Natural Alternatives to a Statin

Statins are medications that are sometimes prescribed to treat people with high cholesterol. They block the production of cholesterol in your body while diluting the existing cholesterol so it cannot cause additional blockage to the arteries, that can lead to a heart attack. The blockage is caused by LDL cholesterol which is known as the "bad" cholesterol. HDL is the so called "good" cholesterol which prevents blockage. You may be able to control your cholesterol naturally by using alternative treatments. First, get advice from your doctor about which treatment will work best for you.

Foods

• You may be able to lower your blood pressure by eating certain foods. Soluble fiber can prevent your bloodstream from absorbing too much LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to Mayo Clinic. Foods that are high in fiber include oatmeal, prunes, kidney beans, apples, and kidney beans, and pears.

  Polyunsaturated fatty acids can also help keep your cholesterol numbers down. Almonds, walnuts and other nuts are high sources of polyunsaturated. Eat about one handful of nuts daily to manage your cholesterol.

  Olive oil offers two benefits. It contains a combination of antioxidants that lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while allowing the HDL (good) cholesterol numbers to remain the same.

  Foods containing plant sterols or stanols can prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. Sterols and stanols are naturally found in plants and are added to some foods. Foods that are fortified with these substances include orange juice, margarine, and yogurt drinks.

Herbs

• Certain herbs can also help regulate your cholesterol levels. Green tea can raise the HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The tea contains natural substances known as polyphenols, which prevent your body from absorbing the harmful LDL cholesterol.

  Researchers at the National Institutes of Health conducted a 12-week study to see how artichoke leaf extract effects cholesterol levels in the body. They found that the herb can reduce levels in people with elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol but are otherwise healthy.

  According to the website Herbal Supplement Guide, ginger, olive leaf, and turmeric can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body.

Vitamins

• Vitamins are another alternative to statins. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. You can get vitamin B3 from peanuts, chicken, fish, yeasts, and eggs.

  According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C can significantly lower the harmful LDL cholesterol. Vitamin E is also recommended because it reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process which can cause hardening of the arteries or a heart attack.