Despite the dangerous side effects of statins, millions of Americans take them every single day to lower their cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking the enzyme in your liver that naturally produces cholesterol. One of the main problems, is that statins don’t address HDL or LDL cholesterol, they simply reduce total cholesterol numbers.

Statins have been shown to cause multiple side effects, including muscle damage and weakness. Studies also suggest a potential link between statins and a progression of muscle wasting that may lead to Lou Gehrig’s disease. While they may be lowering their total cholesterol levels, millions of Americans are putting themselves at risk for many adverse side effects from taking statins.Consequences of taking statin drugs in strong doses for a long period of time include headache, difficulty sleeping, high blood sugar, changes in vision, lower back pain, frequent fevers, cognitive loss, and the list goes on.

If you are suffering from high cholesterol levels, a doctor may hand you a prescription and send you on your way. But the truth is, there are plenty of safe and natural ways to reduce your cholesterol levels, without putting your heath at risk by taking statins.

Natural Ways To Improve Your Cholesterol Levels

1. Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

The best way to raise your Vitamin D levels is to spend time outdoors. Vitamin D from sun exposure will help normalize your cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

2. Reduce Carbohydrates And Maintain A Healthy Weight

Reaching a healthy weight by eliminating sugars in your diet can help drastically improve your cholesterol levels. Sugary carbohydrates spike your insulin level, which triggers the development of cholesterol.

3. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

Add plenty of heart-healthy foods to your diet to help naturally improve your cholesterol levels. Heart-healthy foods include olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, avocados, raw nuts and seeds.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly promotes a healthy heart. It can also help you lose excess weight and help naturally improve your cholesterol levels. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start with walking. Gradually increase to a program that includes both strength training and high-intensity exercises.

5. Reduce Your Stress Level

Stress can have a negative impact on your health, your weight and your cholesterol levels. Find a way to manage your stress. Your health depends on it! One of the best ways to reduce your stress levels is to improve your quality of sleep.

6. Improve Your Sleep Quality

Your body needs an adequate amount of sleep to function and to keep things running smoothly. Ensuring a good night’s sleep every night will help reduce your stress levels and normalize your insulin levels.

7. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Or Tobacco

Both alcohol and tobacco negatively affect your health, including your cholesterol levels. Alcohol is high in net carbs, which affects your insulin levels. Tobacco temporarily raises your blood pressure, which has a negative effect on your arterial system.

8. Replace Vegetable Oils With Healthy Fats

Vegetable oils and synthetic trans fats should be replaced with healthy fats that include omega-3’s for a cholesterol-friendly diet. Try olive oil and coconut oil instead.

9. Eat Fermented Foods

Fermented foods can help boost your immune system, which makes for a healthier body overall. Increasing the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help reduce heart disease risk. Try fermented vegetables such as cabbage, kale and carrots, along with tempeh, natto and kimchee.