High cholesterol can be lowered somewhat by exercise and somewhat by avoiding saturated and trans fats in the diet. Foods containing high fiber, especially soluble fiber like that found in abundance in oat bran, will also lower cholesterol. Even a high fiber drink like Metamucil will soak up cholesterol. I don't know if you count niacin or red rice yeast as medications, but both will lower cholesterol although niacin is known to have the side effect of flushing of the skin.
There are a few ways to help lower your cholesterol without using medication. They are, exercise regularly, eat low salt low fat meals and a well balanced diet with different fruits, veggies, grain, and dairy.
The Mayo clinic states that the top five foods best used to lower/maintain cholesterol level are: Oatmeal, Fish (omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, olive oil, and foods with added plant sterols (margarine, orange juice, etc.). Maintaining a constant healthy diet with the above foods daily can significantly help lower cholesterol levels without medication.
Medication used to lower levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides
Lowering cholesterol can be done with both diet and medication. If your cholesterol is high, your doctor will discuss how to eat healthier to lower your cholesterol. Medication can be used to lower your cholesterol if your numbers are very high. Your doctor will discuss the benefits of medication with you. Avoid foods high in cholesterol such as animal fats and saturated fats in butter and oil. Heart healthy oils like olive oil should be used in moderation. Replace red meat with fish and seafood that are low in saturated fat.
Stop using lard, use vegetable oil and bake everything if possible. I lost 40 pounds and do not take cholesterol medicine any more. I eat Chicken and Fish and it worked for me.
A change in diet can reduce high cholesterol. The aim of treatment (diet and medication) is to reduce the cholesterol level below the average for the population, i.e. less than 4.5 mmol/L or 175 mg/dl for adults.
A medication in the "statin" category used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
A cholesterol level of 5.8 is considered borderline high. It is important to discuss these results with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, which may include lifestyle changes or medication to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
There is a website that will give you tips on how to lower your cholesterol. This site is cholesterol-info.net. This site offers a variety of ways that you could use to reduce and lower your cholesterol level
To lower cholesterol there are several things that can be done. Some of the options are medication, exercise, and a better diet. A website with all the information is http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/11-tips-to-cut-your-cholesterol-fast?page=2.
You should try to maintain a total cholesterol level of below 5.2 and a LDL cholesterol level of below 2.6. To help you lower your cholesterol level, you should eat more whole grains and vegetables, and less red meat, especially fatty meats.
LDL cholesterol is sometimes called the "bad cholesterol." It can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease or heart attack. Your doctor will want to check your LDL cholesterol at least every five years. A normal cholesterol level is less than 100. Slightly high is 100-129, 130-159 is borderline high, 160-189 is considered high and anything over 190 is considered high. If your cholesterol level is too high, your doctor will discuss ways for you to lower your levels. This can be done with diet, exercise and medication.