NASA studies found that repeated dips in chilled water over a 12-week period resulted in a series of changes known as 'cold adaptation. ' This brought down blood pressure and cholesterol as well as toning muscle.
Taking cooler showers forces the body to use up the brown fat in a bid to keep the body warm, which in turn lowers its levels. The eventual outcome of this could be a reduction in cholesterol levels.
Ice baths and other hydrotherapies can reduce cholesterol, boost the immune system, help treat autoimmune inflammation, ease pain and speed recovery from sports injuries. Cold-water swimming boosts the body's stores of so-called “brown adipose tissue” (BAT), a type of “good” body fat activated by low temperatures.
When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes acidic which can lead to a build-up in LDL levels of cholesterol. Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean and eliminate the excess buildup of cholesterol waste from the body.
They found that on average, the lower the temperature, the higher their cholesterol and blood pressure (which can increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases) and the lower their vitamin D levels.
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include: Red meat, like beef, pork, and lamb, as well as processed meats like sausage. Full-fat dairy, like cream, whole milk, and butter. Baked goods and sweets.
Biliary cholesterol enters the intestinal lumen, from where a significant amount is re-absorbed by the enterocytes[13]. The remaining cholesterol leaves the body via fecal excretion.
Beans. Like oatmeal, beans are rich in soluble fiber; they flush out unwanted cholesterol with each bite. They're also high in protein, so they'll keep you full hours after your meal. Just add 1/2 cup to your daily lunch salad or whip up a delicious garbanzo bean recipe for dinner.
Fill Up on Fiber
Foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are high in soluble fiber, which keeps your body from absorbing cholesterol. Research shows that people who ate 5 to 10 more grams of it each day saw a drop in their LDL.
To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat. You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat. Check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.
Taking shower in cool water can help to improve blood circulation by optimising blood flow. It can help to lower the blood pressure and also unclog the blocked arteries. That is because cold water encourages blood to surround the organs, which helps fight heart issues.
Cold showers have been proven to positively stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
If you're sick, pregnant, or have a heart or lung condition, it's best to avoid cold showers until you consult a healthcare provider to determine if they're safe for you.
The largest study with 3,000 participants was carried out in the Netherlands and found that people who took a daily cold shower (following a warm shower) of either 30 seconds, 60 seconds or 90 seconds for one month were off work with self-reported sickness 29 per cent less than those who had a warm shower only.
Care is needed
Having a cold shower can be a bit of a shock. As mentioned above, it also stimulates the flight-or-fight response which increases heart rate and blood pressure. This can have a negative effect for those with heart disease as it could precipitate a heart attack or heart-rhythm irregularities.
It is possible for lifestyle changes to change cholesterol levels within weeks. However, it may take longer, usually about 3 months — sometimes more. Some doctors recommend adding a cholesterol-lowering drug if a person has not lowered their LDL cholesterol after about 12 weeks of lifestyle changes.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
As a general guide, total cholesterol levels should be: 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 4mmol/L or less for those at high risk.
High cholesterol levels are considered: too high: between 5 and 6.4mmol/l. very high: between 6.5 and 7.8mmol/l. extremely high: above 7.8mmol/l.