Some of the Most Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol

Natural treatments for heart disease are those that are not part of conventional medical treatment. These treatments often aim to control cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.

Only a few natural products have been researched enough to prove that they can reduce cholesterol levels. While some people may find success with alternative treatments, it is important to speak with a doctor before beginning any new supplement or remedy, as they may interact with other medications. Additionally, some natural remedies may not be effective for everyone. Some alternative therapies use ingredients that can interfere with the way other medications work.

1. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is traditional Chinese medicine, cooking ingredient, and source of monacolin K. It is made by culturing red rice with yeast. This substance is the same as what is in the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. If you take red yeast rice that has this component, it might help lower your blood cholesterol levels.

There are other red yeast rice products on the market; however, they do not contain high levels of monacolin K. Additionally, some of these products may contain citrinin - a contaminant that can lead to kidney failure. It can be difficult to determine which products are effective and safe, as there is no way to know which products contain monacolin K or citrinin.

2. Phytosterols

Phytosterols are plant-based compounds that can help reduce cholesterol absorption. By consuming at least 2 grams of phytosterols per day, you could potentially reduce your blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by 8-10%.

Phytosterols are beneficial for people with high cholesterol as they can help improve the effectiveness of statins. Although it's necessary for your body to function, too much cholesterol can be harmful. When you have high levels of cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries and form plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries and make it difficult for blood to flow through them. Over time, plaque can harden and rupture, causing a heart attack or stroke.

3. Bergamot

Bergamot may help to reduce cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL). Additionally, bergamot may help to improve the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

4. Flax Seed

Flax seed is a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can help with bowel regularity and digestion. Additionally, flaxseed contains lignans (PHytoestrogens) - a type of phytonutrient - which can offer some health benefits, like cancer prevention.

Some research suggests that it may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, but the evidence is mixed. More research is needed to better understand the potential benefits and risks.

5. Astragalus

Astragalus is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help support the immune system. This herb is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also considered to be an "adaptogen." This means that it is thought to help protect the body against various types of stress.

It may have benefits for heart health, although there is not yet enough evidence from human studies to be sure. More research is needed to see if astragalus can help to lower cholesterol levels or improve other aspects of heart health.

Conclusion

Overall, high cholesterol can be treated with a variety of natural remedies. Some of these remedies include dietary changes, exercise, and supplements. By making these changes, you can help to lower your cholesterol and improve your health as a whole.