If you have high-cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of LDL cholesterol, you have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems. Although there are many prescription medications that you can take to lower your cholesterol levels, there are natural supplements that may also help to lower your cholesterol. You should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure that they are safe for you.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that is derived from the Plantago ovata plant, which is native to India. This plant has thousands of seeds, which are coated in psyllium husk, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Pasyllium swells to form a gel-like substance when it comes into contact with water. Increasing your soluble fiber can help lower your cholesterol levels because the fiber can interfere with cholesterol absorption by the body.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is a popular cholesterol-lowering supplement that is made from some strains of yeast that grow on rice. Red yeast rice contains many different compounds called monacolins, which may have some ability to lower your cholesterol levels, reports MayoClinic.com. One of these, monacolin K, has the same structure and function as the drug lovastatin, which is a member of the statin class of cholesterol-lowering medications. You should be careful when using this supplement, particularly if you are taking other medications to lower your cholesterol, as lovastatin can cause some serious side effects.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a supplement that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important unsaturated fats that are needed to control inflammation and brain function. These fatty acids may also be able to help lower your risk of having a heart attack. Although fish oil does not actually lower your cholesterol levels, these supplements can reduce the amount of triglycerides in your blood, which is a lipid that can lead to atherosclerosis. Fish oil may also help increase your HDL, or "good," cholesterol.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is a common vitamin supplement used to help lower cholesterol. Niacin can be purchased in both prescription and nonprescription forms, and it is available in both standard and extended-release tablets. Niacin is able to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, but its main benefit is that it increases your HDL cholesterol levels. Some people experience nausea and flushing when they take niacin, which can also cause liver damage. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking niacin or any other supplement.
References
- Drugs.com; Niacin; April 12, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements: Lower Your Numbers Without Prescription Medication; July 30, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus); Dec. 1, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Psyllium; reviewed by Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; May 6, 2009
