🌿 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol – Internist Geriatrician PCP Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Aug 6, 2025
- 4 min read
If you’ve been told your cholesterol is high, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. But here’s the good news: you have options — and they don’t all involve medications right away.
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, our trusted internist, geriatrician, and PCP in Georgetown TX can guide you through both natural and medical approaches, in a way that respects your preferences and your body.
🫀 What Causes High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels can rise for several reasons:
Unhealthy eating habits (like fried or processed foods)
Sedentary lifestyle
Genetics or family history
Smoking or excess alcohol use
Medical conditions (like diabetes or thyroid issues)
Aging – yes, cholesterol naturally rises over time
Even if you “feel fine,” high cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and circulation problems — so it’s worth paying attention to early.
🔬 Pathophysiology: What’s Happening in the Body?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body uses to build cells and hormones. There are two key types:
LDL ("bad") cholesterol – builds up in arteries, increasing risk of heart disease
HDL ("good") cholesterol – helps clear excess cholesterol from the body
When LDL is too high or HDL is too low, plaques can form in arteries — leading to narrowing, reduced blood flow, and potential blockages.
🧪 How Is High Cholesterol Diagnosed? by Internist Geriatrician PCP Georgetown TX
A simple fasting blood test (lipid panel) shows:
Total cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
Triglycerides
We often order this as part of your annual wellness visit or heart risk screening at our family medical center in Georgetown TX.
🌱 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol
You don’t always need to start with medications. Many patients see great results with these lifestyle and supplement changes:
🍽️ Diet Changes
Eat more soluble fiber (found in oats, beans, lentils, apples, flaxseeds)
Swap saturated fats (butter, red meat) for healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)
Limit sugar and refined carbs
Add plant sterols and stanols (in fortified foods or supplements)
Increase omega-3s (like fatty fish, walnuts, or fish oil capsules)
🏃 Movement
Aim for 30 minutes of activity daily, even brisk walking
Resistance training 2–3 times/week helps too
💊 Supplements That Help (When Used Safely)
Berberine – helps lower LDL and improve insulin resistance
Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce triglycerides and inflammation
Probiotics – can improve cholesterol balance and gut health
Psyllium fiber – found in fiber drinks or capsules, helps bind cholesterol in the gut
Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you take other medications.
💊 What About Medications?
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we may discuss:
Statins – reduce liver’s cholesterol production
Ezetimibe – blocks absorption in the gut
PCSK9 inhibitors – powerful injectables for high-risk patients
We tailor all treatment decisions to your preferences and risk level — we never push unnecessary medications.
🧘 Lifestyle Habits That Support Heart Health
Quit smoking
Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep
Manage stress through mindfulness or support groups
Limit alcohol to 1 drink/day (women) or 2/day (men)
Keep a healthy weight over time — even small losses help!
❓ Top 10 FAQs – Cholesterol
💭 Can I lower my cholesterol without medications?
Yes — many people succeed with the right diet, movement, and supplements.
💭 What’s the best natural supplement?
Berberine and omega-3s have strong clinical support. We’ll guide you based on your labs and goals.
💭 How long until lifestyle changes make a difference?
You can see changes in 6–12 weeks on labs with consistency.
💭 Should seniors worry about high cholesterol?
Yes — but treatment goals may shift with age. We focus on quality of life and overall risk, not just numbers.
💭 Can cholesterol cause symptoms?
Usually no — it’s a silent risk. That’s why screening is important.
💭 Can stress raise cholesterol?
Yes, chronic stress can raise LDL and lower HDL through hormonal effects.
💭 Is fasting required for the cholesterol test?
Not always — but it’s more accurate if fasting 9–12 hours.
💭 Will cholesterol meds damage my liver?
Serious side effects are rare and monitored. We check liver tests routinely if needed.
💭 Are plant-based diets better for cholesterol?
They can be! Even small changes (like a meatless meal 2x/week) help.
💭 Why Wellness Bay?
We’re an unrushed, thoughtful clinic where your heart health is managed with care, not pressure.
🩺 When to See a Doctor
Please visit us if:
You’ve had high cholesterol on a recent blood test
You want to try natural options first
You’re curious about safe, evidence-based supplements
You’ve had a family history of heart disease or stroke
You’re a senior looking for personalized, kind guidance
You want a trusted internist, geriatrician, or PCP in Georgetown TX
💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together
The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
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