What Natural Food/Supplement can I take to lower my Cholesterol?

1. 84

   Don Bobbittposted 11 years ago

   What Natural Food/Supplement can I take to lower my Cholesterol?
   
   I am a transplant patient and my anti-rejection drugs cause my Cholesterol to be high.
   I have been on statins for years, but I get a lot of pains that from my readings, are caused to some degree by these meds.
   Now, along with the other problems in the news about statins, I want to get off of the drug and get onto something  more natural.

   replyreport
2. 79

   Moon Daisyposted 11 years ago

   Porridge/oatmeal is meant to be very good at lowering cholesterol.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      oceansiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree, I eat oatmeal or oat squares every morning with walnuts or almonds and raisins and bananas.

      replyreport
3. 60

   1morningposted 11 years ago

   I'm not a doctor and you should probably check out any kind of potential reactions between what I'm going to suggest and the antirejection meds that you're on, but I lowered my cholesterol 100 points in three months by doing this.
   
   I have the genetic type of high cholesterol where my body simply makes too much, and I have issues with my detox pathways which challenge my ability to get rid of this excess cholesterol. So knowing that, I did some research and I found that artichoke extract is very effective for lowering cholesterol but it takes about 45 days before full efficacy. I did start taking artichoke extract and also eating a couple of artichokes a week.
   
   The other supplement that I used is called EDTA. This is a natural compound that's often used as an IV for chelating heavy metals.  I took it in a capsule form. Because you have to take it away from any food or other supplements I would take it in the middle of the night, and then again in the middle of the day when I'm not usually very hungry anyway.
   
   I didn't change my eating or exercise habits, however I have been a vegetarian for the past 20 years.  As I said my LDL level was lowered by 100 points in three months.  In fact, my doctor was so impressed that she had other doctors in her group come in and talk to me so that I could share my protocol with them as well.
   
   Again I would suggest that you do some research to find out if there is any reason not to take artichoke extract or EDTA with the antirejection meds, but barring any potential side effects this could certainly be an answer for you, or any other reader, who wants to discontinue the use of statins. Good luck.

   replyreport
4. 93

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Virgin Coconut oil has been shown to decrease the bad Cholesterol and raise the good Cholesterol. It's also good for tons of other medical issues so it is good to have in the house. People who use it for lowering Cholesterol take 4 to 6 tablespoons a day. For a great sucess story read this http://coconutoil.com/coconut_oil_heart_disease/
   
   She was able to get off all meds!

   replyreport
5. 59

   MickSposted 11 years ago

   It is said thaat the soluble fibre found in oats can reduce cholesterol.  Also increasing intake of onion and garlic is believed to have a similar effect.

   replyreport
6. 89

   giocatoreposted 11 years ago

   Plant sterols are supposed to help. These are in some proprietary OTC meds, and you can buy capsules of just this stuff.

   replyreport
7. 0

   Fatigmonposted 11 years ago

   Don't forget to eat your green and orange veggies, no dip on the raw ones.  Oatmeal is a good natural food.  Also, Metamucil, which most people think is only a laxative but it is high fiber and is recommended for lowering cholesterol.  It comes in a capsule or a drink mix.  I use it 3 times per day as directed.  Walking is also very good.  If your watching your diet and can walk it will help to keep slim and that alone can make you more active, not saying your a couch potato because I know you golf.

   replyreport
8. 65

   hazelwood4posted 11 years ago

   I have had high cholesterol in the past, but I take fish oil everyday to combat this.  This is a great way to keep your cholesterol manageable.  I hope this helps!

   replyreport
9. 96

   cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

   Omega 3 derived from fish oil is effective too. Check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your regimen, Even natural things can cause interactions and side effects.- esp. in your case.

   replyreport
10. 0

    oceansiderposted 11 years ago

    Hi Don,
    
    I also have had high cholesterol, but it has come down a bit.  What I eat a lot of is oatmeal, or other whole grain oat cereal, like oat squares, I eat it with raisins, bananas, walnuts(excellent for lowering cholesterol *and also almonds do the same thing)
    
    Also, avocados are perfect food to raise your good cholesterol - I eat a lot of those too.  In addition, oranges, apples and many other fruits are excellent for all around good health, especially heart health & cancer prevention.
    
    A wonderful supplement for everything including cholesterol problems, is garlic!
    A friend of mine just recently told me that she takes four garlic tablets (odorless) per day.  I just take one or two garlic gel caps daily. 
    
    I know you haven't asked for suggestions on exercises, but I happen to know that riding a bicycle - a regular bike or stationery one, brisk walking, and swimming are the three best exercises all around for general good health. 
    
    I found that while eating the healthy foods I eat daily and by doing my three to four miles per day on the bike and walking, produced a lower cholesterol.  This took a few months to show a change in the numbers.  My good cholesterol is very very good according to my numbers.  I am still working though on bringing down my bad cholesterol and trying to shed my extra pounds.  I am determined to do both!!  I hope this was of some help to you, and, I wish you the best of success with accomplishing the lowering of your cholesterol. 
    
    Helen

    replyreport
11. 84

    Mmargie1966posted 11 years ago

    Cinnamon is supposed to be a cholesterol lowering spice. 
    
    I enjoy cinnamon toast using whole grain bread with spray butter, a tad of nutmeg, and a tad of brown sugar

    replyreport
12. 61

    artist101posted 11 years ago

    Among the most effective supplements for lowering cholesterol are, Omega 3's, L-carnitine, (an amino acid), cinnamon, and beta glucan. L-Carnitine is derived from foods of animal origin, and helps with poor fat metabolism. Beta glucan is a polysaccharide, derived from the cell wall of oats, and actually binds chlosterol, and excretes it from the body. That is why oatmeal, is considered "heart healthy". See my hub http://artist101.hubpages.com/hub/heart … irculation Always check with your doctor, or pharmacist. You can check for interactions on drugs.com There have been no side effects from these supplements reported, but with your particular situation, i would consult your doctor.

    replyreport
    1. 61

       artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Dr. Oz just recently reported that red yeast rice, and coconut oil, are a safer alternative to statins. With no side effects.

       replyreport