How do you lower LDL cholesterol?

Answer 1

The only ways we can voluntarily control the level of cholesterol in our bodies are with the way we eat and the meds we take.

Most control is done involuntarily, by our enzymes and hormones. For example, when the enzymes that break down LDL don't work well, we get too much LDL building up in our blood. (LDL is often called "bad cholesterol.) These are affected by genetics: if your parents have high LDL and subsequent strokes and heart attacks, you are at risk, too!!!

It used to be popular to eat less cholesterol to lower the amount in our blood, but it turns out, that for most of us, if we eat less then our livers compensate by making more! And if we eat more, our livers make less. Why would our livers make such horrible stuff anyway? Because cholesterol is a necessary part of every cell wall in our bodies, and is also critical in protecting our nerves and keeping minerals in our bones (preventing osteoporosis).

LDL levels are lower (and HDL, "healthy" cholesterol, is higher) in people who eat less saturated fat, are at a healthy weight (or have lost some poundage), don't smoke, eat plenty of fiber and not too much sugar and alcohol. AND exercise regularly. But we all knew that.

The good news is that eggs (high cholesterol) are good for us to eat again, and that oils (apart from the calories making us fat if we use too much) are healthy, too. Any fat that is liquid at room temperature (about 70 fahrenheit) is mostly UNsaturated, the healthy type.

Answer 2

A high quality fish oil supplement will reduce your LDL levels.

Answer 3

To raise LDL levels, eat more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet (or supplements).

Answer 4

You can lower LDL cholesterol by eating healthy and exercising often and some doctors will put you on a cholesterol med to lower it quickly and to keep it steady.

Answer 5

no