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Holistic Treatments for High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance made by the cells and the liver, and is essential to all animal life. Causes of high cholesterol include a high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and heredity.

  1. HDL versus LDL

    • Cholesterol is categorized into two types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is good cholesterol and LDL is bad cholesterol.

    Herbs and Vitamins

    • B vitamins are helpful in lowering cholesterol, particularly vitamins B3 and B12, which raise HDL and lower LDL. Vitamin B-complex supplements conveniently provide all eight B vitamins. Herbal remedies include alfalfa herb tea, fenugreek tea, hawthorn berry extract, garlic, psyllium and guggul capsules. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for dosage recommendations, or check with your physician.

    Diet and Exercise

    • Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Archives of Internal Medicine show that diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes help maintain normal cholesterol levels and significantly decrease the risk of heart attack. Regular exercise, such as walking or jogging, has been found to lower LDL and raise HDL.

    Diet versus Drugs

    • According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, plant sterols, soy protein and almonds lower cholesterol as much as the prescription drug Lovastatin.

    Caution

    • Some herbs and supplements may cause miscarriage, counteract prescription drugs or exacerbate certain diseases and should only be taken with a doctor's approval.

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