Based On The Above Points A Good Fish Oil/algal Oil Should Meet The Following Conditions:
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How Does Cholesterol Contribute To Heart Disease
Cholesterol is a steroid molecule that is a large component of cellular membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones and vitamin D, among other functions. Cholesterol is transported throughout the body as lipid-protein complexes called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins are generally measured when testing blood cholesterol levels.
LDL can transport cholesterol to arterial walls, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Less commonly known is that size, density, and metabolic processes that alter lipoproteins play a large role in how damaging LDL can be to the endothelial cells that line arteries. HDL transports cholesterol away from tissues to the liver for reprocessing or disposal.
Natural interventions such as pantethine and artichoke may help with managing cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy heart.
Note: High cholesterol is not the only risk factor for cardiovascular events. People interested in reducing their cardiovascular risks should follow the cholesterol-lowering strategies outlined in this protocol and read the Life Extension Magazine article titled How to Circumvent 17 Independent Heart Attack Risk Factors.
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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.
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Increase Your Intake Of Unsaturated Fats
Studies show that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can reduce blood triglyceride levels, especially when theyre replacing carbs in your diet .
Monounsaturated fats are found in foods like olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Polyunsaturated fats are present in vegetable oils and fatty fish, as well as nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
A 2019 review of 27 studies reported that while olive oil consumption does decrease triglycerides levels, it does so significantly less than other types of plant oil .
One older study analyzed the diets of 452 adults in a specific population of Indigenous people in Alaska over the previous 24 hours.
It found that saturated fat intake was associated with increased blood triglycerides, while polyunsaturated fat intake was associated with lower triglyceride levels .
To maximize the triglyceride-lowering benefits of unsaturated fats, pick a heart-healthy fat like olive oil and use it to replace other types of fat in your diet, such as trans fats or highly processed vegetable oils .
Summary
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can decrease blood triglyceride levels, especially when theyre consumed in place of other fats.
Ingredients & Potential Interactions
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Fish oil supplements typically contain EPA, DHA, and may also contain other fats such as omega-7 , oleic acid, or an omega-6 fat called GLA. Some fish oil supplements contain added vitamins, such as vitamin E, to help stabilize the oils to prevent them from going rancid.
Fish oil supplements can have a blood-thinning effect and may lower blood pressure slightly. If you are taking blood-thinning or blood pressure lowering medication, be sure to discuss fish oil supplement use with a healthcare provider.
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A Little Fatty Fish Goes A Long Way
- Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have a significant effect on cardiovascular health. The essential fatty acids work to lower the levels of triglycerides in the blood.
- The consumption of mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon can preserve the healthy functioning of the heart by bringing down the triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations in the bloodstream.
What About Red Yeast Rice Supplement
Red yeast rice is a very popular and one of the most commonly used cholesterol-lowering supplements. But, just because its famous, it doesnt mean its good. Yes, there is some research that shows red yeast rice can help with the LDL cholesterol level. But, the FDA has advised against using red yeast rice for cholesterol level management.
Since red yeast rice might contain a naturally occurring form of the lovastatin prescription medication, it could pose a threat. Its difficult to pinpoint the exact quality and quantity of lovastatin in red yeast rice products. Therefore, it may not be the best tactic for managing the high cholesterol level.
Plus, the products that contain it could also have monacolin K. This is known for causing liver damage in certain individuals. Therefore, it is not a good idea to mix it with Hepatotoxic drugs or supplements. Otherwise, you might expose the body to possible liver damage. While consuming the red yeast rice with higher doses of B3 may also lead to myopathy. Thats why experts recommend extra caution.
Note: Consult with a doctor to find out if this kind of supplement could be beneficial for your current health condition.
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Lower Cholesterol Naturally With Vitamin B5
Pantethine, the activated form of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, has been shown by a Princeton clinical research team to lower both total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol. Pantethine has the advantage of being an effective treatment for high cholesterol while avoiding the undesirable side effects of synthetic lipid-lowering drugs .
Pantethine can lower the incidence of heart attack and stroke by reducing platelet stickiness and clumping. Furthermore, it offers protection against the damaging effects of environmental pathogens such as cigarette smoke.
Characteristics Of The Studies
The 11 groups making up the LDL cholesterol category consisted of a total of 549 individual subjects . All of the trials were conducted using adults with an age range of 48 to 82 years and a pooled mean age of 58.9 years. Men made up most of the subjects, with the pooled population consisting of 60% men. Eight trials used a parallel double-blind design, and 3 used a crossover double-blind design. The study duration varied from 4 to 24 weeks, with a median length of 10 weeks. Vitamin C supplementation for 5 of the 11 trials was 500 to 600 mg/d, whereas 5 trials used 1000 mg/d and 1 used 2000 mg/d. The pooled mean baseline LDL cholesterol concentrations for the treatment and control groups were 163.7 and 154.6 mg/dL, respectively. Comparative demographics between the placebo and vitamin C supplementation groups are presented in Table 2.
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Disclaimer And Safety Information
This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the therapies discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Red Yeast Rice Natural Doesn’t Mean Safe
Some red yeast rice products contain a substance that is chemically identical to the active ingredient in lovastatin , a prescription medication that lowers cholesterol. Because there is variability in quality from manufacturer, the amount of monacolin K can vary widely from product to product.
Products that contain monacolin K can cause the same types of side effects as lovastatin, which include damage to the muscles, kidneys and liver. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has ruled that dietary supplements that contain more than trace amounts of monacolin K are unapproved drugs and can’t be sold legally as dietary supplements.
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Supplement Myth #: Fish Oil Does Wonders For Heart Health
While some physicians recommend the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil capsules for patients, several recent clinical trials have put the supplements star status into question, says Seth Martin, M.D., a cardiologist and associate professor at John Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. Results showed that fish oil failed to reduce cardiovascular risk and actually increased the risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke over time, says Martin.
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What Are Triglycerides And Why Are They Important
Triglycerides are a type of blood lipid and theyre made up of free fatty acids. Theyre stored in your body fat, but youll also find them in your blood, says nutritionist Jessica Ash, CNC, HHC, FDN-P and founder of Jessica Ash Wellness. And because your liver makes them, theyre also found in your liver and then your tissues. Our body gets triglycerides either from the food that you eat or from the body it manufactures triglycerides in the liver.
Its important to know that triglycerides, like cholesterol, are normally protective . But triglycerides are used for energy, whereas cholesterol is used for steroid hormone production, Ash explains. And our muscles are specifically what like to uptake fatty acids or triglycerides. So theyre fatty acids that the body usually uses for energy.
Your body needs energy from food to function. But excess energy, especially from sources like simple carbohydrates, can be stored as triglycerides, which can create issues if your triglyceride levels are elevated above the normal range. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your triglycerides are over 150 mg/dL, then youre at a greater risk for developing heart disease.
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Dosage For Lowering Cholesterol And Triglyceride Levels And Reducing Risk Of A Heart Attack
Adult dosage
- Extended-release tablet: The starting dosage is 500 mg taken by mouth once per day at bedtime. After 4 weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage by up to 500 mg. The standard maintenance dosage is 1,0002,000 mg taken once daily at bedtime.
- Oral tablet: The initial dosage is 250 mg taken by mouth once per day following your evening meal. Your doctor may gradually increase your dosage to a maximum of 6 grams per day. The standard dosage is 12 grams taken 23 times per day.
Child dosage
- Extended-release tablet: The starting dosage is 500 mg taken by mouth once per day at bedtime. After 4 weeks, your doctor may increase your childs dosage by up to 500 mg. The standard maintenance dosage is 1,0002,000 mg taken once daily at bedtime.
- Oral tablet: The initial dosage is 250 mg taken by mouth once per day following the evening meal. Your doctor may gradually increase your childs dosage to a maximum of 6 grams per day. The standard dosage is 12 grams taken 23 times per day.
Child dosage
This medication hasnt been studied in children and shouldnt be used in children younger than 16 years.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.
Dosage warnings
The Best Diet For Lowering Triglycerides: A Mediterranean
Throughout the research on lowering triglycerides, two trends emerge. The first is that limiting carbohydrates and increasing fat consumption leads to lower triglyceride levels. The second is that polyunsaturated fats decrease triglycerides more than any other fat.
If we combine these two trends together, we come out with a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet that restricts carbohydrates more than any other diet and places emphasis on omega-3 rich fish like sardines and salmon and polyunsaturated fat rich nuts and olive oil.
The Mediterranean-style Ketogenic Diet will also provide a healthier amount of vegetables, fiber, and protein than a typical Americans diet, which further improves triglyceride levels.
Not sure what a Mediterranean-style Ketogenic meal would look like? Here are some delicious examples:
Or have a can of sardines on a delicious Oven Roasted Caprese Salad.
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What To Do Instead: Talk To Your Doctor About A Prescription Statin
Though taking a natural remedy may sound appealing, the better bet is to try an FDA-approved version of, essentially, the same thing. Why? Too much monacolin K can lead to muscle and organ damage, while too little will not help lower your cholesterol. Though a 25% to 30% reduction in cholesterol is possible with high amounts of red yeast rice extract, a prescribed statin is much more effective with a 50% reduction. More importantly, says Dr. Eckel: Statins are safer and more predictable.
Supplement Myth #: Theres No Harm In Trying Different Supplements To Lower My Cholesterol
While fish oil, red yeast rice extract, and garlic are a few of the supplements cardiologists get asked about most often by their patients, you will likely hear about plenty of other over-the-counter products that claim to naturally reduce cholesterol. Theres berberine , green tea extract, artichoke extract, soy protein, psyllium , and many more. At best, says Dr. Eckel, some of these supplements may be minimally effective at controlling cholesterol. At worst, they cause unwanted side effects and prevent you from getting effective treatment.
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Possible New Treatment For High Triglycerides
In the report in The New England Journal of Medicine, an international team of researchers describe a new therapy for high triglycerides. It involves a weekly injection of antisense oligonucleotides , pieces of DNA that short-circuit the livers production of triglycerides. The new report shows that ASOs can reduce triglyceride levels by as much as 70%.
Keep in mind that this was a phase 2 trial, which is designed to test whether a drug does what it is supposed to do . Larger, longer-term studies will be needed to see whether ASOs actually reduce the risk of heart disease, and what sorts of side effects they cause.
Many experimental medications that sparkle in early testing never become FDA-approved drugs. We wont know for several years whether ASOs will become available for individuals with high triglycerides.
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.
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Ask Your Doctor About Natural Supplements
Several natural supplements could have the potential to lower blood triglycerides. Always speak with your doctor before starting any supplements, as they can interact with other medications.
Note especially that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements in the same way as it regulates pharmaceuticals, and supplement quality can vary widely.
Below are a few of the main supplements that have been studied:
- Fish oil. Well known for its potent effects on heart health, fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease triglycerides and several other risk factors for heart disease (
Summary
Several supplements have been studied for their ability to lower triglyceride levels, including fish oil, fenugreek, garlic extract, guggul, and curcumin.
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 itâs 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 Nutritionâs 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 usersâ 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
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