Know More About These Natural Remedies for Treating High Cholesterol
High cholesterol treatment can very well be done using natural, herbal, or home remedies. The treatment would be more effective if the disease has not progressed to an advanced stage yet. There are studies and research to support the claim of certain herbal and home remedies to treat high cholesterol level. However, no such claim has been made about heart failure. There are many who experienced success with alternative high cholesterol treatments. Thus many other rely on the power of herbal treatment which makes them follow an alternative treatment plan for high cholesterol.
Here is a list of herbal and natural remedies that can be incorporated in your lifestyle and diet plan to reap their benefits for high cholesterol treatment:
Astragalus
The use of this herb is found in traditional Chinese treatment where it was used to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Since it is considered as an “adaptogen,” it has the properties to protect the body against several health issues. Studies show that this herb has to offer certain benefits for your hearts health thereby contributing toward being an effective high cholesterol treatment method.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a shrub belonging to the rose plant family. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are in use since Roman times to treat a heart problem. Studies proved that this shrub could be helpful in treating a mild case of heart failure. However, there is no proof that this plant is effective as a high cholesterol treatment method.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in high levels. This is an omega-3 fatty acid which may be effective in lowering the risk of any heart ailment. Studies show that flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol levels as well as postmenopausal women.
Fish with omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fishes like tuna, salmon, herring, lake trout, sardines, etc. Fish oils also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids curbs the risk in people of dying from a heart ailment. There are other elements in fish that help to protect the heart health as well alongside omega-3 fatty acids. Eat fatty fish once or twice in a week to keep away from heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements are also available in the market. You can have them if you are having any heart ailment, as they are a good option for high cholesterol treatment. Other food items which are high in omega-3 fatty acids include soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts. Including them in your diet would yield great health benefits.
Garlic
Garlic is used as a medicine as well as cooking ingredient since thousands of years. It can be eaten cooked or raw. You would get raw garlic at the farmer’s market. It is also available in capsule, supplement, and tablet forms. Garlic can reduce blood pressure, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and slows the advancement of atherosclerosis. Continuing consuming garlic for three months have shown significant positive results in people.
Red yeast rice
This is a traditional Chinese cooking ingredient and medicine. It is prepared by culturing yeast with red rice. Certain red yeast rice items contain monacolin K in a significant amount, which is chemically identical to lovastatin, an active ingredient found in the cholesterol-lowering drug. Thus, if you consume these rice products, it would help in lowering in high cholesterol treatment. However, there are other red yeast rice products that contain little to no monacolin K. Some also have citrinin, a contaminant, which causes kidney failure. You cannot identify which contain what in most cases. Thus, you can never know whether a product is helping you or causing you health problems.
Plant stanol and sterol supplements
Substances like plant stanols and sterols are found in several vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, and other plants. There is some processed food as well containing plant stanols and sterols like margarine, yogurt, orange juice, etc. These substances work to lower the risk of heart disease in the consumers as research suggests. They also thwart your small intestine from absorbing cholesterol. They can lessen LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in your blood.
High cholesterol treatment can also be achieved with conventional medicines such as statins, nicotinic acid, ezetimibe, fibrates, and bile acid sequestrants. Prevention is always better than cure. Thus, it is always advisable to maintain a balanced lifestyle to avoid stress and increased cholesterol level.
When you find out or have any symptoms of high cholesterol in your blood, immediately consult a doctor and take his suggestions before trying out any treatment plan or therapy. You must do this for the safety of your health. Even if you do not have any symptom of high cholesterol, it is suggested to go for a regular body check up so that you can take care of any ailment you are suffering from and nip it in the bud.