How I Naturally Lowered My Cholesterol Levels in a Year
My Doctor said I decreased my heart attack risk significantly
I just got home from my annual Doctor's appointment. It was complete with full blood panels. He told me I had dropped my cholesterol levels significantly this year and at the same time greatly reduced my heart attack risk. I am on no cholesterol-reducing medications. He asked me what I was doing?!
A look at my lifestyle this year
I’m 61 years old and try to live a healthy lifestyle. Not perfect, but I try to make it more consistent than not.
Last year, my doctor was getting concerned about my cholesterol levels, but not quite to the point of needing medications.
His question today about what I did differently this year compared to past years made me try to pin down those differences.
I’m only sharing my personal health journey here. You should discuss your health with your medical professionals.
Things I did differently this year for my cholesterol health
Here are the things I can identify that were different in my lifestyle:
More diligent in reducing sugar intake
Although I didn’t do it perfectly, my boyfriend has Type 2 diabetes, so in trying to help him, I helped myself. We both tried to be quite strict about not consuming sugar.
2. Milk Kefir
Near daily, I started making smoothies from homemade milk kefir. You can read how I made it below:
Fermenting Goodness: DIY Guide to Milk Kefir and its Health Benefits
3. Eating more of these foods
I’ve added on a near daily basis the addition of eating avocados and walnuts.
Every week at least, I try to consume Adzuki Beans — see below:
Adzuki Beans: The Superfood You’ve Been Missing
4. Walking
I’ve also been trying to get more consistent walking in.
5. Fasting
I regularly fast. I’ll do water fasts, and sometimes just liquid fasts (broths, ginger juice, etc) anywhere from 1-6 days several times a year. I also sometimes do intermittent fasting where I’ll perhaps skip a dinner or breakfast or otherwise tighten the food window.
6. Rotate feasting in
Other times I make sure I’m eating larger meals or portions to keep things switched up.
7. Water Drinking
I drink plenty of filtered water every day. I have an under-the-sink water filter that works great to help remove chlorine (which I have sensitivities to), lead, and fluoride. I also like not using bottled water.
This water filter I have is this and I highly recommend it:
Fluoride Lead Chlorine Removal Undercounter KDF/GAC Water Filter System Leaves Beneficial Minerals
8. Trying to reduce stress
Sometimes, this is difficult to do, but I try to reduce stress as I can.
9. Priority on quality sleep
Getting quality sleep at this stage of life has been a real challenge for me. I try but have trouble drifting off and staying asleep. Yet I recognize how important it is to health, so I continue to try to prioritize this.
Conclusion
I am celebrating the win of this health milestone in my endeavor to live a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for allowing me to share my journey with you.
Thanks for reading.
All rights reserved by Val Garner
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