News Article: The Five Things Every American Needs to Do to Lower Their Cholesterol

With an estimated 102 million Americans with cholesterol levels considered to be borderline high-risk, lowering cholesterol is one of the most vital things Americans can do to promote overall heart health. Metamucil and Dr. Michael Roizen, Chairman of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic, have teamed up to present “The Five Things Every American Needs to Do to Lower Their Cholesterol.” Dr. Roizen emphasizes how small modifications can go a long with when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels. These five tips show can show you how:

1. Take Psyllium
Psyllium is a natural, dietary fiber found in Metamucil that has been proven to lower bad cholesterol. Dr. Roizen emphasizes how adding more fiber to your diet, particularly viscous soluble fiber like psyllium fiber, is an important way to improve heart health.

Psyllium fiber forms a thick gel that traps and helps to remove some bad cholesterol, bile acids, and waste in the stomach. Roizen adds that most Americans are not getting the recommended dosages of fiber per day; most Americans consume only 10 to 15 grams daily as opposed to the recommended 20 to 35 grams.

2. Wear a pedometer and increase daily activity
Walking is a simple, easy, cholesterol-lowering activity. A pedometer can help you track steps and squeeze in as many as you can per day.

3. Get an exercise buddy
A healthy lifestyle requires not only motivation, but encouragement. The support of a friend can make the challenge of lowering your cholesterol easier and more fun. Plus, two brains can think up more heart-pumping activities to keep cholesterol down than one can.

4. Watch out for hidden fats and sugars
Be sure to read nutrition labels thoroughly, Dr. Roizen advises. Avoid foods that contain high levels of saturated fat, high fructose corn syrup, dextrins, evaporated cane juice, and of course, cholesterol. These ingredients are unhealthy and can be detrimental to heart health.

5. Add DHA to your diet
DHA is an abbreviation for docosahexaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. DHA can aid in lowering bad cholesterol while raising healthy cholesterol and promoting healthy heart functioning. Good sources of DHA include salmon, sardines and tuna. Fish oil supplements or vegetarian supplements made from algal DHA are also great sources for those who are not seafood fans.