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Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body and serves many important roles. Dietary cholesterol, when consumed in excess amounts, can lead to a number of problems. Fortunately, you can do several things to achieve optimal cholesterol levels.
Dangers of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can cause heart disease, heart attack and stroke. You want your LDL (bad cholesterol) to be under 100 mg of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. You want your HDL (good cholesterol) to be at least 40 mg/dl for a man and 50 mg/dl for a woman.
Eating Well
Eat whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and whole soy foods, fish, nuts and seeds. Limit or avoid sugar, white flour foods and fried foods. Eat low-fat dairy and lean meats. Limit cholesterol to under 300 mg daily (200 mg if you have heart disease).
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Aerobic exercise is most beneficial. Do not smoke. Maintain a healthy weight.
Medications
Medications can lower blood cholesterol by blocking cholesterol formation or keeping your body from absorbing it. Some of the most commonly prescribed include Crestor, Zocor, Lipitor, Questran and Zetia. But medications are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices.
Natural Treatments
The Mayo Clinic suggests the following supplements might be helpful, but consult with your doctor. They include artichoke, barley, beta-sitosterol, garlic, oat bran and sitostanol.
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