similarly, Hawthorn berries can regulate cholesterol levels and improve blood flow.
A holistic approach to your health that includes natural remedies can be a powerful way to regulate cholesterol and maintain overall well-being.
