Cholesterol, the waxy substance found in your blood is what helps build healthy cells. However, if the level of this waxy substance becomes too high, it is a cause of concern. High cholesterol is the leading cause of many health ailments and some life-threatening diseases like stroke. Fortunately, there are some yoga for cholesterol asanas to help you keep this level under control.

But, before we dive further into what these yoga asanas are, let us first focus on what bad cholesterol is all about.

Also, let us have a look at the risk factors which put you at an increased risk of high cholesterol.

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

Given below are some factors which can lead to unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your body:

1. Poor Diet

If you consume a diet riddled with saturated or trans fats, the body will always be at risk of developing unhealthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in fatty portions of meat and full-fat dairy products. On the other hand, trans fats are found in packaged snacks or desserts.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

If your lifestyle does not include any level of physical activity, your body will suffer from higher levels of bad cholesterol. Luckily, you can include yoga for cholesterol in your daily routine to maintain a steady level of physical exercise.

3. Age

Yes! As you get older, the level of cholesterol in your body starts to touch an unhealthy level. It is much common if you are over 40 years of age. Moreover, as you age the liver’s capacity to remove bad cholesterol also reduces which leads to this problem.

4. Obesity

In case you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, it puts your body at a greater risk of developing high cholesterol. There are some yoga for cholesterol asanas that can help you lose weight and keep bad cholesterol away.

Now, you might wonder –

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What are the Complications That Arise Due to High Cholesterol?

Firstly, high cholesterol levels in your body cause a high deposit of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of your arteries. In the long run, this interferes with the smooth flow of blood throughout your body, especially the heart.

This further leads to complications like:

1. Chest Pain

In case the arteries supplying your heart with blood get blocked, you would suffer from Angina (chest pain) and other symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease.

2. Stroke

Similar to a heart attack, a stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a part of your brain. You should include yoga for cholesterol daily to keep this life-threatening health issue away.

3. Heart Attack

In case the plaque buildup in your arteries rupture or tear, a blood clot will form at the rupture site. This blocks the flow of blood in an artery and if a part of your heart does not receive blood, you will have a heart attack.

To help you prevent these complications from happening, the medical community has come up with some tips. Let us see what these are.

Tips to Prevent High Cholesterol

• Quit smoking
• Eat low-salt diet
• Exercise daily
• Manage stress
• Lose extra weight

Now, what if we told you that there is a way to cut the problem from its root. Yes! Yoga experts have come up with some of the best yoga for cholesterol asanas.

Best Yoga for Cholesterol Asanas

Given below are five yoga exercises to help you keep high cholesterol levels away.

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama

Deep and powerful breathing, this yoga technique removes all toxins from your body. It also increases the metabolic rate which helps you get rid of excess weight. Daily practice of this yoga breathing also improves your digestive tract functions.

2. Shalabhasana

A powerful yoga for cholesterol asana which strengthens your back, shoulders, and arms. It gives your belly a gentle stretch which stimulates the abdominal organs to improve digestion.

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3. Sarvangasana

This yoga exercise requires you to balance the body on your shoulders to influence the functioning of all parts of your body. It is a powerful asana that helps you maintain excellent mental and physical health.

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana

This yoga for cholesterol exercise stimulates your liver and helps with indigestion. It also massages your abdominal organs and makes the spine a bit more flexible.

Conclusion

Want to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol in your body? Refer to this information about how yoga for cholesterol can help you keep cholesterol-related problems away. These asanas would help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level and also tackle overweight.

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