How to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels

Your low-density lipoprotein, LDL, cholesterol levels are an important number to watch anytime you get your cholesterol levels tested. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol that can contribute to heart disease, heart attacks and even stroke. However, there are ways to significantly lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

Instructions

1

Begin an exercise routine. Exercise is one of the key ingredients for lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. When you exercise, you not only lose pounds, but your HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) also increase and your LDL cholesterol levels decrease. Try for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.

2

Eat more foods containing omega 3. Omega 3s, found in flax seed, salmon and a host of other seafoods, can have great lowering effects on your LDL cholesterol levels. Omega 3s do this by inhibiting the passage of LDL cholesterol into the arteries. This also helps prevent blockages and buildup inside the arteries.

3

Eat more nuts. It really doesn't matter what kind of nut you eat. All nuts have some amounts of healthy fatty acids that lower your LDL levels. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, some have better heart benefits than others, such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds.

4

Use olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil is another food source rich in healthy fats that help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Replacing butter, which is high in unhealthy saturated fats, with olive oil gives you double the benefit. Adding a little bit of olive oil in all your cooking preparations is a great way to help keep healthy cholesterol levels.

5

Consider prescription medications. When exercise and diet do not have enough of an effect on your cholesterol levels, you may need to turn to prescription medications. Statins are the most common form of cholesterol medication, but other common prescriptions include niacin, fibrates such as Lopid, and resins, such as Questran.