High Cholesterol? Statins Aren’t the Only Solution

Under the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association's new guidelines for statins, an estimated 13 million additional Americans qualify to take the cholesterol-lowering medications.

But statins are not necessarily the first option for everyone, doctors warn. While statins can be viewed as a quick fix, patience and a commitment to lifestyle changes, no matter how small, matter for long-term better health.

Here are three things you can do to lower cholesterol naturally:

Reduce saturated fats.

Avoid fried and processed foods. Limit dairy and meats. Eat foods high in fiber and whole grains. Transition to vegetables and fruits: Both are anti-inflammatory and ripe with antioxidants, which prevent stiff arteries and help reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol. 

Get moving.

Buy a pedometer and walk at least 10,000 steps daily.

Unplug.

Mobile devices keep us connected to our lives while bombarding us with information — and creating stress. That leads to damaging stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline, specifically – being released, paving the way for heart disease. Therefore, "downshifting" is crucial. Spend time with loved ones. Breathe. Devote a part of your day to slowing down and having fun.

And remember to take baby steps and make changes they can live with. Eventually, little changes — eating an apple, not a donut; unwinding with a walk instead of watching TV — can turn into big gains for heart health.