Improving your cholesterol levels doesn’t necessarily mean adding a new medication to the mix. Diet and lifestyle changes can often make a difference. You may be surprised to find that a few things you’re already doing – or could be doing – to help your arthritis can lower your cholesterol level as well.
Here are 10 things to try:
1. Cut the fat. Limit your consumption of foods such as organ meats; processed meats, including hot dogs, bologna and sausage; whole milk and ice cream; fried foods; butter, shortening and lard.
2. Get your fill of fiber. Soluble fiber – the kind found in food such as oatmeal, apples, kidney beans, peaches, prunes, bananas and broccoli – reduces cholesterol absorption from the intestines. Strive to get 10 or more grams a day – the amount in a couple of bowls of oatmeal or a few bananas or peaches.
3. Go a little nutty. Studies show that walnuts and almonds can have a significant effect on LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Two ounces (approximately a handful) daily is about what it takes.
4. Select seafood. The same omega-3 fatty acids in fish that ease arthritis inflammation can have a cholesterol-lowering effect as well. Try to eat at least two servings of fish each week. Mackerel, herring, salmon and albacore tuna are all good sources of omega-3s.
5. Change your oil. Change your regular cooking oil to olive oil and you’ll lower your LDL cholesterol without affecting your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. About two tablespoons daily is what you’ll need to reap the benefits. A bonus: You may also feel improvement in arthritis inflammation.
6. Look for fortified foods. Plant substances called sterols or stanols are known to block the absorption of cholesterol. A number of products fortified with these substances have hit the supermarket in recent years. Look for them in orange juice, margarine and yogurt.
7. Drop a few pounds. One of the best tactics for reducing strain on your arthritic joints is also one of the best for reducing cholesterol: Lose weight. Losing just five or 10 pounds often makes a difference – for both.
8. Get going. Staying active can help your cholesterol levels, even if you don’t need to lose weight. Moderate physical activity can raise HDL cholesterol.
9. Give up the cigarettes. If you smoke, stopping can increase your HDL cholesterol level.
10. Speak to your doctor. If diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, of course, speak to your doctor. He or she may have other advice, including the possibility of adding cholesterol-lowering medication to your daily regimen.
If you can go to a swimming pool, go to waist deep water and walk there. It's boring but allows you to keep your body stretch out without the strain of of your weight. That is how I rehabed my knee after surgery.
Also bike riding strengthens your knees. Athletes use it after they have knee surgery. Ride a trike if you don't have balance.
Try gardening - lots of lifting and short walks and using your arms is also good for you.
But keep moving.
You have to stay active if you don't want to be in bed.
My ex husband had a uncle who's doctor told him to go to bed with his arthritis.
That is where he stayed also.
Once he stopped moving his body just would not let him be active.
If your doctors say not to walk.
Ask for a GOOD reason as to why not.
Good luck.
I know what the pain is I have it also.
We can do all we can in the natural...but always remember...the supernatural!
Prayer avails much....and God answers prayer!
If you would like prayer support....we sponser a group on a site called DIET FREE LIFE....log into GROUPS....our group is called NEW LIFE - NEW YORK. Join the group and we will pray for you on a daily basis for the health and well being!
God Bless!
Francis kagwi
THANKS SO MUCH YOUR ADVISE. KEEP ME POSTED REGARDING MY ARTHRITIS AND KNEES PAINS I HAVE
ARLENE
1 Tablespoon lemon juice 3x week
2 small non fat natural yougourt
3 bananas per week
5 fish oil capsule or 3 tablespoon flax seed/week
Ripe paw paw
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