Alternative Medicine for Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a factor in developing heart disease. Prescription medications are typically prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels, but there are some herbal and alternative treatments that can be used alongside traditional treatments to bring levels into an acceptable range. Before using any alternative remedy for cholesterol, it is important to discuss it with your doctor.

Herbal Treatments

• Herbal remedies have been around for centuries for a variety of conditions and ailments. Herbs that have an impact on your cholesterol levels should always be discussed with your doctor to be sure that they will not interfere with other medications that you may be taking.

  Alfalfa is an herb that may be able to block the absorption of cholesterol in the blood. The alfalfa works by binding itself to cholesterol, which is then eliminated from the body. One hundred twenty grams of alfalfa seeds a day are an effective amount, but it is not recommended that the dosage be exceeded.

  Garlic is well recognized as a cholesterol treatment that can have a positive effect on HDL cholesterol while reducing LDL cholesterol.

  Psyllium can be used to reduce cholesterol levels with just five to ten grams added to the diet.

Vitamins and Supplements

• Vitamin C raises HDL cholesterol levels, which is the "good" cholesterol. Two hundred fifty milligrams of vitamin C a day with supplements is a safe amount to increase HDL levels. Vitamin C can also be consumed in food such as citrus, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables.

  Vitamin E prevents LDL cholesterol from forming into plaque on the artery walls. One hundred units of vitamin E are recommended for the prevention of heart disease. Patients who are using anticoagulant medications should not use vitamin E.

Lifestyle

• Diet and exercise are the easiest alternative medicine for cholesterol. Watching the amount of trans fats in your diet and getting exercise daily can do a great deal to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease.

  A well balanced diet that is low in unhealthy fats, but still contains a small amount of healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and other sources of good fat, will help to lower your cholesterol levels. Even when prescription medications are used to treat cholesterol, a healthy diet will help to keep LDL cholesterol levels low.

  Daily exercise as simple as a brisk walk also reduces the risk of heart disease and can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Find an activity that you enjoy so that it will be easier to incorporate it into your daily routine.