Alternative Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

Cholesterol is a sticky substance that, if it over accumulates, can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. You have two types of cholesterol that should be carefully monitored through blood tests. Your HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is good cholesterol, and its levels need to be greater than 45 mg/dl. Your LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is bad cholesterol, and its levels need to be maintained at approximately 60 to 180 mg/dl. If your levels are not normal, your doctor will most likely put you on cholesterol lowering medications, but there are alternative treatments available for you to consider.

Niacin

• Niacin is a B vitamin, and it has been shown to have significant cholesterol-lowering effects. It not only lowers the LDL, but it raises the HDL as well. It is also quite affordable. The usual dosage is approximately 1 to 3 g daily. As with any medication, your doctor needs to oversee your dosage and monitor you while taking this medication.

Cinnamon

• Cinnamon is used sometimes to thin the blood, thus lowering levels of cholesterol. Dr. Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute advises mixing cinnamon into a special tea made up of the cinnamon, trikatu, water and honey. This tea should be drunk two times a day.

Garlic

• Eating one clove of garlic daily can have cholesterol-lowering effects, but taking a garlic supplement can be just as effective. If you do buy garlic supplements, enteric-coated capsules are best; they allow for better absorption, once they reach the small intestine. Be sure to consult with your doctor, as well as the bottle, for dosage instructions.

Fish Oil

• Fish oil can be very beneficial to your overall heart health. If taken as a supplement, it can also help to lower your triglycerides, which are part of your overall cholesterol scores. Triglycerides should be kept below 145mg/dl. The dosage that you take depends on your doctor's orders.

Conclusion

• Always seek the advice of a medical professional before taking any medication or supplements on your own. There could be serious interactions between medications, or you could have an allergic reaction. Side effects should be reported as well.