Ask the Ayurveda Expert

Cholesterol    Digestive Gas    Heartburn    Hemorrhoids

Question

How can I lower my cholesterol? It has gone up from 215 to 301 over the past six years, even though I have been following an ayurvedic lifestyle for the past year and a half! I am definitely a Kapha mind-body type and I feel that I am in balance pretty well, and I eat as heathfully as I can.

Answer

Kapha types need less fat and oil in their diet that Vata or Pitta types. But, the latest research suggests that diet is not the only factor in high cholesterol. The ratio of "good" high density lipoprotein (HDL) to "bad" low density lipoprotein (LDL) is related to fat metabolism. The new Cholesterol Protection formula will help balance this vital process and normalize total blood cholesterol.

• Increase the fiber and bioflavanoids in your diet. This includes cooked, green, leafy vegetables and sweet, juicy fruits.
• Psyllium seed husk will also add fiber to your diet. Take one tablespoon with warm water before bed.
• Cook with equal parts of turmeric, cumin, coriander and fennel. Cook your vegetables with this mixture or roast it in a bit of Ghee (clarified butter) and add 1 teaspoon to each meal.
• Don't skip meals or overeat.
• Avoid heavy, deep fried and cold foods.
• Exercise regularly to 50% of your capacity. That's when you start to breathe hard or break a sweat.

Please note: This ayurvedic information is education. It does not replace medical advice or treatments.