What Therapies Does Dr Weil Recommend For High Cholesterol
Dr. Weil recommends making the following lifestyle and dietary changes in order to lower high cholesterol levels:
Magnesium Consumption And Heart Palpitations
Adults typically need to consume between 310 and 420 milligrams of magnesium each day. This nutrient can be found in a variety of fiber-rich, plant-based products. These include foods like legumes, beans, nuts and seeds. You can obtain large amounts of magnesium from foods like seaweed, hemp seeds, flax seeds, Brazil nuts and peanut products.
According to the National Institutes of Health, insufficient amounts of magnesium can result in cardiac problems like abnormal heart rhythms and coronary spasms. Magnesium deficiency also has the potential to cause hypokalemia or hypocalcemia .
Like potassium, large amounts of magnesium can also produce cardiac side effects. Excessive magnesium in your body can result in gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure, palpitations and even heart attacks. Magnesium toxicity is rare, but when it occurs, it can result in death. Youre more likely to experience magnesium toxicity if youve taken magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids.
Qunol Ultra Coq10 100mg
These soft gels contain the perfect amount of CoQ10, which can lower your LDL cholesterol levels. They are 100% water and fat-soluble, allowing your body to use the contents of these pills faster.
These may be particularly useful for statin drug users, as some studies have shown particularly good results when this supplement is paired with that particular drug.
Read Also: How To Use Essential Oils For Cholesterol
Vitamin And Phytonutrient Supplements
You may have heard that antioxidant vitamins counteract the oxidative damage to cells caused by oxygen-containing free-radical molecules that increase your risk for a host of chronic illnesses, from obesity to cardiovascular disease. Part of how they work against heart disease is by helping to lower cholesterol, says Trista Best, MS, RD, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements. Antioxidants are plant compounds that stimulate the immune system and are also responsible for reducing inflammation by preventing clumping of blood platelets, says Best. If this damage persists, cholesterol rises, and the sticky substance can adhere to the walls of the arteries. Best recommends people with high cholesterol try supplementing with antioxidant-specific supplements, such as NOWs Super Antioxidants.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Hdl Cholesterol
What To Do If You Cant Lower Your Cholesterol The Natural Way
If youve spent about six months trying to adopt healthier lifestyle habits but still arent seeing a change in those cholesterol numbers, its time to talk to your doctor. They can provide specialized guidance specific to your health, and they may be able to prescribe you a medication to help, as well.
The great news is that heart disease is preventable and even if you cant do it with diet and exercise, there are some amazing medications out there, Dr. Cho says. Were so lucky to live in an era where we have something that can treat our diseases and help us live longer.
You May Like: Is High Cholesterol A Heart Condition
Follow A Lower Carb Diet
Much like added sugar, extra calories from carbs in your diet are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
Not surprisingly, low carb diets have been linked to lower blood triglyceride levels .
A review of 12 randomized controlled trials found that people following reduced carb diets typically saw a reduction in triglyceride levels at 6, 12, and 24 months. Across these studies, triglyceride levels decreased the most 6 months after starting a reduced calorie diet .
A 2020 review compared low fat and low carb diets. Researchers found that 612 months after starting their relative diets, those on the low carb diet had greater decreases in triglyceride levels than those on a low fat diet .
Summary
Following a low carb diet can lead to a significant reduction in blood triglyceride levels, at least in the short term, when compared with a low fat diet.
Which Helps Your Cholesterol Most
Red yeast rice has monacolin K, the active ingredient in the cholesterol drug lovastatin. The FDA forbids the sale of red yeast rice with this ingredient. Still, some red yeast rice products contain monacolin K, while others don’t. If you buy red yeast rice, you can’t tell how much monacolin K is in it. Too much can be dangerous. Ask your doctor before using red yeast rice. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not use red yeast rice.
Read Also: What Causes High Cholesterol In Women
What Is Hyperlipidemia Is It The Same As High Cholesterol And Triglycerides
Blood lipid, as the name implies, refers to fat in the blood, mainly including cholesterol and triglyceride. When the concentration of cholesterol or triglyceride circulating in the blood is higher than normal, it is called hyperlipidemia.
Hyperlipidemia can not be judged by a single symptom, but the proportion of various blood lipid components needs to be observed and then comprehensively evaluated by a doctor. Simply put, total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the table below -C), High-Density Cholesterol , Triglyceride abnormal index, you may suffer from hyperlipidemia.
Donât Miss: Does Walking Help Lower Cholesterol
Vitamin B3 Niacin For Lowering Cholesterol
Niacin, or vitamin B3, actually works by raising your HDL cholesterol levels whether you take it alone or with another cholesterol-lowering medication.
Niacin works in the liver by affecting the production of blood fats, and it has been well-researched. Several well-designed double-blind, placebo controlled studies have found that niacin can reduce LDL cholesterol by approximately 10 percent and triglycerides by 25 percent while raising HDL cholesterol by 20 percent to 30 percent.
High LDLs lead to atherosclerosis and then cardiovascular disease, warns Nadia Chariff, Health Advisor & Registered Dietitian at Coffeeble. Make no mistake, dietary & lifestyle factors such as high saturated fat intake & lack of exercise definitely play a part! Besides recommending alternative diets & increased activity, I recommend niacin to my patients.
Recommended Reading: How Does Red Wine Lower Cholesterol
Supplement A Healthy Lifestyle
Heart disease is a significant concern for Americans. Living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and supplementing a nutritious diet with certain vitamins and herbs can help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to find out what heart health supplements are best.
Supplements That Are Not As Promising
In 2017, the International Lipid Expert Panel reviewed supplements that research had suggested might help in lowering cholesterol. The panel determined that several were not effective at lowering cholesterol and might even be harmful. The committee recommended against using the following supplements as a way to reduce cholesterol²¹:
- Policosanols: These are alcohols from sugarcane wax. They are generally well tolerated, but more research is needed to nail down their true lipid-lowering benefits before they are recommended.
- Silymarin: This is extracted from the seeds of milk thistle. It doesn’t absorb well in the body, and more information about its safety is still needed.
- Conjugated linoleic acid: This is made from the fat and milk of certain animals. It has been shown to negatively affect vascular function.
Remember that the FDA does not study the claims made by supplement manufacturers. It is important to make sure your healthcare team knows about any dietary supplements and medications you are taking.
Recommended Reading: Is Shrimp High In Cholesterol Mayo Clinic
Benefits Of Cholesterol Supplements
Cholesterol supplements can offer a natural method to lower cholesterol levels. If you find an effective cholesterol supplement that works well for you, it may be a way to naturally lower your cholesterol without taking prescription medications. Some cholesterol supplements, such as green tea extract, offer a variety of other health benefits, as well. You will likely be able to find cholesterol supplements that come at a relatively low cost and are easy to incorporate into your day-to-day routine.
Top 5 Cholesterol Supplements Of 2022
- 90-day 100% money-back return policy
- Made in the USA
- Only sold in the U.S. and Canada
The Bottom Line
We chose CholestMD® by 1MD Nutrition because it’s the only supplement that meets our criteria.
This unique formula offers clinical strength niacin, and Bergavit®, a powerful, clinically studied ingredient proven to provide complete cholesterol support.
1MD Nutrition’s return policy was also more generous than others we reviewed, and their customer service department was knowledgeable and easy to reach. They confirmed that their product is made in the USA and 100% vegan.
With all this in mind, we decided to put CholestMD® by 1MD Nutrition at the top of our list.
*Results are based on users’ personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
- Contains 500 mg of Niacinamide
- Contains 20 mg of Garlic Extract
- 100% Vegan, organic
- Frequently out of stock
The Bottom Line
CholestAid by Essential Elements contains three unique ingredients that have clinically demonstrated their ability to help support serum lipid levels. Niacinamide, and garlic extract all work together to help keep your cholesterol under control by and support cardiovascular health.
This powerful formula is made up of clinically tested ingredients, with plenty of reviewers who claimed their LDL cholesterol levels have been brought into a healthy range.
- Free of fillers and additives
- Made in the USA
Read Also: Which Lipid Has The Greatest Influence On Blood Cholesterol Levels
How Quickly Can I Lower My Cholesterol
Your cholesterol levels may lower as quickly as a few weeks to a few months, depending on your treatment plan.
If your levels are very high, your healthcare provider may recommend taking medications at the start of your treatment plan. This may help lower your cholesterol levels more quickly. The sooner you can lower your bad cholesterol levels, the sooner you can lower your risk for plaques to form.
You can also lower your cholesterol through lifestyle and diet changes alone, but it may take three to six months to see results. Talk with your healthcare provider to figure out the best treatment plan for you.
Why Would Cholesterol Need To Be Lowered
Your body can produce cholesterol all by itself, but it may also be in the foods you eat.¹ It is important to have your cholesterol in the right range for your best health.
Cholesterol is needed to make hormones and vitamin D. But high levels of LDL cholesterol may cause the development of fatty deposits known as plaque, leading to clogged arteries.¹ Untreated high cholesterol can thus lead to complications like stroke or heart attack.³
Health care providers may test your blood and measure the levels of different kinds of cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter . Normally, several cholesterol levels are checked using a test called a lipid profile:
These ranges are general guidelines for cholesterol. Your health care provider may recommend different goals depending on your family history, lifestyle, and overall health.
If its determined that your cholesterol is too high, your provider will give you ways to reduce your levels.
Don’t Miss: What Does It Mean To Have High Cholesterol
And The Science Totally Supports Their Traditions
While in Calabria, I met with my friend Dr. Elzbieta Janda, a research scientist, who told me all about her clinical research that reinforces what the people of Calabria have experienced for generations
Citrus Bergamot supports cardiovascular health by lowering bad LDL cholesterol cutting dangerous triglycerides raising beneficial HDL cholesterol and lowering blood sugar levels, as well!
In fact, researchers found that people in the region often maintained healthy cholesterol levels and plaque-free arteries despite a diet rich in fat.
Thats why they decided to put Citrus Bergamot to a true, standardized test.
Barleans Ideal Omega3 Softgels
Struggling to get enough fish oil in your diet? Our pharmaceutical-grade Omega3 softgels are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, and they come in a yummy orange flavor. The combination of EPA and DHA from our sustainably fished pollock means that you can enjoy great health with just one Ideal Omega3 softgel capsule each day.
Read Also: Can Cholesterol Plaque Be Reversed
Read Also: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol
What’s The Difference Between Good And Bad Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol or HDL and bad cholesterol or LDL .
HDL is the good kind of cholesterol because it moves from your arteries to your liver, which then expels it from your body. While LDL is the bad kind of cholesterol because it goes to your arteries, where it may collect in the artery walls and create a clog.
However, there is a bit of good news in all of this. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods in order to reduce bad cholesterol. In fact, with some diet modifications and regular light exercise, a good supplement can help manage your cholesterol.
What Causes High Triglycerides
Aside from consuming a high-fat and/or high-carb diet, other lifestyle factors can contribute to high triglycerides, specifically excess weight, lack of exercise, drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Dr. Malaney adds that it can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as some birth control pills, beta blockers, antipsychotics medications, and corticosteroids.
Read Also: How Can Ldl Cholesterol Be Lowered
Don’t Miss: Best Omega 3 To Lower Triglycerides
B Vitamins Boast Many Benefits
Vitamin B3, or niacin, has been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein , or good, cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides. Niacin supplementation has been used since the 1950s as a treatment for high cholesterol. While B3 alone may not be adequate treatment for high cholesterol, in combination with other medications, a B-vitamin supplement may be beneficial.
You May Like: Does Dietary Cholesterol Affect Blood Cholesterol
Best Mct Oil For Weight Loss: Natures Way Mct Oil
Natures Way MCT Oil is our pick for helping with weight loss. Made from pure coconut oil, Natures Way doesnt depend on palm oil or any other fillers to bring you a premium Hexane-free product.
Available in a 16-ounce or 30-ounce bottle, you can get 32 and 59 servings respectively. You will get approximately 14 grams of C8 and C10 acids per serving to get your energy production going.
Flavorless and odorless, this high-quality MCT oil supplement can be a great addition to anything you want to consume it with. Coffee, salad dressing, guacamole , nut butter are all some great options to get this into your diet.
Natures Way has been a trusted supplement company since 1969, sourcing quality non-GMO ingredients as often as possible.
All their products go through a rigorous testing, including chemical, microbiological, and identity, so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Pros
- Only contains C8 and C10 acids
- Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
Don’t Miss: Can High Cholesterol Be Hereditary
How To Lower Triglycerides With Supplements
Adopting a healthy lifestyle takes time, and will not result in instant changes in the triglyceride blood level. If you need to lower triglyceride quickly for blood test, then the use of supplements becomes necessary.
Some supplements have been shown to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride level in the blood. They popularly known ones include:
Omega-3-Fatty Acid:It is linked to lowering triglyceride level and blood pressure. There are several fish oil supplements with a rich amount of omega-3-fatty acid, and taking 3gram of such supplement daily can help lower triglyceride level.
Vitamin B3 : Its a very important nutrient because it is needed by most of the bodys metabolic processes. High dose of Vitamin B3 supplement has been shown to lower cholesterol level by up to 20% and also improve brain function. Nicotinic acid should be taken with caution at the supplemental dosage, as it can pose some side effects.
Fibrates: This refers to the class of drugs that lower blood triglyceride levels by reducing the production of VLDL and increasing the removal of triglyceride from the blood.
Supplementing with fibrate is an effective way of lowering the triglyceride levels in the blood quickly. Common examples of fibrates include gemfibrozil and lofibra. They should equally be taken with caution as they come with side effects when used abusively.
Using any of the supplements listed above can help lower triglycerides quickly for a blood test.
How To Lower Cholesterol And Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, your body produces to store extra calories and provide energy. Cholesterol is another lipid that circulates in your blood. Your body uses cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones.
Both triglycerides and cholesterol are essential for your health but having levels that are too high puts your health at risk. Living a healthy lifestyle helps to keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels within a normal range.
This article covers how triglycerides and cholesterol affect your health and how you can lower them naturally.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
Also Check: What Should Ldl Cholesterol Be