Lowering cholesterol naturally without the use of drugs is the best way to get your body back in balance. The use of natural methods is less stressful to your body than prescribed medications, in addition to being a cheaper remedy. Unfortunately, there are many myths revolving around this strategy as well as confusing information on the internet, not to mention those that are outdated. With all that being said, it all comes down to one question, €How to reduce cholesterol without medication?€

The two most effective and common methods are:

€ Regular exercise

€ A low-cholesterol diet plan

Similar to the recommendations for weight loss, reducing cholesterol demands an equilibrium between regular exercise and a low cholesterol diet plan.

Here are tips for your diet plan:

€ More fibre: this is one of the best substances that can help you reduce your cholesterol. Although, there are numerous fibre rich foods available in stores, food like bran, oats, psyllium seeds and pectin are preferred. These components form a gel like structure that stops cholesterol excretion more than the required amount for your body. They are also known to decrease high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

€ Become vegetarian: switching to vegetarian diets is seen to be a very effective strategy for lowering cholesterol. It is not necessary for you to go full-time as a short-term plan of a simple 3 to 6 months with an intensive vegetarian diet can radically reduce your cholesterol levels. Vegetables give you the essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that will help your body stay healthy.

€ Say no to sweets: many people rarely realise that eating sugary sweets actually increases cholesterol in your body. Sugar can be very addictive and if you eliminate sugar for a while from your diet, you will find simple foods such as grains and carrots to actually taste sweet.

€ Strike off caffeine: sadly for coffee addicts, there is a strong link between high cholesterol levels and coffee consumption. People who drink around 6 cups a day have a greater chance of cholesterol problems compared to people who drink 1 or 2 cups per day.

€ Garlic: garlic is known to have only a mild lowering effect, yet including them in your diet wherever possible can be greatly beneficial. You can also mix it with honey in a spoon and consume daily.

€ Red wine: red wine has been researched to have properties that can reduce cholesterol levels. However, one must be very careful in not taking more than what is recommended.

Exercises that compliment your diet plan:

There is a huge correlation between a person's physical activity and their cholesterol level. Exercise has shown to decrease cholesterol drastically and further improve the HDL (good) cholesterol in the body. A regular exercise routine is essential with a complimentary diet plan to help reduce cholesterol significantly. However, one must consider a physician before determining an exercise routine because the intensity of a workout depends upon one's age and heart functioning. A moderate intensity workout is usually recommended, of which some are:

€ Running

€ Jogging

€ Walking

€ Cycling

€ Swimming

€ Playing

It is believed that stress also plays a major role in a person's body cholesterol level. This is why it is important to say no to stress and tension at your workplace or at home. Regular relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation, relaxation CDs or reading can keep your stress levels down.