How to Keep Your Cholesterol Under Control? Statins or Lifestyle Changes, Check What AIIMS Expert Recommends

Managing cholesterol is crucial for heart health, yet the debate between using Statins or opting for lifestyle changes continues. While doctors often recommend lifestyle modifications to control cholesterol naturally, Statins have gained popularity. These medications are effective in reducing bad cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, concerns over Statins’ side effects raise important questions. AIIMS expert Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat and renowned cardiologist Dr. Bimal Chhajer shed light on how to control cholesterol naturally and the risks associated with Statins.

Are Statins the Right Choice? AIIMS Expert Warns About Muscle Damage Risks

Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat explains that while Statins effectively lower cholesterol, they can also cause muscle-related issues.

Watch Here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr.Priyanka Sehrawat (@docpriyankasehrawat)

These medications may trigger Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Cellular Energy Deficit, and harmful antibodies, leading to muscle damage. Conditions like Myositis and Myopathy can develop, resulting in muscle weakness and pain.

Signs That Statins May Be Affecting Your Muscles:

• Persistent body pain
• Pain in the calf and thigh muscles
• Knees giving way while walking
• Difficulty standing up without support
• Trouble raising hands
• Generalised muscle weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Statins, consult your doctor immediately. While managing cholesterol is essential, it should not come at the cost of muscle health.

Understanding Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Dr. Bimal Chhajer highlights that high cholesterol and triglycerides are leading contributors to heart disease, responsible for 30% of deaths worldwide.

Watch Here:

Keeping triglyceride levels in check is essential:

• Ideal level: Below 100 mg/dL
• Acceptable level: Up to 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150-190 mg/dL
• Very high: 200-500 mg/dL
• Extreme cases: Can reach 1000-2000 mg/dL, posing life-threatening risks

How to Control Cholesterol Naturally? Lifestyle Changes That Work

Dr. Chhajer strongly advocates dietary and lifestyle modifications to naturally lower cholesterol and triglycerides:

• Adopt a Zero-Oil Diet: Cooking without oil can significantly help reduce cholesterol. He recommends trying the recipes from his "Zero Oil Kitchen".
• Avoid Refined and Processed Foods: Say no to sweets, cookies, pastries, and white rice, bread, and pasta, as they can spike triglyceride levels.
• Quit Alcohol Completely: Alcohol raises triglycerides in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Exercise & Diet: The Ultimate Combination for Heart Health

Regular exercise plays a key role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Dr. Chhajer suggests:

• Walking at least 6,000 steps per day, with 10,000 steps being even better for heart health.
• Practicing yoga to reduce stress and improve circulation.
• Opting for a plant-based diet instead of animal-based foods.
• Including fiber-rich foods, fruits, and salads to support heart function.

Lifestyle Changes vs Statins – What’s the Best Choice?

While Statins effectively lower cholesterol, they come with risks, particularly for muscle health. On the other hand, lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful foods, provide a safer and long-term solution. AIIMS experts recommend prioritizing natural ways to control cholesterol before considering medication. Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only improves cholesterol but also ensures overall well-being and longevity.