Supplements and herbs - High Cholesterol

Supplements and herbs
The use of many of these herbal and nutritional remedies can aid in regulating the elevated cholesterol levels within the blood. Supplementation must be started by initially taking the vitamins E and C, align with the herbal garlic remedies-these supplements can be used either together or they can be taken one at a time. The use of these supplements over a long period of time is safe and extremely beneficial to the person-in addition, the use of these supplements can be done even when you are using cholesterol lowering prescription medications suggested by a doctor. While the use of the supplemental vitamin E will not directly lead to a lowering of the cholesterol levels, this vitamin seems to be able to prevent the production of free radicals-which are unstable oxygen molecules within the body and it also keeps the levels of increase in the levels of the LDL cholesterol-the accumulation of this compound is usually the initial step in the buildup of coronary plaque eventually leading to heart attack and other cardiac problems. The effectiveness of the vitamin E within the body is assured by the presence of vitamin C and the presence of this additional essential nutrient may even result in an increase in the levels of protective HDL cholesterol within the blood of the affected individual. The power of garlic to bring about reduction in the cholesterol has been investigated with conflicting claims about its benefits; the supplemental use of the herb garlic is backed by many nutritionally oriented practitioners. They attribute the garlic with having an overall positive effect on the elevated levels of cholesterol and supplemental use of the herb is suggested-garlic can be taken in large amounts, preferably raw in the daily diet over a long period of time. People following diets with a very low content of soluble dietary fiber, should include the herb psyllium in their diet as this dietary fiber can help in bringing about a reduction in the total cholesterol levels.

Instead of using cholesterol reducing medications, patients may also take inositol hexaniacinate, the red yeast rice, and gugulipid as alternative supplements to lower total cholesterol levels in the body. The use of these supplements should be done along and never in combination with the prescription medications suggested by the doctor. The levels of LDL in the body can be reduced by supplements of inositol hexaniacinate, which is a form of the B vitamin niacin, if it is taken for two to three months on a continuous basis-this supplement will also raise the HDL levels in the blood at the same time. The supplemental use of either herbal remedies-the red yeast rice or the gugulipid can be done combined with the inositol hexaniacinate or to take its place as a supplement in the diet. The formation and synthesis of cholesterol in the body is inhibited by the red yeast rice and these results in a lowering of total blood cholesterol in the individual. The supplemental substance known as gugulipid will lead to an increase in the body's ability to metabolize LDL present in high amounts in the blood and tissues.

What else you can do
The diet must be changed for effective lowering of the high cholesterol levels. At the same time, try to reduce your intake of all types of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol on a long term basis. Red meats must be substituted by fish, the diet must also contain a lot of high-fiber foods-this includes all types of grains, different vegetables, and all kinds of fruits. For cooking, try to use olive or canola oil to replace butter and other vegetable oils. Cholesterol levels can also be reduced by regularly eating oat bran as a part of the daily diet. The levels of HDL cholesterol can be raised if the person is physically fit, you must strive to follow a good program consisting of regular aerobic exercises to raise the HDL level in the blood.

Usual dosage
Garlic, 400-600 mg daily.
Psyllium, one tbsp. of psyllium powder dissolved in juice or water two times daily. Remember to drink extra water.
Vitamin C, 1,000 mg two times daily. If diarrhea develops, reduce the dosage.
Vitamin E, 400 IU two times daily. If you take anticoagulant medications, check it with the doctor.
Red yeast rice, two capsules (600 mg each) two times daily with food. If muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness occurs, stop taking it.
Inositol hexaniacinate, 500 mg thrice daily.
Gugulipid, 25 mg guggulsterones (active ingredient in gugulipid) thrice daily.
More useful herbs
Alfalfa
Apple
Asafoetida
Avocado
Carrot
Common Thistle
Cordyceps
Devil's Claw
Evening Primrose
Fenugreek
Ginger
Green Tea
Guggul
He Shou Wu
Licorice
Linden
Milk Thistle
Oats
Pygeum
Rehmannia
Rose
Safflower
Schisandra
Shiitake
Snow Fungus
Soy
Turmeric