Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

When my doctor told me that my cholesterol level was way too high he also suggested that I start taking a statin drug.  I decided that rather that risking muscule pain and kidney and liver damage I would take a natural approach . . . after all I'm an ND.

While diet and exercise have been shown to reduce cholesterol I decided that they probably wouldn't do much for me.  I was already a vegitarian, go to the gym five days a week for a 30 minute cardio workout and weight training, and hit the trails on my mountain bike every chance I get.  I needed to do something more.

Here are a few natural supplements that have shown to be effective in lowering bad cholesterol. You might want to try one of these after checking with your physician.  You should be able to find any of these at your lcoal health food store or online.

Ferulic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that can reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides. You can take it as a supplement, and it is also found in brown rice, whole wheat and oats.

Chromium Picolinate – Chromium is an essential mineral for everyone, but it's especially important for people trying to lose weight. Chromium Picolinate plays a crucial role in fat and sugar metabolism.  Picolinate is a nutrient found in raw sugar cane and beeswax. It is reported to significantly lowers levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) increases levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and does not raise blood sugar levels.

Lecithin - Is an outstanding fat emulsifier for healthy cholesterol and cardiovascular maintenance.  It is also a source of phosphatidylcholine which is a vital nutrient for brain and liver function.  Lecithin is high in nutrients, it helps to raise HDL levels and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol from foods.

Pumpkin Seed Oil - Pumpkin seeds have been used traditonallhy to provide nourishing support to the prostate. They contain zinc, which is vital for normal prostate function.  It contains essential fatty acid nutrients (Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids) that may help to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. The oil has also been shown to enhance the cholesterol-lowering ability of policosanol and other nutrients.

Quercetin – An antioxidant use to protect the cardiovascular system and the whole body.  Quercetin is a natural antioxidant flavonoid found in onions, apples, green tea and other plant sources.  It delivers valuable free-radical protection for blood vessels and other vital tissues throughout the body. It has also been gaining the attention of nutrition researchers for its potential to help maintain a healthy prostate
Dong quai root – A staple of traditional Chinese herbology which is often called "the female ginseng" because of the many benefits it provides for women's overall health. It has gained widespread popularity inthe West as a way to promote well-being throughout the menstrual cycle.  It is also a great source of iron and a natural sedative and is also supposed to help lower cholesterol.

Ginger root – Is a well-known as a culinary herb and it is also an excellent natural stomach-soother and digestive system tonic.  It is belived to reduce high blood pressure and help lower cholesterol as well.

Artichoke extract – Is a popular nutritional supplement in Europe.  Artichoke extract has a long, successful history of liver support, particularly for those who have a history of liver-related problems.  It contains a compound called cynarin which increases the liver’s production of bile and the flow of bile from the gallbladder.  Bile is a key element for the extraction of excess cholesterol.

Beta-sitosterol - Is a powerful plant sterol that works naturally within the body to help promote cardiovascular health. Research shows that it can lower LDL cholesterol without having an effect on HDL cholesterol.

Red Yeast Rice – Has been used for centuries in Asia as a food additive and in folk medicine.  Evidence shows that this can help lower LDL cholesterol. However, The Food and Drug Administration has warned that red yeast rice products could contain a naturally occurring form of the prescription medication known as Lovastatin.   Lovastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body.  Because you don’t know the quality or level of this drug in the red yeast rice supplement, it poses a potential hazard. So checking with your physician before taking it is a must.  Red yeast rice should not be taken by individuals with a liver disorder.