Cholesterol Natural Alternative Therapy

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in every cell in your body. It is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of some hormones. In some people, cholesterol levels in blood become too high and are called high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia. There are many cholesterol natural alternative therapies such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other biological compounds. We are going to discuss some of the cholesterol natural alternative therapies below.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin is considered to be one of the best cholesterol natural alternative therapies used to lower cholesterol. It helps to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that niacin lowers LDL cholesterol by 10-20%, lowers triglycerides by 20-50%, and raises "good" HDL cholesterol by 15-35%. Niacin also appears to significantly lower levels of lipoprotein A, which is responsible for atherosclerosis, Niacin is available both in prescription form as well as a dietary supplement.

Niacin supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner since it can increase the effect of high blood pressure medication or cause nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, gout, liver inflammation, and high blood sugar.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber, another cholesterol natural alternative therapy appears to reduce LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol so that it is excreted. It can be found as a dietary supplement, such as psyllium powder, or in foods such as Oats, barley, rye, Legumes like peas and beans, Some fruits such as apples, prunes, and berries and vegetables, such as carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, yams.It has been found that 5-10 grams of soluble fiber per day decreases LDL cholesterol by approximately 5%.

Artichoke Leaf

Some research suggests that artichoke leaf extract may help to lower cholesterol by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. A compound called cynarin present in artichokes is believed to increase bile production in the liver and speed the flow of bile from the gallbladder, both of which may increase cholesterol excretion. There are no adverse effects associated with use of artichoke. If any they are mild, transient and infrequent.

Plant Stanols and Sterols

Plant stanols and sterols are naturally occurring substances found in certain plants. Researches have shown that plant stanols and sterols may help to lower cholesterol. They are similar in structure to cholesterol and may help block the absorption of cholesterol absorption from the intestines. Stanols significantly reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but it has no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Stanols and sterols appear to enhance the effects of other methods to lower cholesterol. Stanols are also found as dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice, and dressings.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most widely purchased herbal supplements used to lower cholesterol levels. It is found that garlic can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by up to 20 mg/dL in humans. The cholesterol-lowering abilities of garlic appear to be dose-dependent. That is, the more garlic you take, the lower your cholesterol will drop. Garlic reduces LDL cholesterol levels whereas it has no significant effect on HDL cholesterol.

Turmeric

Turmeric is found to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as in preventing LDL from being oxidized. Oxidized LDL has been shown to greatly accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis. Using small amounts of turmeric in cooking is relatively safe and may provide some healthy benefits. But before using high levels of tumeric to lower your cholesterol levels, consult your health care provider first, since high amounts of this spice may interact with some of the medications you might be taking, particularly aspirin, coumadin and numerous blood-sugar lowering.

Some other cholesterol natural alternative therapies include Carnitine, Chromium, Grape Seed Extract, Pantothine, Red yeast rice, Soy and Vitamin C. Cholesterol natural alternative therapies are always preferred to the standard prescription drugs used today to control high cholesterol. But don't forget to consult your doctor before using any cholesterol natural alternative therapies.