Which yoga helps lower cholesterol? - #12299
I am trying to figure out how to lower my cholesterol without just relying on meds, and I've heard that yoga can help. A couple of months ago, my doc told me my cholesterol levels were kind of high, and honestly, it freaked me out a bit. I’ve tried changing my diet, cutting out fast food and junk, but I’ve got this nagging feeling like I still need something more. My friend mentioned that doing yoga might be an option, but like, which yoga helps lower cholesterol exactly? I’ve got no experience with yoga at all, and I'm not even sure if there’s a specific type that's better for this. It seems overwhelming, like, do I need to be in great shape to start? I mean, I’m not looking to become a yogi or anything, just want to know if any poses or styles have been shown to actually impact cholesterol levels. Is there certain classes I should look for or specific poses that are known for helping with this? I really want to get a handle on my health, but I’m kinda lost about where to even begin. Any tips would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Yoga can indeed be a beneficial component for managing cholesterol levels alongside dietary changes and medical advice. While research is still ongoing, certain styles of yoga have shown promise in addressing cholesterol by reducing stress, improving circulation, and enhancing metabolism. Hatha Yoga, a more gentle and slower-paced form, can be a good starting point for beginners. It combines physical postures (asanas) with breath control (pranayama) and meditation, which may support heart health and well-being. You don’t need to be in great shape to start, as Hatha Yoga is designed to be accessible to most people, regardless of fitness level. Incorporating poses like the Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), and Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) might be particularly useful. These poses can improve blood flow and help calm the nervous system, which might have an indirect effect on cholesterol levels. Although specific poses are not clinically proven to lower cholesterol directly, the overall benefits of yoga, including stress reduction and improved physical activity, can contribute to better cardiovascular health. Joining a beginner’s class or following online tutorials that focus on these poses can be a less intimidating way to get started. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced approach. In short, yoga is not a substitute for medical treatment but a complementary practice that, along with dietary changes and physical activity, can support your journey towards lower cholesterol. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
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