High cholesterol levels are often linked with heart disease. Lowering of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL) is a preventive measure for heart disease. However, the risk of heart disease due to high bad cholesterol levels is something that one can control.

Statins are prescriptive medications that doctors recommend for lowering cholesterol levels. Like any other medication, statins are associated with side effects and risk factors. Those who suffer side effects of statin can go for cholesterol absorption inhibitors as an alternative.

Risks and side effects of statin
Although many benefits from using statins to lower cholesterol, these medicines have side effects. The side effects of this medication are more pronounced in people taking medications for treating other medical conditions. Common side effects of consuming statins are:

• Muscle and joint aches
• Vomiting and nausea
• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Permanent muscle damage
• Neurological damage

Natural methods to lower cholesterol
A healthy diet, regular physical workout, and weight management help lower cholesterol without statins. Here are a few tips to lower cholesterol naturally:

• Cut out saturated fats from your diet. Foods such as butter, red meat, hydrogenated fats, baked goods, and fried foods are high in trans fat or saturated fats. These foods tend to increase LDL and lower HDL. Stay away from these foods and include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, trout, dry fruits, etc.
• Include fiber-rich food in your diet. Foods like oats, barley, fruits and vegetables, and beans are rich in soluble fiber. Such natural foods rich in soluble fiber help lower cholesterol without statins. Also, protein-rich plant food is nutritious, healthy alternative to red meat.
• Weight management helps lower cholesterol levels. Losing excess body weight is a natural way to lower cholesterol and also prevent other illnesses.
• Regular physical workout not only lowers LDL, but raises HDL levels as well. Exercising at the gym, aerobic exercises, walking, jogging, and yoga are ways to get a good physical workout.
• Plant sterol supplements are known to lower LDL levels.

Go natural! Lower cholesterol without statins by following natural methods discussed in this article. Apart from lowering cholesterol these dietary and lifestyle changes help lead an active and disease free life.