How to balance cholesterol naturally? - #12407
I am really worried about my cholesterol levels. Went for my annual checkup last week and my doctor said my cholesterol is way higher than it should be, which shocked me because I thought I was eating pretty healthy. I'm not overweight or anything, but I do love my cheese and snacks. I read a lot online about how to balance cholesterol naturally because I really want to avoid medication if possible. My doctor suggested I consider changing my diet but didn’t go into detail. I mean, I could try to cut back on the snacks, but how do I even start? Should I be eating more fruits and veggies? Also, I heard about omega-3s and how they can help. Do they really make a difference when it comes to how to balance cholesterol naturally? It feels overwhelming trying to figure out what to do. Should I focus on cutting out dairy or something like that? I was thinking of doing some meal prep each week to make things easier on myself, but then again, I don’t know what meals would be best. Anyone have tips, recipes, or advice on how to balance cholesterol naturally? I want to get this under control, but honestly, it's so confusing!
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Doctors’ responses
To balance your cholesterol naturally, your diet is a great place to start. Reducing cheese, snacks, and foods high in saturated fats can help. Focus on adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to your diet. These foods are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Include more soluble fiber found in oats, beans, and lentils. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, can help lower triglycerides and improve heart health, though they don’t directly reduce LDL cholesterol. Including these in your meals a couple of times a week can be beneficial. Consider using olive oil instead of butter as well, and try to limit processed snacks, which often have trans fats. Meal prepping can make it easier to stick to your goals by allowing you to control ingredient choices. For example, prepare a large batch of roasted vegetables with quinoa or make a chickpea salad with avocado and olive oil dressing. As for dairy, you don’t necessarily have to cut it out completely, but you might try reduced-fat options or plant-based alternatives low in saturated fat. Monitor portion sizes too, especially with nuts and seeds since they’re easy to overeat, albeit healthy. A bit of daily exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, can also positively impact your cholesterol balance. If you keep feeling overwhelmed, consider seeing a dietitian who can help tailor a plan specific to your needs.
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