Ways to lower cholesterol. How to reduce blood cholesterol. Products and folk remedies. High cholesterol: probable causes and possible consequences
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Content
Cholesterol performs an important function in the human body, so its presence is not a bad sign. However, there is a division into “good” and “bad” fractions of this substance. When a blood test for cholesterol shows high levels, you should start lowering it. This can be done with the help of diet, folk recipes or medications.
How and with what to reduce blood cholesterol at home
When indicators go beyond normal limits, various problems may arise in the body associated with the deterioration of the blood vessels (blockages, narrowing of the lumen). High levels of the substance (hypercholesterolemia) can provoke the development of stroke and myocardial infarction. The human heart and vascular system are under attack. To quickly lower the level of a harmful substance in the blood, cholesterol-lowering pills are used. If the normal indicator is slightly increased, you can use folk recipes and diet.
No drugs
Not every person is ready to start taking medications for any ailment, which are often very expensive. In cases where a slight reduction is necessary, a cholesterol-lowering diet will help. Reducing the consumption of certain foods and increasing others can normalize blood cholesterol levels. Also, with increased levels, traditional medicine can come to the rescue with recipes for tinctures, decoctions of garlic, herbs and oats.
Using cholesterol-lowering foods
The diet for high cholesterol is not strict, does not have any special time restrictions, and you can stick to it constantly. You cannot eat fried, salty, spicy, or alcohol. You can create a diet at your own discretion, based on the following permitted products that will help treat high cholesterol in the blood:
- Complex carbohydrates: pasta, grain bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables.
- Protein: cottage cheese, white fish, lean red meat, white meat (skinless poultry). Meat dishes need to be boiled, stewed or baked; stewed vegetables go well with them as a side dish.
- Eggs - no more than 4 per day, but if you separate the yolk, then consumption is not limited in any way.
- Sugar - no more than 50 g per day with elevated cholesterol levels.
- All fermented milk products are allowed, provided the fat content is not higher than 1%.
Folk remedies for high cholesterol
There are special folk decoctions and remedies that effectively reduce high cholesterol. To cleanse blood vessels from atherosclerotic growths, reduce the risk of the formation of cholesterol plaques, and remove toxins, traditional methods are suitable. The following remedies are considered the most popular and effective:
- Calendula infusion. To treat high cholesterol, take 30 drops before meals, the course should last a month (at least).
- Flax seeds. You can buy them at the pharmacy for a small amount. To treat high cholesterol, it is added to food in whole or crushed form.
- Alfalfa. Young sprouts of this herb should be eaten raw, 15-20 blades per day. The leaves of the plant can be ground to extract the juice. For treatment and 3 times a day, consume 2 liters.
- Squeeze 10 cloves of garlic through a press, pour in 2 cups of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 7 days. Use the infusion for treatment as a seasoning for food.
Medicines
In cases of a sharp change in the content and the necessary rapid treatment of high cholesterol in the blood, drug therapy is prescribed. There are several groups of drugs that are well suited for treatment. As a rule, a patient with high cholesterol is prescribed:
- Statins. A cholesterol medicine that blocks the production of enzymes involved in its formation. According to clinical data, a reduction of 60% can be achieved. Drugs in this group increase the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which protect the body from heart attack and stroke, and can reduce the amount of triglycerides. The most common drugs from this group were Lexol, Baykol, Mevacor. The main contraindication is pregnancy; in other people it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Fibric acids help lower the level of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, which cause the development of atherosclerosis when in excess. They reduce cholesterol by prescribing Clofibrate, Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate.
- A group of medications that interact with bile acid. Medicines are prescribed as often as statins. Sometimes these groups of drugs are taken simultaneously, which simplifies the fight and helps cure the disease faster. As a rule, when levels are elevated, Colestid or Questran are prescribed to quickly reduce them.
Which doctor should I contact?
Increased cholesterol in the blood has a negative effect on the functioning of the heart and vascular system. A cardiologist treats these diseases, but to confirm, he will definitely send you for a general blood test. Based on its data, it will be easy to determine whether a person suffers from high cholesterol, so it would be correct to have it done immediately at the clinic. To get rid of the root cause of high cholesterol, it is necessary to determine what was the impetus for this. Doctors can prescribe therapy and methods of reduction: endocrinologist, therapist, cardiologist.
People whose tests revealed elevated cholesterol levels are not alone: more than a million cases of atherosclerosis are diagnosed in Russia every year. Deviation of the analysis from the norm is dangerous not only by disorders of fat metabolism in the body, but also by a high risk of developing acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Why high cholesterol is dangerous and how to reduce its concentration in the blood: let's figure it out.
What is cholesterol
Before you learn how to get rid of cholesterol, it is important to find out where it comes from in the body. It is interesting that an increase in the concentration of this substance in the blood is always polyetiological, that is, it has many reasons.
So, cholesterol (from the Greek “chole” - bile and “steros” - solid) is one of the products of fat metabolism in the body. According to chemical classification, it has the structure of a polycyclic lipophilic alcohol.
Cholesterol is found in the cell membranes of all living organisms, with the exception of fungi and prokaryotes.
About 80% of all cholesterol found in the human body is synthesized in the liver. Only a small part of this organic compound comes from food - 20%. The substance is necessary for the body and performs several important functions:
- Being part of the plasma cell membrane, cholesterol makes it more elastic, but at the same time pliable. This reduces the risk of cell damage, and the substance is called a mast cell membrane stabilizer.
- Fatty alcohol regulates cell wall permeability and minimizes damage to red blood cells by some hemolytic poisons.
- Cholesterol is at the beginning of the biochemical chain of adrenal hormone synthesis. It is part of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and steroid sex hormones.
- The substance is also involved in the production of vitamin D in the liver.
Cholesterol is practically insoluble in water and cannot move through the vascular bed as part of liquid blood. Therefore, immediately after production by hepatocytes, it is picked up by special carrier proteins - apolipoproteins. Depending on the ratio of fat and protein in the composition of such a transport form, several fractions of cholesterol are distinguished:
- (not normally detected in the human body) – large bulky compounds containing a lot of cholesterol and little protein;
- VLDL, LDL – protein-fat complexes of very low and low density, in which the volume of fat significantly exceeds the volume of protein;
- – lipoproteins of the smallest diameter, containing a lot of protein and little fat.
Not all fractions of cholesterol are considered harmful. VLDL and LDL are the most dangerous in terms of the development of atherosclerosis, and HDL, on the contrary, belongs to anti-atherogenic, beneficial lipids.
High cholesterol: probable causes and possible consequences
Numerous clinical studies confirm the connection between cholesterol levels and human health. In this case, not only the level of TC (total cholesterol), but also its fractions is important. Also in medicine, there is such a concept as the atherogenic coefficient - the ratio of good and bad cholesterol, reflecting the risk of developing atherosclerosis and its complications in each individual patient.
Normal values of TC are 3.3-5.2 mmol/l, atherogenicity coefficient is 3.
Factors that increase blood cholesterol levels include:
- overeating, regular consumption of large amounts of fatty foods, fast food, easily digestible carbohydrates;
- excess weight;
- smoking;
- alcohol abuse;
- insufficient physical activity, physical inactivity;
- violation of the outflow of bile in the liver and bile ducts;
- chronic liver pathology;
- endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc.);
- genetic predisposition, hereditary diseases (so-called dyslipidemia).
An increase in the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, especially due to its harmful fractions, leads to the appearance of fatty deposits in the vessels - atherosclerotic plaques. Their progressive growth and compaction is one of the important factors of insufficient blood supply to internal organs. Blood flows to them with difficulty through narrowed arteries clogged with cholesterol plaques, and body tissues experience acute or chronic deficiency in oxygen and nutrients.
As a rule, the first to suffer from elevated levels are:
- heart;
- brain;
- kidneys;
- lower limbs.
According to statistics, vascular atherosclerosis is detected in 76% of patients with chronic cardiovascular pathology. This metabolic disorder increases the risk of mortality from such serious complications by 2-3 times as:
- acute myocardial infarction;
- circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain (stroke).
In addition, atherosclerosis can be a direct cause:
- coronary heart disease;
- dyscirculatory encephalopathy;
- persistent “renal” hypertension;
- insufficient blood supply to the lower extremities.
Therefore, early detection of high cholesterol in the blood and timely correction of the condition remains a priority task of modern medicine. Unfortunately, treatment of metabolic disorders requires a lot of time and active collaboration between the doctor and the patient. Below are current methods to get rid of excess cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing complications of atherosclerosis.
Getting rid of cholesterol correctly
If you are thinking about your health and decide to start an active fight against cholesterol, you need to know about the basic principles of treating the condition. It is worth getting rid of atherosclerosis only if you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, including:
- lifestyle tips;
- rules of rational and balanced nutrition;
- long-term use of lipid-lowering drugs;
- the use of folk remedies as an additional method of treatment.
What needs to be changed in your lifestyle
Lifestyle is the first thing a person with high cholesterol should pay attention to. Observe the following rules:
- Reduce body weight. Excess weight is one of the factors of metabolic disorders. The more fat you become, the higher the cholesterol level in your blood. At the same time, the most effective ways to lose weight remain proper nutrition and exercise.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine is not only dangerous for the lungs, but also causes progressive narrowing of peripheral vessels, worsening the course of atherosclerosis.
- Engage in permitted physical activity. Swimming, yoga, race walking or dancing will give you a lot of positive emotions and will help get rid of cholesterol in the blood.
- Treat chronic diseases. Metabolic and endocrine disorders usually respond successfully to drug correction. Compensating for the condition will reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
- Limit stress at home and at work. Vacations, doing what you love, relaxing with friends and family will help relieve psycho-emotional stress.
Proper nutrition is an important stage in the treatment of atherosclerosis
Excessive cholesterol intake from food is one of the main factors in the development of atherosclerosis. To normalize metabolism in the body and reduce the level of “bad” fats in the blood, it is important to follow the following recommendations:
- Completely eliminate cholesterol “bombs” from your diet - foods with a maximum content of fatty alcohol. First of all, these include lard and fatty meat, brains, kidneys and other offal, mature hard cheeses.
- If possible, replace refined vegetable oil with olive oil. It contains more nutrients and anti-atherogenic lipids.
- Limit your egg intake to 3 per week. You should not exclude them completely: despite the relatively high cholesterol content, the yolks contain the substance lecithin, which can normalize fat metabolism in the body and reduce the level of harmful lipids in the body.
- Diversify your diet with legumes. , peas, chickpeas, lentils and other types have high nutritional value, but do not contain cholesterol at all. Therefore, they can even partially replace meat dishes.
- Fruits and vegetables should form the basis of a lipid-lowering diet. Their high fiber content stimulates digestion and normalizes metabolism. In addition, these products directly lower blood cholesterol. Citrus fruits can be considered real medicine: by eating half a fragrant grapefruit for breakfast every day, you can reduce the concentration of harmful lipids by 7%. Among the vegetables, onions, broccoli, and carrots are considered the healthiest.
- Try oat bran or corn bran. They also fill the gastrointestinal tract with fiber, promote weight loss and normalize fat metabolism in the body. It is enough to eat 50-100 g of the product per day in the form of porridge or muesli.
- Eat only lean meats, removing all visible fat before cooking. Experts recommend eating beef 1-2 times a week, and the serving weight should not exceed 150-200 g.
- Milk and dairy products are also sources of cholesterol. You can eat them, but try to choose products with a low fat content. Cream, condensed milk, and fatty cheeses are prohibited. But low-fat yogurt, milk and Adyghe cheese can even be useful. They saturate the body with necessary substances and promote blood circulation.
- Garlic is one of the effective products for the treatment of atherosclerosis. In addition to traditional medicine, which will be discussed in the section below, it is useful to add the product to salads, first and second courses. Remember that when cooked, garlic loses all its antiatherogenic properties.
- Give up. The invigorating drink contains the substance cafestol, which indirectly affects cholesterol levels. It is better to replace coffee with tea, fruit compotes or rosehip decoction.
Medicines to get rid of cholesterol
The decision on the need to prescribe tablets is made by the doctor, based on the initial level of the organic compound in the blood and the dynamics of the patient’s condition. Drug treatment of atherosclerosis is carried out with drugs from several groups:
- Statins;
- Fibrates;
- Sequestrants of bile acids (bile acids);
- Nicotinic acid derivatives;
- Omega-3,6 fatty acids.
Statins
Statins are the most popular drugs today that help get rid of high cholesterol. These include:
- Lovastatin;
- Simvastatin;
- Fluvastatin;
- Pravastatin;
- Cerivastatin;
- Atorvastatin;
- Rosuvastatin.
The mechanism of action of statins is based on reducing the ability of liver cells to produce endogenous (own) cholesterol. Their clinical effectiveness has been repeatedly confirmed by large-scale clinical studies. Within three months of regular use, normalization of lipid profile parameters was observed in 68% of subjects.
Nevertheless, the question of prescribing drugs from this group must be agreed with the attending physician. Undesirable effects that can be achieved after taking statins include:
- asymptomatic increase in the level of liver enzymes in the blood;
- rhabdomyolysis – pathology of muscle tissue;
- stomach ache;
- problems with stool (usually constipation);
- myopia (nearsightedness).
The course of treatment with statins, like any other drugs, is determined by the doctor individually. On average, to permanently get rid of cholesterol, you have to take pills for 3-6 months.
Fibrates
- another group of lipid-lowering drugs. Their mechanism of action is based on increasing the concentration of antiatherogenic cholesterol fractions, which. In addition, fibrates are several times superior to statins in their ability to reduce triglyceride concentrations.
Main representatives of the group:
- Bezafibrate;
- Clofibrate;
- Gemfibrozil;
- Symphibrate;
- Fenofibrate;
- Ciprofibrate;
- Ronifibrate;
- This is fibrate.
During treatment with fibrates, it is necessary to regularly undergo ultrasound examination of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract due to the increase in the litholytic properties of the liver.
Fatty acid sequestrants
The action of the group’s drugs is based on binding molecules of organic compounds in the intestines and evacuating them from the body. This pharmacological group includes:
- Cholestipol;
- Cholestyramine;
- Kolesevelam;
- Klekstran.
These drugs act only on exogenous cholesterol that comes with food. The main side effects of the drugs in this group are associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract: bloating and diarrhea come to the fore.
Nicotinic acid (niacin) and derivatives
The action of niacin is based on enhancing the excretion of bile acids, which contain large amounts of cholesterol. Thus, there is a gradual release of fatty alcohol through the digestive tract.
Niacin derivatives include:
- Niceritril;
- Nicofuranose;
- Nicotyl alcohol;
- Niacin.
During therapy with nicotinic acid derivatives, side effects associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract are also common.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are a special group. Their lipid-lowering effect is based on saturating the body with beneficial HDL lipids, which eliminate and reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol.
Omega-3,6 are biologically active food additives and practically do not cause side effects.
ethnoscience
Treatment methods for high blood pressure remain popular today. Recipes based on the power of medicinal plants and foods are usually available for preparation at home, and any housewife can find simple ingredients. However, you can use any of the folk remedies described below only after consulting a doctor.
To get rid of cholesterol, alternative medicine recommends using:
- A decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, sea buckthorn, chamomile, coltsfoot). Mix 1 tablespoon of prepared plant material. Brew the resulting mixture with boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Take by diluting with water in a ratio of 1:5. The course of treatment is at least 3 months. Medicinal herbs in the collection can be alternated as desired.
- Herbal mixture of plantain and ginseng + lingonberries. Brew 1 tbsp. l. mixture collected in equal proportions and drink throughout the day instead of tea.
- Rose hip tincture. Pour vodka over the rose hips at a ratio of 1:1. Leave in a dark place for 2 weeks, and then take 3 drops daily.
- Walnuts also have the ability to lower blood cholesterol. Eat 1-2 kernels daily with plenty of water.
- Dill, fennel and lemon also have lipid-lowering properties. You can use them in their pure form or brew teas.
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to get rid of excess cholesterol. On average, patients notice the first positive laboratory results 2-3 months after adjusting their lifestyle, following the principles of therapeutic nutrition and taking pills. Normalization of lipid profile parameters is an excellent result of treatment, which will indicate a low risk of atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular pathology.
Many processes occurring in the human body involve cholesterol. This connection can carry not only benefits, but also harm. The latter occurs when its level increases, and against this background a person begins to develop various cardiovascular pathologies and ailments. If the level of this substance is not kept under control, the resulting plaques completely block the vessels, which can lead to death.
High cholesterol can be lowered at home, but for this purpose you will have to reconsider your lifestyle. You need to eliminate junk food from your diet, that is, normalize your diet. An important factor is passive physical activity, as well as taking certain medications. There are also some traditional medicine methods that can reduce cholesterol levels.
Each of these points requires thorough study. All aspects, without exception, have their own specific nuances that must be taken into account.
The compound in question is a lipid, which is a fatty alcohol having a high molecular weight composition. Cholesterol plays an important role in the human body. Thanks to this component, normal metabolism is maintained, vitamins and hormones necessary for normal life are synthesized.
Only 20% of the total cholesterol in the body comes from food. The rest is produced by the liver, whose work also depends on it. The compound is of no small importance for maintaining normal muscle and brain activity.
Cholesterol deficiency leads to disruption of the production of sex hormones. The substance is found in every cell of the human body, and not just in the vessels. Its concentration in the latter may have an “accumulation” effect. When lipid metabolism is disrupted, the level of this compound increases. The substance begins to change - to crystallize. When this happens, the component that has changed its shape begins to settle in the blood vessels. This property is most pronounced in “bad” cholesterol, which has a low density.
Such accumulations in blood vessels lead to the development of health problems. This cannot be ignored. If no measures are taken, the condition will only get worse. In some cases, even death is possible. However, by adjusting your diet and turning to traditional and alternative medicine, cholesterol can be reduced, and then, having a clear understanding of the mechanism of action on it, you can keep it under control.
Among the healthy foods that help lower cholesterol levels, the menu should include:
Almond
It occupies the undisputed championship in the category of products that normalize lipid metabolism. This nut contains large amounts of vitamin E as well as antioxidants. Thanks to this composition, almonds are a product that prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
Apples and citrus fruits
Avocado
It is known for its positive effect on the cardiovascular system and is recommended for use by those who suffer from pathologies of these organs. It helps to quickly eliminate bad cholesterol because it contains monounsaturated fats. Avocados are most effective when cholesterol is at an average level, that is, it has not yet gone off scale.
Oat bran
An excellent inexpensive and accessible product that helps lower cholesterol.
Blueberry
Rich in pterostilbene (an antioxidant), the berry has an effective effect on cholesterol, normalizing its level in the blood.
Fatty varieties of sea fish
Mackerel, tuna, and salmon contain a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a positive effect on the human body and cannot be replaced by any other compounds. To maintain cholesterol at a normal level, you need to eat at least 100 grams of sea oily fish every week. This product protects blood vessels from the formation of blood clots and prevents blood from thickening.
There are many websites and forums where people share their experiences in reducing high cholesterol. Among them there are those that receive a lot of positive reviews, where they write about the effectiveness of these techniques. You can especially often find recommendations that say that it is necessary to consume large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, pectin, and fiber. Foods rich in these beneficial compounds help normalize blood cholesterol.
You should limit or completely abandon butter in favor of:
- sesame;
- soy;
- linen;
- olive
These vegetable oils should be consumed unrefined and not used for frying. They should be taken fresh, that is, as a dressing for salads and other dishes.
To normalize cholesterol levels, you should completely remove fatty animal products from your usual daily menu:
- pork;
- lamb;
- salo;
- butter;
- sour cream.
Instead of animal fat, preference should be given to the vegetable oils listed above. In addition, it is useful to eat a variety of cereals, seeds, fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
Prohibited white breads and rich sweet pastries, as well as eggs. Instead of regular bread, you should eat whole grain bread made from wholemeal flour. As an alternative, you can use bran.
It is recommended to emphasize on food that is rich in plant fiber. The champions in this product category are vegetables, among which preference should be given to green salad, beets and cabbage. In pharmacies and departments and stores specializing in healthy nutrition, fiber is sold in ready-made form.
Before the advent of traditional medicine, there were many ways to avoid heart and vascular diseases that develop against the background of high cholesterol. In addition, there are prophylactic agents that allow timely prevention of lipid metabolism disorders, as well as those that have a positive effect on the general condition of the body.
Here are a few recipes that can be used to combat high cholesterol:
- Infusion, prepared from valerian root, natural honey, dill seed, perfectly cleanses blood vessels, calms the nervous system and strengthens the body.
- Garlic oil It helps to lower even high cholesterol levels. Preparing the product is quite simple. Ten garlic cloves are passed through a press, and then 500 ml of olive oil is poured. The oil is infused for at least a week, and then used as a dressing for salads and other dishes.
- Alcohol tincture on garlic has been recognized as quite effective and has many positive reviews as a means of reducing high cholesterol. It is prepared from three hundred grams of chopped peeled garlic and a glass of alcohol. Infuse the composition in a dark place for 8-9 days.
Take the drug with a gradual increase in dosage. First, they take 2-3 drops per day, and then increase the amount to 20. Then, they do everything the other way around, that is, they reduce the number to a minimum. In other words, the next day after consuming 20 drops of tincture, their number is gradually reduced to 2.
The total duration of the course is two weeks. During the first, the tincture is taken with an increase in dosage, and the second - with a decrease. To soften the effect of the drug, since it tastes quite unpleasant, you should consume it simultaneously with milk. It is recommended to repeat the course of treatment with garlic alcohol tincture no more than once every three years.
A variety of medicinal herbs are often used in the fight against high cholesterol:
- Linden powder. This folk remedy is taken orally. It is obtained from linden blossom. In dried form, this raw material can be purchased at any pharmacy. The flowers are ground in a coffee grinder and drunk three times a day, one teaspoon. The duration of treatment is thirty days. After a two-week break, therapy is resumed again, taking the powder with plenty of water for another month.
- Propolis tincture. Another effective blood vessel cleanser. It is taken thirty minutes before meals. The dosage of the product is 7 drops, which are diluted with two tablespoons of regular drinking water. The total duration of taking this remedy is 4 months, during which excess cholesterol will be eliminated.
- Jaundice kvass. This is an excellent folk remedy that helps get rid of high cholesterol. Jaundice is sold at the pharmacy. In addition, you can collect this herb with your own hands. The main thing is to prepare this drink correctly. Kvass not only helps clean blood vessels, but also has a beneficial effect on memory, relieves irritability and headaches, and also normalizes blood pressure.
- Golden mustache. This herb is also used in the fight against high cholesterol. Golden mustache tincture can be used on a regular basis. It helps prevent further increases in cholesterol, that is, keep its levels under control.
- Tincture of calendula. This is another effective remedy that will help solve the problem of blockage of blood vessels. They drink it for a month three times a day, 25-30 drops.
It is not necessary to prepare any tinctures; there are herbs that can be consumed fresh. This includes alfalfa. If you can’t collect it, you can try to grow a small amount of this herb yourself.
Exercise against high cholesterol
If you do not change your usual lifestyle to a more active one, you will not be able to completely solve the problem of clogged blood vessels. Sports activities in one form or another must necessarily become one of the main components of comprehensive measures against increased concentrations of cholesterol in the blood. In addition, physical activity reduces the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Without sports, it is impossible to quickly and effectively cope with high cholesterol. Loads on muscle tissue cause blockages in blood vessels to begin to break down. In addition, physical activity helps lower bad cholesterol.
Another pleasant bonus is that thanks to sports you can keep yourself in excellent shape and have a toned figure, and promptly prevent the deposits of subcutaneous fat. According to many scientific studies, high cholesterol levels are much less common in track and field athletes than in those who do not play sports.
This does not mean that you need to become a professional athlete. It’s enough just to do gymnastics, swim or attend a sports section that you like.
Medicines for cholesterol
Sports activities, normalization of nutrition, and folk remedies do not always help to quickly cope with high cholesterol. There are times when you cannot do without medication. If therapy involves home treatment, you should pay attention to the drugs listed below.
They are a group of medications that quickly and effectively act on excess cholesterol. They should definitely be in the home medicine cabinet of everyone who is faced with the problem of lipid metabolism disorders.
Among the statins, the most noteworthy are: Simvastatin, Fluvastatin, Pravastatin and Lovastatin. These medications are highly effective and therefore invariably enjoy popularity. Statins are taken before bedtime, when cholesterol levels are highest. The undeniable advantage of this group of medications is that they are well absorbed and practically free of side effects.
It helps get rid of excess cholesterol, but only when the drug is taken in large dosages, which is not safe, as it can cause high fever accompanied by increased sweating.
They are distinguished by the rapid removal of excess cholesterol. Among the positive properties of sequestrants, it should be noted that they block the absorption of fatty lipids through the walls of the stomach for a certain time.
Among the most popular and effective drugs in this group, it should be noted: Colestipol, Cholestyramine, Kolestide.
Fibrates
They are derivatives of special fibric acid, which have a similar effect to nicotinic acid, but in a less pronounced and progressive form.
They are not medicines, but are dietary supplements. They are not vitamins, but they also cannot be classified as food. Dietary supplements can be classified as an intermediate option, but if they are chosen correctly, they will not only improve your health, but also normalize the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
The most affordable biological supplement that can be purchased in pharmacies is fish oil. It comes in capsules, which makes taking it less unpleasant. Its benefit lies in the content of a special acid that suppresses the production of low-density lipoproteins, that is, bad cholesterol.
There are some simple tips to reduce cholesterol at home:
- Stop being nervous. Don't stress and get irritated over trifles. Atherosclerosis often develops due to stress.
- Quit bad habits. You should stop drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking. These habits have a detrimental effect not only on blood vessels, but also on the body as a whole.
- Walk more. If you don’t have time for evening walks, you can simply skip one stop either to home or to work, and walk. It is very useful and good for health.
- Get rid of extra pounds. Fat deposits contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
- Constantly monitor your blood pressure. Atherosclerosis often develops against the background of hypertension.
- Monitor your hormonal levels. Metabolic disorders lead to deterioration of lipid metabolism and provoke an increase in cholesterol.
Summarizing
Quickly reducing cholesterol at home, if you follow the above tips and recommendations, does not present any particular difficulties. You shouldn’t just set yourself the goal of lowering cholesterol when it starts to go off scale. It is best to prevent this problem rather than deal with it later. This is especially true for those categories of people who are at risk or have already encountered high cholesterol in the blood.
Everyone knows that high cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to serious problems. It is deposited in blood vessels in the form of plaques, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. But without this substance, the body’s functioning is impossible. Cholesterol is involved in metabolism and hormone synthesis, so it is important to maintain a balance in the body and carefully monitor its level. It is not necessary to drink handfuls of tablets for this. Changing your lifestyle and diet can help you quickly reduce cholesterol without medications.
Cholesterol: harm or necessity
Cholesterol is one of the important components of the human body. Moreover, its excess is not only harmful, but also dangerous. As a result of hyperlipidemia (increased fat content in the blood), plaques form, which over time clog blood vessels and lead to the following consequences:
- stroke;
- pulmonary embolism:
- heart attack;
- obliterating endarteritis;
- coronary death.
But we must not forget that lipids are part of membranes, provide contacts between cells and strengthen them, facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses. They play an important role in thermoregulation and act as a source of energy. Cholesterol supports the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, and is involved in metabolism. A decrease in its level occurs in the following diseases:
- anemia;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- thyrotoxicosis (increased activity of the thyroid gland);
- eating disorders;
- liver diseases - hepatitis, cirrhosis.
Lack of cholesterol is fraught with psycho-emotional disorders, depression, osteoporosis, and hemorrhagic stroke due to increased vascular permeability.
Overdoing it with lowering lipids is no less dangerous than allowing them to increase. Regular diagnostics help maintain the necessary balance. Doctors recommend checking your cholesterol levels 1-2 times a year. For patients at risk, tests are prescribed more often - 2-4 times a year. These are people over 60 years of age, as well as those suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system and hypertension, hepatitis, hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, with a history of myocardial infarction and stroke.
Attention! Correction of hypercholesterolemia should be prescribed only by the attending physician, taking into account all the characteristics of the patient and concomitant diseases!
Ways to reduce without pills
If cholesterol levels in the blood increase, it is not at all necessary to immediately take medications. At the initial stage, the problem can be solved using several simple methods.
The first thing to do is increase physical activity. Running or other sports with monotonous rhythmic movements are especially effective. This normalizes the pulse and increases the flow of oxygen into the circulatory system, which promotes fat burning. Reduces the risk of plaque formation.
For older people, moderate exercise is recommended - daily walks, cycling, simple work in the garden. According to research, this lifestyle in old age reduces the likelihood of heart attack and stroke by 50%.
Attention! Monitor your heart rate during exercise! In an elderly person, its increase should not exceed 15 beats.
But physical education alone is not enough. The following recommendations must be followed:
- Quit smoking. Under the influence of tobacco, the ratio of “good” and “bad” cholesterol changes for the worse.
- Limit alcohol consumption. According to medical research, it has little direct effect on cholesterol levels in the blood, but worsens metabolism in the body.
- Follow a special diet low in animal fats.
- Do not neglect traditional medicine. She offers a large number of recipes based on natural ingredients.
- Control your weight. People who are overweight are more likely to face the problem of cholesterol imbalance.
The approach to lowering cholesterol levels must be comprehensive and ongoing. You should not get carried away with short-term diets or periodic exercises. You need to change your lifestyle completely, this will help avoid many health problems.
Nutrition
You can reduce blood cholesterol levels at home. Physical activity and losing excess weight will help with this. To lose weight you need to completely change your eating habits.
When adjusting your diet, you must adhere to the following principles:
- replace animal fats (lard, cheeses, butter and others) with vegetable ones;
- minimize the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, pastries, sweets, cakes);
- instead of regular baked goods, eat breads and cookies based on oats and bran or whole grains;
- eat more fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
This approach to nutrition will not only quickly reduce cholesterol levels, but will also improve the health of the entire body.
Attention! Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or metabolic pathology should not rely only on home remedies! Any treatment option should be supervised by a physician.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine offers many recipes for lowering lipid levels. Their use helps improve overall health, strengthen blood vessels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Here are the most popular recipes:
- Mix half a glass of dill seeds with a glass of honey and a spoonful of valerian root, pour in 1 liter of hot water. Insist for a day. Take 1 tbsp three times a day. l. 20 minutes before meals.
- Squeeze 10 cloves of garlic, mix with two glasses of olive oil. Infuse for a week. Add the resulting mixture to food instead of seasoning.
- Squeeze juice from 1 kg of lemons, add 200 g of crushed garlic. Keep in a cool place in the dark for three days, drink 1 tbsp. l. per day, diluted with water.
- Soak beans or peas in water overnight. In the morning, replace the water, add a pinch of soda, cook and eat in two portions. Course duration is 21 days.
- Drink 7 drops of 4% propolis tincture diluted with water half an hour before meals. It is recommended to continue treatment for four months.
- Eat 20–25 alfalfa sprouts daily.
- Add flax seeds to your food.
- Add 300 g of garlic to 200 g of alcohol and leave in the dark for seven days. It is recommended to drink this tincture three times a day. With each dose, you need to increase the number of drops from 2 to 20, and then decrease in the reverse order. The course of treatment lasts a week and is repeated every three years.
Attention! Before using any folk remedies, make sure you are not allergic to the components!
What foods lower blood cholesterol levels?
With hyperlipidemia, eating cholesterol-lowering foods will help. Nature has given us many plants whose enzymes restore the balance of fats in the body. Let's figure out which foods lower cholesterol:
- Avocado. Its use quickly normalizes metabolism.
- Fish of fatty varieties is the leader in the presence of fatty acids. 200 g of sea fish per week is enough to prevent the formation of blood clots and thin the blood.
- Nuts and seeds of various plants - they increase the content of “good” lipids. The most useful are walnuts, pine and Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, flax and sesame seeds.
- Among vegetable oils, olive, soybean and flaxseed are effective. Just add oils to cooked foods, do not fry them.
- Fruits and berries are blue, purple and red. Their color is provided by polyphenols, which normalize blood balance, stimulate liver function, and help cleanse blood vessels.
- Whole grains and oatmeal.
- Citrus. They contain unique fibers that, when combined with gastric juice, “absorb” cholesterol and remove it from the body, helping in the fight against various diseases.
- All legumes help remove “bad” lipids through the stomach due to their high fiber content. They are also rich in vegetable protein, which is easily digestible.
- Carrot.
- Garlic contains many statins, phytoncides and is considered a natural antibiotic. It is useful for hypercholesterolemia, but is not recommended for people with pathologies of the digestive tract.
It is advisable to add red rice, white cabbage and a lot of fresh herbs to your diet. All these natural “medicines” will help quickly and without harm to the body bring the lipid balance back to normal. The positive effect will be enhanced by adding decoctions of medicinal herbs to the diet.
Herbs
For mild hypercholesterolemia, pharmaceutical drugs can be replaced with herbs. In the fight against “bad” cholesterol, decoctions and tinctures from the following plants are used:
- "Dioscorea Caucasus". It strengthens blood vessels, improves heart function, and is used as a choleretic agent.
- "Golden mustache". This is a houseplant with many beneficial properties. They treat diseases of the endocrine system, atherosclerosis, and prostatitis.
- Liquorice root. It is taken for three weeks, after which a month's break is taken.
- Alfalfa. This plant eliminates hypercholesterolemia. Juice is made from its leaves and drunk for a month, 2 tablespoons three times a day.
You can also use restorative decoctions of hawthorn, linden, dandelion, jaundice, milk thistle, plantain, thistle and other herbs. There are a lot of them and here are the most common ones in use.
A few simple tips that will help you quickly and safely reduce lipid levels to normal:
- replace coffee with green tea;
- do not snack on sandwiches with butter;
- introduce soy products and sea fish into your diet;
- Eat lard, but in small quantities and, preferably, with garlic. It will quickly remove excess fat from the body;
- Try to replace saturated fats with vegetable oils.
Another useful recommendation is juice therapy. Freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices effectively rid the body of “bad” lipids. With their help, vessels are cleaned at home the fastest. You can drink juices in courses of five days, alternating juices squeezed from different vegetables and fruits. But before use, they must be diluted with water.
To summarize, it is worth emphasizing the danger of the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels. This can be the initial stage of life-threatening diseases. Simple actions will help you avoid negative consequences: proper nutrition, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol. In addition, pay attention to your body and do a blood test every six months. The normal level of “bad” cholesterol is from 4 to 5.2 mmol/l. If these indicators are higher, consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will help you choose adequate treatment and preventive measures.
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood lead to blood viscosity and the formation of clots that attach to the inner walls of the arteries and prevent normal blood flow. Cholesterol plaques are a site of accumulation of fat-like substances (lipids) and complex carbohydrates, which subsequently become overgrown with connective tissue and can partially or completely block the lumen of the artery.
In the area of their formation, ischemia develops, which leads to oxygen starvation, disruption of nutrition and metabolic processes in tissues. Further, such a circulatory disorder causes the development of many cardiovascular pathologies: strokes, lesions, etc.
You can prevent the occurrence of these serious diseases, which can cause disability and death, using various methods to lower cholesterol levels. Non-medicinal and medicinal methods can be used for this. In this article we will answer the question “how to lower blood cholesterol?” and consider some ways to reduce its content without the use of drugs. They are quite effective and can help avoid the development of chronic heart and vascular diseases.
When should you start lowering cholesterol?
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You can find out about an increase in cholesterol levels only from the data of a biochemical blood test, which determines the total cholesterol level. Its normal levels range from 5.0 to 5.2 mmol/l.
If these values increase, it is necessary to conduct a lipid profile, which will reflect the level of HDL (“good cholesterol”) and LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Their normal indicators are as follows:
- total cholesterol – 3.0-6.0 mmol/l;
- HDL - in men, fluctuations up to 0.7-1.73 are allowed, in women - up to 0.86-2.28 mmol/l;
- LDL – in men, fluctuations are allowed up to 2.25-4.82, in women – up to 1.92-4.51 mmol/l;
- triglycerides – less than 1.7 mmol/l (indicators increase in proportion to age).
To determine the risk of the appearance of cholesterol plaques and the development of atherosclerosis, the atherogenic coefficient (AC) is calculated from the lipid profile:
(total cholesterol - HDL) / HDL = CA
Its indicator should be no more than 3. With age, it gradually increases, and by the age of 40-60 it can reach 3.0-3.5. After 60 years, the atherogenicity coefficient may become higher.
If the atherogenic coefficient is exceeded, you should begin to reduce cholesterol levels. The doctor must determine how to “fight the enemy.” As a rule, the level of “bad cholesterol” begins to be reduced using non-drug methods, and only if they are ineffective, they resort to prescribing medications.
Basic Methods to Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs
To prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of increased levels of this substance. The following methods are used for this:
- Fighting stress.
- Reducing sugar consumption.
- Increase physical activity.
- Normalization of weight.
- Proper nutrition.
- Increasing the level of “good cholesterol”.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Traditional methods.
It is important to combine these methods, because only their combination can help achieve the desired results in reducing “bad cholesterol”. For example, only fighting weakness or taking infusions of medicinal herbs will not help improve blood vessels.
Let's consider all these points in more detail.
Stress management
During times of stress, ideal conditions are created for the formation of cholesterol plaques. The following physiological reactions occur in the body:
- stressful situations lead to the release of hormones such as adrenaline, angiotensin and serotonin into the blood, which spasm the arteries and, causing them to narrow, contribute to the formation of cholesterol deposits;
- in response to stress, the level of fatty acids in the blood increases, and the liver converts them into “bad cholesterol”, which gradually settles on the walls of the arteries and leads to their narrowing.
It is clear that managing stress can prevent high cholesterol levels.
To do this, you need to provide yourself with adequate rest, avoid long working hours, normalize your sleep and spend your weekends in the fresh air. Stressful situations can also be prevented by changing your attitude towards various failures and experiences. Reducing the increased sense of responsibility, having a positive attitude in any situation and limiting the flow of negativity from the outside - such work on yourself will definitely help reduce the amount of stress.
Reducing sugar intake
During laboratory tests, it was noted that after eating sweets, cholesterol levels increase. This is explained by the fact that an increase in blood glucose levels leads to the conversion of a significant part of it into “bad cholesterol”.
These processes can be prevented by limiting the consumption of sweet foods and sugar. It is better to replace them with natural products: honey, dried fruits, stevia, fresh berries and fruits. Such sweets will be less harmful to the arteries, but their consumption should also be reasonable.
Increasing physical activity and normalizing weight
Physical activity helps break down “bad cholesterol” and clears the blood of excess fat from food. It is noted that it is jogging that contributes to a faster reduction in cholesterol levels. People who jog regularly clear their blood vessels of harmful fats 70% faster than those who simply exercise.
Physical labor in the fresh air, dancing, gymnastics, bodyflex and walks in the park - all these activities not only increase physical activity, but also improve mood, increase emotional and muscle tone. This combined effect also helps reduce cholesterol levels and has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels.
The intensity of physical activity should be determined individually. It depends on concomitant diseases and age.
In addition to lowering cholesterol, increasing physical activity helps fight excess weight. For example, many people whose physical activity is limited due to retirement or the nature of their work continue to consume the same portions of food as before the change in circumstances. Over time, they develop obesity, which always increases cholesterol levels and significantly increases the load on the heart and blood vessels. In such cases, static exercises will help them reduce body weight to acceptable values.
Normalization of weight should be carried out with the help of a balanced diet. On the day of weight loss, you should not immediately start following “fashionable diets”, since most of them are unbalanced and can be harmful. The fight against obesity should begin with giving up the habit of overeating and creating a rational menu.
Proper nutrition
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Unfortunately, the diet of most modern people is oversaturated with fats and carbohydrates. This inevitably leads to an increase in cholesterol levels and the development of heart and vascular diseases. To reduce the level of “bad cholesterol” you should follow these rules:
- The daily diet should contain 10-15% proteins, 30-35% fats and 50-60% carbohydrates.
- The diet of healthy people should include unsaturated fats, coming from low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish, and saturated fats, coming from liver, offal and butter, but the share of unsaturated fats should predominate. Sick people should completely avoid consuming foods containing saturated fat.
- To lower cholesterol levels, it is necessary to exclude pork, waterfowl meat, sausages and baked goods from the diet.
- If you need to lower your cholesterol levels, you should not completely exclude chicken eggs and cheese from your diet. Their consumption can simply be limited.
- Eat lean meat (rabbit, chicken, veal and turkey).
- All dairy products should be low-fat.
- Your daily diet should include foods that help lower cholesterol.
Helps lower cholesterol levels:
- seaweed;
- seafood;
- fatty fish;
- linseed oil;
- grape seed oil;
- olive oil;
- legumes: green peas, lentils, beans;
- whole grains;
- oats;
- flax seeds;
- avocado;
- garlic;
- greenery;
- sea buckthorn;
- red grapes;
- raspberries;
- cranberry;
- pomegranate;
- chokeberry;
- strawberry;
- blueberry;
- peanut;
- White cabbage;
- raw vegetables and fruits;
- green tea.
Increased levels of “good cholesterol”
Unsaturated fatty acids help lower the level of “bad cholesterol” and have a choleretic effect, which also has a beneficial effect on blood composition. To increase “good cholesterol” you need to include in your diet foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E and B3 (niacin):
- linseed oil;
- olive oil;
- almond oil;
- rapeseed oil;
- nuts;
- wholemeal bread;
- dried mushrooms;
- carrot;
- cereals;
- yeast;
- citrus;
- bell pepper;
- berries;
- rose hip;
- spinach.
Rejection of bad habits
Smoking has a negative effect not only on blood vessels and the body as a whole, but also contributes to an increase in “bad cholesterol” and a decrease in “good” cholesterol. This fact was proven during studies that were conducted in a group of teenage boys who smoked. After quitting tobacco consumption, cholesterol levels quickly returned to normal. That is why the fight against nicotine addiction in individuals who are predisposed to the formation of cholesterol plaques should begin immediately.
Drinking alcohol can also affect cholesterol levels. Some doctors are of the opinion that in healthy people, daily intake of 50 ml of strong alcoholic drink or a glass of natural dry red wine causes an increase in the level of “good cholesterol” and a decrease in “bad” cholesterol. Exceeding these doses has the opposite effect and destroys the entire body. But this method of combating “bad cholesterol” is absolutely unacceptable in patients with diabetes, arterial hypertension and other pathologies in which drinking alcohol is contraindicated.
Traditional methods
Traditional medicine offers a huge number of recipes that help cleanse the arteries of cholesterol plaques and reduce cholesterol levels. When deciding to use them, you should definitely consult with your doctor, since they may be contraindicated in case of other concomitant pathologies or cause individual intolerance.
Juice therapy
By taking freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices for 5 days, you can reduce the level of “bad cholesterol”. To do this, take the following juices:
- Day 1: 130 ml carrot and 70 ml celery juice;
- Day 2: 70 ml cucumber, 100 ml carrot and 70 ml beet juice (beet juice must be left in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before drinking);
- Day 3: 130 ml carrot, 70 ml apple and 70 ml celery juice;
- Day 4: 130 ml carrot and 50 ml cabbage;
- Day 5: 130 ml orange.
Garlic tincture
Finely chop 300 g of garlic and pour 500 ml of vodka into it. Keep the tincture in a cool place for a month and strain. Take according to the following regimen:
- start taking one drop before breakfast, two drops before lunch and three drops before dinner;
- increase the dose every day before each meal by 1 drop and increase it to 15 drops before breakfast on the 6th day;
- from lunch on the 6th day, start reducing the dose by 1 drop and before dinner on the 10th day, reduce it to 1 drop;
- from the 11th day, start taking 25 drops before each meal until the tincture runs out.
A course of treatment with garlic tincture should be carried out once every five years.
Garlic with olive oil and lemon juice
Peel the head of garlic, crush it with a press and place it in a glass jar. Add a glass of olive oil and let it brew for 24 hours. Squeeze the juice from one lemon and add to the mixture. Leave for a week in a dark place. Take 1 teaspoon half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 3 months. After a month, repeat the course of treatment.
Linden flower powder
Grind linden flowers in a coffee grinder and take 1 teaspoon of the resulting powder before meals three times a day. The course of treatment is a month.
Dandelion Root Powder
Grind dandelion roots in a coffee grinder and take 1 teaspoon before meals three times a day. In six months, your cholesterol levels will return to normal.
Propolis tincture
Dissolve 7 drops of propolis tincture in 30 ml of water and take three times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 4 months.
Licorice root infusion
Pour 2 tablespoons of finely ground roots into 500 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Strain and take 1/3 cup after meals. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. After a month, repeat the course.
Reducing blood cholesterol levels will prevent the development and progression of many diseases of the cardiovascular system. Following simple rules for changing lifestyle and diet, using traditional medicine recipes and giving up bad habits - all these measures, in most cases, can reduce the level of “bad cholesterol” without the use of cholesterol. Remember this and be healthy!
Channel One, the program “Cheap and Cheap” on the topic “How to lower cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering foods: