7 Best Yoga Exercises To Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Yoga To Reduce Cholesterol

Cholesterol Definition

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance, which the body uses to protect nerves, make cell tissues, and produce certain hormones. The liver makes all the cholesterol that our body needs. It is found in the bloodstream and in general saying, is considered harmful for the body. Cholesterol, in fact, is very important for normal functioning and maintenance of the body.

What Causes High Cholesterol

Although Cholesterol is good for the body, but the too much of cholesterol in the bloodstream can cause blockage of arteries and eventually, heart-related problems. Our sedentary lifestyle and dependency on processed foods can be the reason for increased cholesterol levels. Smoking, tension, genetics, and diabetes are also the factors to blame for it.

Good Cholesterol And Bad Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called “bad” cholesterol whereas High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called “good” cholesterol. If the total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, it may be categorized under higher risk and can cause heart disease or stroke. But, if the total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, then probably it is not considered as a higher risk for the body.

How To Reduce Cholesterol Naturally Home Remedies

• Drink warm water in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Go for walking or jogging, preferably in the morning hours.
• Avoid fatty saturated foods such as meat, oil, whole milk, butter, cakes, cream, and cheese.
• Drink Lauki juice daily in the morning before breakfast.

Can yoga reduce cholesterol?

• Just following a regular and simple Yogic routine in itself will help in control over high cholesterol.
• Further, leading a yogic life, which includes a control over ‘Ahaar’, ‘Vihar’ and ‘Vichar’, will help in it. ‘Ahaar’ means healthy food habits, ‘Vihar’ means proper recreation and ‘Vichaar’ means positive thoughts.

How Does Yoga Lower Cholesterol

Various studies suggest that different Yoga Exercises can help control cholesterol naturally without any harmful side-effects on the body. How these exercises will help, can be explained in the following manner –

• By correcting thyroid functioning as one of the reasons for high blood is the poor thyroid functioning (Sarvangasana, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Surya Namaskar are examples).
• By keeping the liver healthy which produces the cholesterol that the body requires (Ardha Matsyendrasana.
• By improving digestion, which will eradicate infections and correct food allergy (Surya Namaskar, Pachimottanasana, Chakrasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana & Bhastrika are examples).
• Yoga is effective in stress reduction which eventually helps in control over high cholesterol (Surya Namaskar and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama are examples).
• Many studies confirm that many yoga exercises result in a modest reduction in weight. Losing weight lowers body fat and which lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels (Suryanamaskar, Paschmottanasana, Bhastrika, Chakrasana etc are examples).

Yoga Exercises For Cholesterol Control

Yoga Exercises explained below are useful in correcting thyroid function, liver function, stress reduction, weight control and improve digestion (as explained above) and thus help lower cholesterol.

Surya Namaskar Cholesterol

Dynamic series of Surya Namaskar is very good for weight loss and can help contain Cholesterol levels. Its regular practice regulates Surya Nadi, whether it is underactive or overactive.  This, in turn, leads to a balanced energy system at both mental and physical levels. It harmonizes the whole endocrinal system of glands and helps to remove any irregularities by directly massaging and increasing the blood flow to them.

Sarvangasana And Cholesterol

Sarvangasana stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands responsible for protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. It keeps the practitioner calm and cool. Sarvangasana, reverse the action of gravity on the body. Sarvangasana has the refreshing and revitalizing effect on the whole body. It gives total health, maintains youth, reduces anxiety and stress and increases mental power and concentration. This Yogasana brings harmony to the body and mind and is very good Yoga Pose for dealing Cholesterol.

Paschimottanasana And Cholesterol

Paschimottanasana is among the powerful abdominal exercises as it massages and stimulates abdominal viscera such as kidneys, liver, pancreas. The asana removes the excess weight of the abdominal and pelvic area. It is useful for reducing obesity and rectifying stomach ailments. The practice of Pachimottanasana can be a great Yoga Asana to reduce the Cholesterol levels.

Ardha Matsyendrasana And Cholesterol

Ardha Matsyendrasana regulates the secretions of the adrenal gland, liver, and pancreas, and is beneficial for kidneys. The spinal nerve roots and the sympathetic nervous system are toned up. Ardha Matsyendrasana is very good asana for alleviating constipation and dyspepsia and hence very good for lowering Cholesterol.

Chakrasana And Cholesterol

The Chakrasana has a lot of benefits, including an improvement in all the major systems of the body. It stimulates and influences all the hormonal secretions. The Chakrasana, also called the wheel pose, massages the abdominal organs and helps alleviate constipation. It also improves the functioning of the liver and thus helps get rid of excess fat and cholesterol.

Bhastrika pranayama And Cholesterol

This pranayama stimulates the metabolic rate, producing heat and flush out waste and toxins. It also massages and stimulates the abdominal organs, toning the digestive system. Regular practice of Bhastrika Pranayama will reduce the Cholesterol levels.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama And Cholesterol

Nadi Shodhana pranayama affects the functioning of the Endocrine glands positively. Secretion of hormones is balanced. The practitioner gets a higher concentration, get rid of anxiety and stress, gets clarity of thoughts, and tranquility of mind which further helps in the reduction of Cholesterol levels.