High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is also know to medical community as hypercholesterolemia, which translates literally as ‘high blood cholesterol’.

As its name implies, high cholesterol refers to the condition in which the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream are elevated beyond normal levels.

High cholesterol is generally caused by genetic or diet factors or due to other diseases or illnesses such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid.

High cholesterol is particularly dangerous because it places a patient at greater risk of contracting a variety of diseases, of which the most threatening is cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of high cholesterol are usually only evident when the disease has been longstanding.

Longstanding high cholesterol levels may manifest symptoms in the form of other diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke.

Typically, the only method of catching high cholesterol in its early to middle stages is through the use of a blood cholesterol test, which can be obtained at any qualified doctor.

Natural Cures For High Cholesterol:

Niacin/Vitamin B3:

Niacin is excellent for raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels while depleting the your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol frequently accompany high triglycerides levels, in turn increasing the risk of heart disease.

Niacin is so effective, the American Heart Association reports that niacin reduces cholesterol more effectively than certain prescription medication. I can't think of a better endorsement than that!

Fish:

Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to protect the heart. Since high cholesterol often results in cardiovascular diseases, it is important that you do all that you can to protect your heart.

Instead of eating meat, you should consume more fish instead.

This way, you avoid large amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, and gain the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids instead.

Fiber:

Studies have found that fiber effectively reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood. The soluble fiber found in fruits and bran cereals are particularly effective.

Another alternative is to take a fiber supplement, such as psyllium-husk powder, which is available in health stores.

It is also important that you drink lots of fluids when you increase your fiber intake, otherwise all of that fiber might end up clogging your system.

Exercise:

Researchers have found that regular exercise boosts levels of high density lipoproteins in the bloodstream, which are responsible for removing cholesterol harmful cholesterol from the blood.

Thus, a regular exercise regimen can contribute greatly toward lowering the cholesterol levels in your bloodstream.

Eat Less Meat:

Meat is one of the prime sources of cholesterol and saturated fats, both of which contribute greatly to elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood.

By consuming less meat and more vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods, you will find that your cholesterol levels no longer increase, and you can work to bring it down using the other home remedies listed above.