Alternative Medicine for people with High Cholesterol
Natural supplements should only be used as a part of an overall program that includes dietary and lifestyle changes. Among the natural supplements, niacin, inositol hexaniacinate, guggulipid and pantethine can be considered as alternative medicines for high cholesterol, which are effective in lowering cholesterol.
- Guggulipid:
Guggulipid, an alernative medicine for high cholesterol, is a standardized extract from the mukul myrrh tree. It is found that increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol in the liver lowers LDL cholesterol levels. And increases HDL cholesterol. The recommended dosage of guggulipid is based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract.
Side effects of Guggulipid:-Mild abdominal discomfort is a side effect of using the standardized guggulipid extract, however this has only been reported in a small percentage of people. People with liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea should use this herb with caution. - Niacin (Vitamin B3):
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is often an alternative medicine for people with high cholesterol. Niacin lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol yet raises the level of the "good" HDL cholesterol.
Side effects of Niacin (Vitamin B3):- Niacin supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner since it can cause undesirable side effects such as skin flushing, stomach irritation, nausea, glucose intolerance, and elevated blood levels of uric acid, visual disturbances and liver damage. Inositol hexaniacinate is the safest form of niacin without serious side effects and has long been used for lowering cholesterol and improving blood circulation. - Pantethine:
Pantethine is a form of pantothenic acid is used as an alternative for high cholesterol, which reduces levels of LDL and total cholesterol, raises HDL, and is the most effective supplement for lowering triglyceride levels. Pantethine works by improving fat metabolism and by slowing down production of cholesterol in the liver.
A dietary supplement is the foundation of alternative medicine for high cholesterol. A variety of root and plant products are potentially effective and beneficial in treatment for this condition. Here are some such alternative medicines for high cholesterol.
- Psyllium: Psyllium is a fiber found in outer coverings of fleawort and plantago seeds It reduces the ability of the small intestine to absorb cholesterol, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol entering your blood.
Side effects of Psyllium:- Increased bowel movement is one of the side effects caused by using Psyllium. - Red Yeast: Monacolin, the natural equivalent of lovastatin in red yeast, decreases cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver.
Side effects of Red Yeast:- Excessive quantities can lead to dangerously low levels of cholesterol. The consumption of dietary supplements that contain the beneficial components of red yeast may be considered a better alternative. It is always advisable to talk with your doctor before taking such supplements because they could potentially cause dangerous side effects. Do not take these supplements if you are taking statins. Dangerous side effects may result from the combination. - Sterol esters: Sterol esters block receptors in the small intestine that are responsible for absorbing dietary cholesterol thus lowering LDL cholesterol level. Sterol and stanol esters are the active ingredient in cholesterol-lowering margarine spreads, such as Take Control and Benecol. There are as such no side effects when taken as prescribed.
These were some of the alternative medicines for high cholesterol. Besides the consumption of these, you must continue your diet, exercise, and prescription medicines. An advise of medical expert is of equal importance.