No one wants to hear that he or she has high cholesterol. It can cause arteries to harden and result in strokes and heart attacks. However, people often panic over high cholesterol and jump on board with taking medication before considering their lifestyle and diet and seeing what can be changed first.

Sometimes, to lower cholesterol, it is just a matter of changing what you do and how you eat. If you know the sources of good and bad fats and how they work together, this can mean the difference between taking medication or controlling your cholesterol on your own. Make sure you keep your doctor in the loop with anything you do. Below are 5 easy things you can do to manage your cholesterol in a more natural way.

1. Eliminate trans fats and saturated fats.

According to Harvard Medical School, one of the best things you can do is decreasing your intake of trans fats and saturated fats. Avoid increasing your sugars to eliminate these fats, though. They are just as bad. Eating red meat, shrimp, fatty cheeses, and butter can still be enjoyed, just not as often.

2. Increase polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Increasing your intake of the good fats is another recommendation by Harvard Medical School. These lower your LDL. Soybean oil, olive oil, peanut oil and other plant oils are a great way to find these oils. Eating tuna, salmon, trout, herring, and sardines will also help you get these oils.

3. Increase fiber.

According to the Mayo Clinic, adding soluble fiber to your diet can also lower LDL. Whole grains, nuts, beans, fruits, and vegetables are great sources of fiber. Harvard Medical says the deeper the color of the fruit and vegetables, the better they are for you.

4. Exercise.

The majority of us don’t think of exercise affecting cholesterol, but as per WebMD, doing aerobic exercise for 30 minutes four days a week will also make a difference in your cholesterol level and help you lose weight.

5. Reduce stress.

Stress drives up cholesterol levels, so WebMD advises you to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Take time to laugh as well.

Finding ways to control your cholesterol is more than just changing your diet. It means taking control of your life and making conscious choices to relax and let your hair down. It means taking care of your body. With a little TLC, you may be able to lower your cholesterol without needing medication.