High cholesterol can lead to such health problems as plaque buildup and heart disease. Lowering high cholesterol levels and preventing them is the only way to reduce these risks. Some use TriCor and papaya enzyme to lower cholesterol levels. TriCor is only available via prescription whereas papaya enzyme is available over the counter at health food stores or herbal supplement shops.
TriCor Identification
TriCor is a medication used to lower low-density lipoprotein levels and triglycerides, which are fatty acids found in the blood. Left untreated, these high levels of fat and cholesterol can cause high cholesterol and lead to atherosclerosis -- clogged arteries -- and heart disease. TriCor lowers these levels by causing the liver to reduce its production of them. The Drugs.com website states that TriCor is part of a complete treatment program that includes a diet, exercise and weight control.
Papaya Enzyme Identification
Papaya enzyme -- papain -- is extracted from an unripen papaya. It is included in several dietary supplements and some chewing gums. Papain is used in the treatment of digestive problems and intestinal worms. It is also used in other medications to treat burn lesions and wounds. The Drugs.com website state that Papaya has been used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol although there is only limited data supporting these uses.
Considerations
Although both papaya enzyme and TriCor are used in lowering cholesterol, TriCor is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and papain is not. The FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements or herbal supplements. This isn't to say that papain may not work as well as TriCor in lowering cholesterol, but it is to say that papain hasn't been proven to lower cholesterol in scientific studies. Both TriCor and papain users may experience side effects, some of which may be severe.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you have high blood cholesterol, notify your physician before using papain along with TriCor. At the time of publication, reactions between using both papain and TriCor are not known, so let your physician know if you want to take papain while taking TriCor. You can include papayas in your meal plan while taking TriCor. The enzymes will not be as concentrated since the papaya will be ripe.
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