A Dietitian's Guide to Lowering Cholesterol Without Medication

49. Consider Laughter as a Therapeutic Tool

It may sound silly, but a good belly laugh can be an effective, non-dietary tool for lowering cholesterol. Laughter helps reduce the level of cortisol, the "stress hormone," in your body. High cortisol levels can lead to inflammation and metabolic imbalances that negatively impact your lipid profile. Laughter also promotes the dilation of blood vessels, which increases blood flow and helps reduce arterial stress. Finding a way to laugh every day, whether it's through a funny movie or a conversation with a friend, is a simple, enjoyable way to support your heart health.

50. Choose Low-Glycemic Carbs

The focus on fat can make people overlook the impact of carbohydrates. Foods with a high glycemic index (GI), like white bread and sugary cereals, cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which triggers the liver to produce more triglycerides and VLDL, a precursor to LDL cholesterol. By choosing low-GI carbohydrates like oats, quinoa, and legumes, you can stabilize blood sugar and reduce this metabolic burden. This strategy helps you manage your cholesterol profile from a different, yet equally critical, angle.