Treat High Cholesterol at Home

Posted by sanjay on Monday 20 Apr 2009

High cholesterol, medically termed hypercholesterolemia, is a medical condition where a person has fat deposits that build up in their blood vessels. Cholesterol is naturally produced by the liver. It is yellowish in color and is fatty in constitution. The body uses the cholesterol produced by the liver to transport fat through the body to defend the body against illnesses. It also protects the red blood cells and the muscular membranes found in the body.

Cholesterol also comes from the food that a person eats. A normal cholesterol level for a person lies between 150 to 200 milligrams for every 100 ml. Anything more than that is considered high cholesterol. When a person has high cholesterol, extra fat is deposited in the blood vessels. The excess fat makes it hard for the blood to pass properly through the arteries, which then limits the amount of oxygen that travels through the blood stream. If high cholesterol is not detected or goes untreated, a person can suffer a heart attack, which may then lead to a stroke in the brain.

A person with high cholesterol will exhibit specific signals that will indicate their condition. These signals include fatigue, heavy sweating, inability to breathe, and pain and discomfort in their chest. Food is one of the top contributors to high cholesterol. Other factors that can cause high cholesterol are smoking, alcohol, obesity, and genetics. While a person with high cholesterol should seek medical attention, there are some treatments that can be performed at home to reduce the risk of getting high cholesterol or lower it.

Home remedies for high cholesterol
The best treatment for high cholesterol is prevention. A proper, healthy diet composed of fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, legumes, and lean meats will help limit the amount of cholesterol the body takes in. People with high cholesterol should eat foods that are high in fiber, such as berries and green leafy vegetables. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts can help lower cholesterol. When using oils, opt for heart-healthy ones such as olive oil and sunflower oil. Use oils sparingly.

It is also important to drink between eight and ten glasses of water daily. A person should also make sure that they exercise on a daily basis. If a person is diagnosed with high cholesterol, there are several things they can do at home to help lower it. Garlic has been proven to lower cholesterol. Boil a mixture of milk and a garlic clove and drink the concoction. Try incorporating fresh garlic cloves into a daily diet.