Very high cholesterol might require prescription medication. When numbers get to 240 mg/dL or more, the dangers are high, so your doctor might recommend statins to help you lower your numbers fast. If your cholesterol is only slightly high, changes in diet and exercise level can help lower your numbers. Natural remedies such as herbs can also help, but always check with your doctor before taking them.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best known natural treatments for high cholesterol. Garlic works by loosening fat stuck on the walls of arteries, so your body can get rid of it better and faster. It also increases your good cholesterol. A high level of HDL or good cholesterol will help clean your blood of bad cholesterol. Because garlic also strengthens the immune system, it's a powerful ally when trying to improve your overall health and well being. Studies are contradictory as to whether garlic is effective in treating high cholesterol. A 2001 study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" showed garlic to be mildly effective in reducing cholesterol, causing a reduction of about 25.4 mg/dL after one month of treatment. However, a 2007 study published in the same journal showed no significant changes in cholesterol level after using garlic.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice can help inhibit the production of cholesterol in the body. Not only does it lower the amount of cholesterol already present in your blood, but it prevents your body from producing any more. According to a 2009 studied published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine," red yeast rice also lowers triglycerides. Over time, this will result in a decrease in your total cholesterol levels. Participants in the study experienced a cholesterol reduction of 35 mg/dL by the end of the 24-week study, while those taking a placebo only saw a 15 mg/dL. Both groups followed a special diet and exercise program during the trial.
Turmeric Root
Turmeric root, also known as curcumin, is used to treat a number of medical conditions, including cholesterol. Turmeric hasn't been properly studied, so it's hard to say how exactly it works. A preliminary 2001 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" showed that turmeric might help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, as well as lower overall cholesterol. Turmeric seems to stimulate the excretion of cholesterol as well as preventing its absorption through the intestines. However, more studies are needed in order to determine turmeric's applications as a cholesterol treatment.
Fenugreek Seeds
The seeds of fenugreek may have promise for lowering triglycerides and bad cholesterol without affecting your good cholesterol levels. Fenugreek also may inhibit the absorption and processing of cholesterol in your body, so it might help prevent you from an increase in your current level, even if you're still consuming cholesterol-rich foods. Use of fenugreek to treat cholesterol has not been widely studied. However, a very early 1990 study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" looked into the effects of fenugreek in treating diabetic patients. Researchers indicated that fenugreek seed powder not only reduced the patients' fasting blood sugar but also their total cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Levels: What Numbers Should You Aim For?
- Safe Alternative Medicine: Herbs that Lower Cholesterol
- All Four Natural Health: Herbs to Lower Cholesterol
- Health.com: Red Yeast Rice May Lower Cholesterol, So Why Isn't Your Doctor Recommending It?
- Women Fitness: 10 Herbs that Lower Cholesterol
