Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol

Elevated cholesterol levels can create serious health problems, especially for those who have additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Total cholesterol should ideally be below 200 mg/dl, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol should be below 130 mg/dl. As an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, here are some natural ways to help to keep cholesterol levels under control.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Control High Cholesterol

Diet and exercise play important roles in keeping cholesterol levels down. Exercising daily, even if it is only for a short period of time, such as taking a brisk ten minute walk, can help to decrease total cholesterol and elevate HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. In addition, exercise aids in losing excess weight, which also contributes to high cholesterol.

Eat ample amounts of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, including apples, berries, prunes, oatmeal, peas, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots and yams. Some types of nuts, including almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios can help to reduce cholesterol. Choose unsalted nuts, and limit the amount to about a handful a day because they are high in calories.

Avoid foods containing trans-fats and saturated fats, and limit foods containing high amounts of cholesterol such as egg yolks and organ meats. Use oils that contain monounsaturated fats such as olive and peanut oil.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for High Cholesterol

Some natural remedies for high cholesterol include:

Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus)- Artichoke leaf is used as a digestive bitter. If it is taken before meals, it can increase bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats. It also has antioxidant properties and acts to protect the liver. Artichoke leaf can be taken as a capsule, tincture, or in liquid form.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii also known as C. mukul)- A resin that comes from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. It contains compounds known as guggulsterones that have triglyceride and cholesterol lowering activity, as well as antioxidant activity that helps to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Niacin- Also known as vitamin B3, niacin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol.

Pomegranate juice- While it has not been proven to lower cholesterol, pomegranate juice is believed to stop cholesterol from building up on artery walls.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)- Easily identified by its bright yellow color, turmeric is commonly used as a cooking spice in Indian and Middle Eastern food. Curcumin is the active constituent in turmeric, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have shown that turmeric lowers LDL and triglyceride levels, and also inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Some supplements can interfere with prescription medications. This information is for educational purposes only. If you have a health concern, see a qualified health care provider.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/highcholesterol/a/highcholesterol.htm
http://cholesterol.about.com/od/naturalalternatives/a/turmeric.htm