In addition to cholesterol-lowering medications, another good defense strategy against bad LDS cholesterol is the use of natural remedies. A natural approach begins with the right diet followed by herbs or other food extracts in the form of supplements.
Dietary Fiber
High fiber diets are important to help regulate blood cholesterol levels. Fiber attaches to cholesterol in the digestive system and transports it out through the bowel, lowering cholesterol. Good sources of dietary fiber include oats, barley, fruits, vegetables, lentils and beans, wholemeal breads and wholegrain cereals. These foods also have anti-oxidants that can aid in preventing arterial blockages.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Certain nuts like walnuts and almonds contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that help in lowering blood cholesterol naturally. A study has shown that within 28 days, a cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20% of the calories came from walnuts cut down bad LDL cholesterol by 12%. However, bear in mind that one-third of a cup of walnuts also contains about 240 calories. So nuts should be consumed moderately.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish such as mackerel, trout, herring and salmon can lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglyceride (another blood lipid that often occurs together with bad LDL cholesterol) levels. Ground flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Supplements
Many natural products have also been helpful in lowering bad LDL cholesterol. Watch out for these terms when choosing a supplement for this purpose – artichoke extract, which is considered the premier cholesterol-lowering herb; psyllium, a fiber source that can be sprinkled over cereal, mixed with juice or taken as a capsule; lecithin, a nutrition that helps transport and metabolize cholesterol and improves liver function; and policosanol, a natural product found in sugar cane that can lower bad LDL cholesterol while boosting good HDL cholesterol.
Garlic, barley and sitostanol and beta-sitosterol are other natural remedies to consider.
Consulting your Doctor First
Before starting on a dietary supplement to help reduce blood cholesterol, get your doctor’s opinion first, especially if you are on a cholesterol-lowering drug. Some supplements may interact with the medicine you take and this may cause more harm than good.
Also, remember that for some people, high blood cholesterol is an inherited condition. That means lifestyle changes, regular exercise and dietary supplements may not be enough to lower cholesterols. Again, a visit to the doctor is advisable.
Those who find this article useful may also be interested in reading Managing Diabetes by Caring for the Heart and Making Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cholesterol.
References:
Mayo Clinic – High Blood Cholesterol
Dana White. “How’s your Cholesterol?” that appears in Everybody magazine. Spring 2008 issue.
 |
