With IBA find out 7 natural remedies to treat high cholesterol.
Alternative or natural treatments for heart diseases typically focus on reducing cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure levels, as well as enhance the health of your heart. In general, research on such treatments isn’t as extensive to the traditional medical treatments.
Very few natural products have undergone enough research to show they are able to reduce cholesterol in clinical studies.
But, many have had success with alternative therapies, and natural cures and supplements to lower cholesterol may be useful.
Before you attempt any alternative therapies, make sure you consult with a medical professional to determine if they’re suitable for you. The ingredients found in many alternative therapies may interact with specific medications or cause adverse consequences.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a herb that is that is used to strengthen immunity in the traditional Chinese treatment. It is a herb that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s regarded as an “adaptogen.” This means it’s believed to protect your body from various stressors.
A few studies suggest that astragalus might provide some health benefits to your heart. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the highest quality clinical trials on humans are generally not available. Further research is required to understand how astragalus could impact your cholesterol levels and general heart health.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a plant that is similar to roses. Its leaves, berries as well as flowers, have been utilized to treat heart ailments from the time of the Roman Empire.
A few studies have proven that the plant is effective in treating more mild types of heart disease. But, the results of research are inconsistent and the NCCIH warns NCCIH. There’s not enough evidence to establish if hawthorn could be beneficial for other heart issues.
Additionally, hawthorn may have negative interactions with prescription drugs and other herbs.
Flax seeds
Flax seed is a part of the plant called flax. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in levels of alpha-linolenic acids (ALA). This is an omega-3 fat acid that can help reduce your risk of suffering from heart disease.
The research on flaxseed’s advantages to improve heart health yielded inconsistent results as reported by the NCCIH. A few studies suggest that flaxseed products can lower cholesterol levels particularly in those who have high cholesterol levels and postmenopausal women.
Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fats
Omega-3 fatty acids can be present in fish and fish oils. Tuna, salmon herring, lake trout as well as sardines as well as other fish with fatty content are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Experts have long believed omega-3 fatty acids from fish can reduce the chance of suffering from heart disease. Other nutrients found in fish as well as a mix of these nutrients with omega-3 fatty acids, could aid in protecting your heart. Consuming a serving of fish that are fatty every week can reduce your risk of suffering heart attacks.
If you suffer from the heart condition, you might also benefit by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements or eating other food items high in omega-3 fats. For instance, walnuts, soybeans, and canola oil are all good sources. There is more evidence to support the benefits of eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids rather than taking supplements or eating other food items.
Red yeast rice
It is an popular Chinese medicinal ingredient as well as a cooking ingredient. It’s created by fermenting red rice using yeast.
Certain products made from red yeast contain significant quantities in monacolin K. It is chemically similar with the ingredient found in the cholesterol-lowering medication lovastatin. The products made of red yeast rice with this ingredient can help lower the cholesterol levels in your blood.
Other products made from red yeast have little or any monacolin K. There are also some that contain a contaminant known as citrinin. This contaminant could lead to kidney problems.
In many instances it is impossible to tell the products that contain monacolinK or citrinin. This is why it’s difficult to determine which products will be safe or effective.
Supplements of plant sterols and the stanol compound
Plant stainols and sterols are the substances that are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds and many other plant species. Certain processed foods are supplemented with plant sterols or stanols. Examples include margarine that is fortified and orange juice or yogurt products.
Plant sterols and Stanols could aid in reducing the risk of developing heart disease. They can keep the small intestine from taking in cholesterol. This helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol in blood.
Garlic
Garlic can be described as an edible plant which has been used as a culinary ingredient and for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It is a food item that can be eaten in its raw form or cooked. It’s also sold in supplements, in the form of tablets or capsules.
A few studies suggest that garlic can aid in lowering blood pressure, lower the levels of cholesterol in your blood, and slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, according to NCCIH.
As with other alternative treatments, research has produced inconsistent results. For instance there have been studies that have proven it beneficial to take garlic supplements for one to 3 months may help lower cholesterol levels in blood.
The study, which was funded by the NCCIH, on the safety and efficacy of 3 garlic-based preparations revealed no long-term effects on blood cholesterol.
Lifestyle and diet changes
It is also possible to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to lower the levels of cholesterol in your blood. For instance:
- If you smoke, consider quitting.
- Keep a healthy weight range for the body’s type.
- Do your best to exercise every day during the workweek.
- Include more heart-healthy and heart-friendly foods as well as foods high in soluble fiber as well as omega-3 fats.
- Beware of eating foods that are high in saturated fats. As an example, you could use olive oil instead of butter.
- Take into consideration getting rid of the trans-fats in your food.
- When you consume alcohol, make certain that you drink moderately consumed.
- Reduce stress by taking steps.
Medicines to treat high cholesterol
There are a variety of medicines also available to reduce high cholesterol. For example, your doctor may prescribe:
- statins (lovastatin, atorvastatin)
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (cholestyramine)
- injectable medications (evolocumab)
The main point
Cholesterol is a kind of fat found in your blood. Even though your body makes all the cholesterol it requires but you also acquire cholesterol from the food you consume. Genetics and age, as well as lifestyle, levels of activity and many other factors influence the likelihood to develop high cholesterol.
high cholesterol is one of the most significant danger factors that can lead to heart problems. It raises the risk to develop heart diseases and suffering heart attacks. It may also increase the chance of suffering from stroke. Particularly, elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can increase the risk of developing these diseases. LDL cholesterol is frequently referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
If you suffer from high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medication or lifestyle modifications. For instance, keeping an appropriate weight that is appropriate for your body as well as increasing your physical exercise and eating nutritious foods and quitting smoking may aid in bringing your blood cholesterol to a lower level.