Having high blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart diseases. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body needs in order to produce cells and certain hormones. The liver produces all types of cholesterol that the body needs naturally, but the body also acquires plenty of extra cholesterol from the food eaten.

Read on to learn more about high cholesterol, including diet tips and home remedies to help lower high cholesterol.

Symptoms

In most cases, people with high cholesterol show no signs or symptoms. Often people learn that they have high blood cholesterol levels only after developing life-threatening complications, such as a heart attack or stroke. That is why experts recommend routine cholesterol screening for people over the age of 20-30.

Causes

One of the most common causes of high cholesterol is the intake of high saturated fats and trans fats. Lifestyle factors, such as inactivity and smoking, also increases the risk of developing high cholesterol. Diabetes, liver diseases, kidney diseases, underactive thyroid gland, and certain medications are also associated with increased cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol also tends to run in families. This means that an individual may likely have high cholesterol if their parents have had it.

Home remedies and diet changes to help lower high cholesterol levels:

Making dietary changes is an effective way to lower cholesterol levels. Natural home remedies and lifestyle changes also help reduce high cholesterol. Health experts usually recommend following these tips to control total cholesterol levels.

• Limiting saturated fats
  Reducing the consumption of foods high in saturated fats can reduce “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Saturated fats are commonly found in red meat and full-fat dairy products.
• Avoiding trans fats
  Trans fats are known to be the worst type of fats. They are unhealthy and raise overall cholesterol levels. Trans fats are often found in cakes, crackers, store-bought cookies, and fried foods, like french fries.
• Adding Omega-3s
  These are healthy fatty acids that the body needs. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for the heart. Some excellent sources of omega-3s include mackerel, salmon, herring, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
• Eating more soluble fiber
  Eating foods high in soluble fiber daily can reduce the total number of “bad” cholesterols by about 10% in just four weeks. Soluble fiber can be obtained in foods like beans, legumes, whole grains, and citrus fruits.
• Exercising regularly
  Studies have shown that exercise can help raise “good” or HDL cholesterol and balance total cholesterol levels. Even 20-30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity three times per week is enough. People can engage in activities like brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling.

• Maintaining a healthy weight
  Obesity is one of the risk factors for high cholesterol. It raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol. So, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important. Experts recommend replacing sugary beverages with water, avoiding sweet candies, and being more physically active to maintain a healthy weight.
• Quitting smoking
  Quitting smoking can be very helpful in improving cholesterol. Smoking interferes with blood circulation and adversely affects lung function. Studies indicate that people can reduce their risk of heart disease by about 50% within a year after they quit smoking.
• Reducing alcohol consumption
  Although small amounts of alcohol have been linked to raising “good” cholesterol levels, excess consumption can prove to be harmful. Excess alcohol consumption can lead to problems like high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.

Treatment

Dietary changes and natural home remedies are the best ways of controlling cholesterol levels in the blood. But if the levels continue to remain high even after making these lifestyle changes, medication is the next best option. There are many types of medications used to lower cholesterol levels, so it’s important to consult with a doctor before taking any medication.