Cholesterol comes in several forms. One form is known as LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause your arteries to become narrow and stiff, raising your blood pressure and increasing your risk of developing heart disease. A number of products can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels.
Prescription Medications
Many medications can be prescribed to treat high levels of LDL cholesterol. The first-line treatment for elevated LDL is statin medications, which inhibit the liver's ability to make cholesterol. Other commonly prescribed medications include cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants and niacin. All these medications are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but they can cause some side effects, so you may have to try different medications to see which ones work for you.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is plant material that cannot be absorbed by your digestive tract. Increasing your intake of fiber can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, because the fiber makes it harder for your intestines to absorb cholesterol from your diet. Soluble fiber can be found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods with oat bran. You can also take fiber supplements, such as those made with psyllium, to increase your soluble fiber intake.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that may have a number of benefits for your health. One of its purported benefits is its ability to lower LDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, herring and lake trout. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or in supplement form. Although many over-the-counter supplements are available, there is also a prescription omega-3 fatty acid supplement, known as Lovaza.
Sterols and Red Yeast Rice
Two other supplements that you can take to lower your LDL cholesterol levels are plant sterols and red yeast rice. Plant sterols can be found in some fortified dairy products, such as rice milk, orange juice and some kinds of margarine. Red yeast rice is another supplement that is often used to treat elevated LDL cholesterol. You should be careful when taking red yeast rice, however, because it contains lovastatin, which is the same compound found in prescription statin medications.
