How to lower cholesterol

To lower cholesterol, there are several strategies involving both dietary changes and medical interventions:

1. Dietary Changes:

   • Carbohydrate Restriction: Reducing carbohydrate intake can lower triglycerides, an important factor in managing cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance, which is driven by high carbohydrate intake, is closely linked to elevated triglycerides 1 2.
   • Reduce Saturated Fats: Lowering saturated fat intake helps in reducing apob, which includes LDL and VLDL particles that carry cholesterol and triglycerides 1.
   • Avoid Processed Foods: Choosing less processed foods and focusing on whole foods can positively affect metabolic health and cholesterol levels 3.
     
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     Lowering Cholesterol
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     Lowering Apob Levels
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     Metabolic Health Insights
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     Statins and Longevity
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     Cholesterol Medications
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2. Medical Interventions:

   • Statins: These drugs inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver, resulting in the removal of more LDL particles from circulation. They are effective but can have side effects like muscle soreness in a small percentage of people 1 4.
   • PCSK9 Inhibitors: These are injectable medications that significantly reduce LDL levels by increasing the number of LDL receptors in the liver, thus clearing more LDL from the bloodstream 5.

3. Exercise:

   • Regular physical activity, especially a combination of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, can improve insulin sensitivity and help in managing cholesterol levels 2.

Taken together, these approaches can effectively lower cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.