Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol

Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol

Thither are many alternative treatments proposed for lowering cholesterol. But earlier you add any supplements or alternative therapies to your diet, talk to your health care provider. Few natural products have been shown in scientific studies to reduce cholesterol, but some might be helpful. But likewise, some supplements may interact with other medication you're taking or have the potential for dangerous side effects.

Some of the herbal and nutritionalsupplements that may help lower cholesterol include:

Garlic: According to some studies, garlic may decrease blood levels of totalcholesterol by a few percentage points, but only in the short term. Other works, however, suggest that it may not be as beneficial as once thought. Garlic may prolong bleeding and blood clotting time, so garlic and garlic supplements should not be consumed prior to surgery or with blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin.

Fiber: Taking a fiber supplement to help meet your daily fiber intake can help lower your overall cholesterol level and your LDL (bad)holesterol. Examples include psyllium, methylcellulose, wheat dextrin, and calcium polycarbophil. If you hold a fiber supplement, increase the amount you take slowly. This can help prevent flatulence and craIt’s also significant to drink enough liquids when you increase your fiber intake.

Guggulipid: Guggulipid is the gum resin of the Mukul myrrh tree.h tree. It has been employed in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India more than 2,000 years ago. In clinical studies performed in India, guggulipid significantly reduced blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. But most of these studies do not fit the criteria for scientific validity. In summation, the enthusiasm for using guggulipid as a cholesterol-lowering herbal agent diminished after the publication of negative results from a clinical trial in the U.S. Further research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of this herb.

Red yeast rice Red yeast rice has been found to lower cholesterol in studies and was previously found in the over-the-counter supplement Cholestin. Notwithstanding, in 2001, FDA took Cholestin off the shelf because it contained lovastatin, a compound found in the cholesterol prescription medication Mevacor. Reformulated "Cholestin" no longer contains red yeast rice. Other red yeast rice-containing supplements currently available in the U.S. can only contain very low levels of lovastatin. The FDA does not allow promotion of red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol.

Policosanol: Produced from sugar cane, Policosanol was found to be efficacious in lowering LDL cholesterol in several studies. Most policosanol supplements found in the U.S., including the reformulated Cholestin, contain policosanol extracted from beeswax and not the sugar cane policosanol. There is no evidence that policosanol extracted from beeswax can lower cholesterol. Additional fields on sugar cane Policosanol are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety in lowering cholesterol.Other herbal products: The results of several studies suggest fenugreek seeds and leaves, artichoke leaf extract, yarrow, and holy basil all may help lower cholesterol. These and other commonly used herbs and spices -- including ginger, turmeric, and rosemary -- are being investigated for their possible beneficial effects relating to coronary disease prevention.

Dietary Approaches to Lowering Cholesterol

Increased ingestion of dietary fiber, soy foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant compounds similar to cholesterol (plant stanols and sterols) can significantly reduceLDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol.

Fiber: Only plant foods (veggies, fruits, legumes, unrefined grains) Plants contain dietary fiber. The soluble fiber found in nutrients such as oat bran, barley, psyllium seeds, flax seed meal, apples, citrus fruits, lentils and beans are particularly effective in lowering total and LDL cholesterol.

Nuts: Many nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios can reduce cholesterol. Granting to the FDA, eating a handful (1.5 ounces ) Of the walnuts daily can reduce the danger of heart disYou can replace foods high in saturated fats with nuts and they are a serious source of fiber.Soybeans: Substituting soybeans or soy protein for other proteins have been shown to prevent coronary heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.rides. Soya protein is present in tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, edamame, soy nuts, and many other food products made from soybeans.

Phytosterols: Phytosterols (plant sterol and stanol esters) Are compounds found in modest amounts in foods such as whole grains as well as in many vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oils. They decrease LDL cholesterol, mostly by interfering with the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Phytosterols can be found in spreads (like the cholesterol-lowering margarines Benecol, Promise, Smart Balance, and Take Control), dressings for salads, and dietary supplements. Additional phytosterol-fortified foods include Minute Maid Heart Wise orange juice, Nature Valley Healthy Heart Chewy granola bars, CocoVia chocolates, Rice Dream Heartwise rice drink, and Lifetime low-fat cheese.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help cut heart disease and lower triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids lessen the rate at which the liver produces triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids also have an anti-inflammatory effect in the physical structure, decrease the growth of plaque in the arteries, and aid in thinning blood. Train for at least two servings of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines per week. Other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seed and walnuts. Supplement sources include fish oil capsules, flaxseed and linseed oil. If you are considering taking omega-3 fatty acids, first discuss with your wellness care provider if omega-3 fatty acid supplements are right for you, especially if you are currently taking blood-thinning medication.

Dietary fiber, nuts, soya beans, and phytosterols decrease cholesterol levels by different mechanisms. Thus, it is not surprising that the combined dietary intake of these foods and other plant substances along with a low intake of saturated fats, is more effective at reducing cholesterol levels than each individual substance alone.

Avoid Trans Fats

Avoid partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated vegetable oils. These synthetic oils are sources of trans fatty acids known to increase LDL cholesterol. They lower heart-protecting HDL (beneficial) Cholesterol and increase the inflammatory reaction in the body. You can now find trans fats listed on the Nutrition Facts panel of packaged foods. Minimize use of trans fatty acid-containing food.

If diet and regular exercise aren't effective at reducing your cholesterol levels, talk to your physician about taking cholesterol-lowering medications.