How to Naturally Treat High Cholesterol

Do you want to lower your cholesterol but wish there were an alternative to statin drugs, which have the potential to damage your liver? By learning how to naturally treat high cholesterol, you can avoid the undesirable side effects associated with major cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Things You'll Need

• Fiber Niacin Red rice yeast CoQ10

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Instructions

• 1

  Studies have shown that foods high in soluble fiber can work toward lowering bad cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber actually binds itself to the cholesterol and removes it from the body. Usually it is found in beans and whole grains and one of the easiest ways to increase your intake of soluble fiber is to eat oatmeal every day.

• 2

  Taking extended release niacin can help to naturally treat high cholesterol. When niacin enters your body, it helps to reduce your LDL, or bad cholesterol, while helping build your HDL, or good cholesterol. Taking an extended release form helps give your body a continuous supply throughout the day and increases the benefits. Some people experience flushing when taking niacin, so it is a good idea to check the labels and buy a no-flush form if you are concerned about that possibility.

• 3

  There is a natural statin found in red rice yeast. Interestingly enough, this product is what some pharmaceutical companies actually use to make their statin drugs. The difference is that red rice yeast in its natural form is just as effective at lowering cholesterol, while less harmful to your body. Remember that any statin, even a natural one, will stress your liver. With this in mind, simply be kind to your liver while taking a statin.

• 4

  Another supplement used to naturally treat high cholesterol is CoQ10 enzyme. This enzyme occurs naturally in the body, but the body does not produce enough to protect you from harm. CoQ10 actually prevents the oxidation of LDL in your arteries, the main cause of clogged arteries. In addition, CoQ10 can offset any negative side-effects that may occur when taking red rice yeast. These two are very effective when taken together.

• 5

  Last, but certainly not least, is exercise. It would seem that when researching any disease, the number one recommendation is exercise and naturally treating high cholesterol is no exception. When you exercise, your bodies increase HDL while lowering LDL. Exercising also helps to keep you at an ideal weight, which aids in keeping cholesterol at normal levels.