High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease, strokes, and other serious health conditions.

While medications can help lower cholesterol, making certain lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels. Here are some tips to naturally decrease cholesterol in your body:.

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet

One of the most effective ways to reduce cholesterol levels is by adopting a heart-healthy diet. Focus on consuming foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats.

Opt for lean proteins such as poultry, fish, and plant-based sources like beans and lentils. Include healthy fats by eating foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Increase your intake of soluble fiber found in oats, fruits, and vegetables, as it helps lower LDL cholesterol levels.

2. Limit foods high in cholesterol

While dietary cholesterol may not have a significant impact on your blood cholesterol levels for most individuals, it is still advisable to limit the consumption of foods high in cholesterol.

This includes organ meats, shellfish, and high-fat dairy products like butter and full-fat cheese.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess body weight is often associated with higher cholesterol levels. Losing weight can help reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol.

Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine and aim for a healthy weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week.

4. Exercise regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve your cholesterol profile. Exercise can raise HDL cholesterol levels, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, lowers HDL cholesterol, and increases LDL cholesterol. Quitting smoking can improve your cholesterol levels and significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

6. Limit alcohol consumption

While moderate alcohol consumption may have some heart benefits, excessive alcohol intake can lead to high cholesterol and other health problems.

Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels, which means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

7. Choose healthier cooking methods

Instead of frying foods, opt for healthier cooking methods such as baking, grilling, steaming, or sautéing. These methods minimize the use of unhealthy fats and reduce the risk of increasing cholesterol levels.

8. Include heart-healthy supplements in your diet

Certain supplements have been found to help lower cholesterol levels. Plant sterols and stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, and soluble fiber supplements like psyllium can be effective in reducing cholesterol levels.

However, consult with your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen to ensure they are appropriate for you.

9. Manage stress levels

Chronic stress can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.