Cholesterol is a white, waxy, crystalline substance that can be good or bad. High LDL (low-density lipoproteins) or “bad” cholesterol can be caused by a diet high in processed fat and sugar or by heredity. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol protects the body by moving LDL cholesterol away from the artery walls and back to the liver where it gets excreted with bile to the intestines. If you have too much “bad” cholesterol, don’t despair. Even those with blocked arteries can turn back the progression of the disease. Here’s how.
SUPPLEMENTS THAT LOWER LDL
Hawthorn berry can help lower cholesterol by gradually breaking down fat deposits in the body. Clinical trials in Europe have proven that it is safe and effective in helping to treat early congestive heart failure, mild angina, arrhythmia, and hypertension. It also helps you recover from a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about whether hawthorn berry may be right for you. If so, take a dose either in tea, tincture, or capsule form three times daily.
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Coffee, black tea, and excess bran can inhibit iron absorption due to their diuretic and laxative effects.
The commonly available Ayurvedic formula Triphala can reduce cholesterol levels and arterial plaque by improving digestion and fat metabolism. Tablets are available at natural food stores and 1 or 2 can be taken as directed on the bottle.
Essential fatty acids can also lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of thrombosis (clot formation). Omege-3 oils taken as a supplement contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which helps keep the blood from clumping together. Researchers at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recently showed that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil reduce the risk of heart attack. Look for good-quality fish oil free of heavy metal contamination. Good brands include Nordic Naturals and Garden of Life. Take 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily or aim for three servings a week of salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, herring, or blue fish.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A normal cholesterol level is around 150 mg/dl or less, and ideally your cholesterol level should be 180 mg/dl or less, with more of the HDL than the LDL. New recommendations by the national heart, lung, and Blood institute say that a desirable level for LDL is 130 mg/dl. HDL is considered at risk if levels are below 35 mg/dl.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, increases cardiac output, dilates the blood vessels, and decreases resistance in the circulatory system. Niacin works in the liver to lower “bad” cholesterol. The Journal of the American Medical Association in 1986 recommended it as the first supplement to be used after diet to lower cholesterol. However, even though niacin is helpful, it can cause discomfort for about 10 minutes, including itching, flushing, and gastro-intestinal discomfort. A newer sustained release formula prevents this. Excessive use of niacin has the potential to irritate the liver. Talk to your health professional about taking 50 mg three times daily.
Coenzyme Q10 naturally occurs in the heart muscle and has been used to lower high blood pressure and to treat heart failure. It also increases the amount of oxygen received by the heart tissue. Taking statin prescription drugs to lower cholesterol can deplete the body of CoQ10. If you are taking statins, take from 50 to 200 mg daily of CoQ10.
Thrifty Cures!
Eat a couple of raw cloves of garlic daily to unblock the arteries, as garlic helps to prevent blood from clumping together.
FOODS THAT LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Water-soluble fiber such as oat bran and oatmeal lowers cholesterol levels by binding to “bad” cholesterol in the body, according to many studies. Barley, carrots, apple pectin, chia seeds, blueberries, guar gum, and psyllium may also help lower cholesterol by binding with bile acids in the digestive system, which are then eliminated through the bowel.
Other foods than can help lower cholesterol include apples, artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, chili peppers, citrus fruits, dandelion greens, garlic, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, lemon, lime, melons, onions, rutabaga, seaweed, soybeans, spinach, sweet potato, and turnip. These foods work by improving liver function so the liver can more easily breakdown fatty deposits or because they are high in a fiber called pectin, which binds with cholesterol and carries it out of the body via the bowels.
KEEP IN MIND
To elevate HDL (good) cholesterol, eat lots of onions and garlic and take a daily B vitamin complex. Regular exercise such as walking, dancing, and aerobics elevates the beneficial HDL and lowers LDL.
This Supplements To Lower Cholesterol article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
