The two major fats in the blood are cholesterol and triglyceride. The fats attach themselves to certain proteins so they can travel throughout the bloodstream; the combined fats and proteins are called lipoproteins. The major lipoproteins are chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Abnormal levels of fats circulating in the bloodstream, especially cholesterol, can lead to long-term problems. The risk of having atherosclerosis and coronary artery or carotid artery disease (and therefore the risk of having a heart attack or stroke) increases as a person's total cholesterol level increases. Low cholesterol levels are therefore generally better than high ones, although extremely low cholesterol levels may not be healthy either. An ideal total cholesterol level is probably 140 to 200 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The risk of a heart attack more than doubles when the total cholesterol level approaches 300 mg/dL.

Cholesterol reduction with natural supplements
Psyllium half or one teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily with food. Psyllium is a fiber that reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels and cardiac risk. For details see bottom of page. Flax fiber is another good option.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant extracted from Turmeric.
Pectin, whether from apple or Pectin-Grapefruit, could be helpful to lower cholesterol.
Green-Tea-Extract to prevent oxidation
CoQ10 is an essential nutrient that is depleted in the blood in those who are taking stating drugs such as Lipitor, Mevacor, and others. Taking extra CoQ10, such as 10 to 60 mg, should be considered, not necessarily to lower cholesterol levels, but to maintain healthy CoQ10 levels while on statin therapy.
Sytrinol for healthy cholesterol. Sytrinol has flavones from orange, tangerines and palm fruit.
Krill-Oil is an alternative to fish oils
Amla extract as an Ayurvedic herb
Consider the Ayurvedic herb guggul which has guggulsterones. You can find Guggul here.
Drinking a cup of coffee induces an increase in the resistance of LDL cholesterol to oxidative changes, probably as a result of the incorporation of phenolic acids found in coffee into LDL cholesterol.
Gymnema herb may be considered for cholesterol lowering.

Different types of Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. The cholesterol carried by LDL (the so-called bad cholesterol) increases the risk; the cholesterol carried by HDL (the so-called good cholesterol) lowers the risk and is beneficial. Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be below 120 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol levels should be above 50 mg/dL. The HDL level should account for more than 25 percent of the total cholesterol. The total cholesterol level is less important as a risk factor for heart disease or strokes than the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio. Whether high levels of triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease or strokes is uncertain. Blood levels of triglycerides above 250 mg/dL are considered abnormal, but high levels don't appear to uniformly increase the risk of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease.

Diet and Cholesterol
Diet has a significant influence on cholesterol levels. As one example, the addition of chick peas to one's diet helps reduce cholesterol.
   A diet rich in fatty fish may protect the heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation, according to researchers. The investigators found that individuals with the highest cell levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish such as salmon and mackerel, had lower levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of blood vessel inflammation, is associated with risk of heart disease. In a study of nearly 28,000 women, levels CRP were more accurate than levels of "bad" cholesterol at predicting the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. See diet for info on the best foods to eat. Bulking up the diet with vegetables and legumes such as beans and peas can lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
   When eaten in moderation, eggs do not contain enough cholesterol to pose health risks.
   Adhering to a plant-based, low-carbohydrate diet is effective in promoting weight loss and an alternative to standard low-fat diets in reducing cholesterol levels.

Exercise and Cholesterol
Being physically fit boosts levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and improves the removal of "bad" forms of cholesterol. Exercise reduces levels of CRP (see above).

Eating frequency and Cholesterol
A person's cholesterol levels may depend not only on what he or she eats, but also how often, according to UK researchers. They found that middle-aged and older adults who ate frequently throughout the day had lower "bad" cholesterol levels compared with those who tended to down one or two large meals per day. This was despite the fact that the frequent eaters, on average, had a higher calorie and fat intake.

Natural supplements for cholesterol reduction
There are many natural supplements that could be of benefit in lowering cholesterol or preventing cholesterol from being oxidized.

Medical Therapy for high Cholesterol
Without a doubt, statin drugs do lower cholesterol levels and reduce the rate of heart attacks.. But do they also reduce mortality? In a new trial the statin pravastatin (Pravachol) did not reduce the risk of death and heart disease in people with moderately high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Statins or Diet for high cholesterol?
Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor reduce serum cholesterol. But are cholesterol-lowering foods just as good as stating. The objective of a study at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada was to compare, in the same subjects, the cholesterol-lowering potential of a dietary portfolio with that of a statin. Thirty-four individuals with high cholesterol underwent three 1 month treatments in random order as outpatients: a very-low-saturated-fat diet (control diet), the same diet plus 20 mg lovastatin (statin diet), and a diet high in plant sterols, soy-protein foods (including soy milks and soy burgers, almonds, and viscous fibers from oats, barley, psyllium, and the vegetables okra and eggplant. LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased by 8%, 33%, and 29% after 4 wk of the control, statin, and treatment diets, respectively.
   Comments: Here is a clear example of a study that shows well motivated individuals can lower their cholesterol levels without potentially harmful and expensive drugs.

Effect of combining psyllium fiber with simvastatin in lowering cholesterol.
Arch Intern Med. 2005 May 23;165(10):1161-6. Moreyra AE, Wilson AC, Koraym A. Division of Cardiology Lipid Disorder Center, Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA.
Soluble fiber supplements are recommended to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We evaluated the LDL-C-lowering effect of psyllium husk added to low-dose simvastatin therapy. In a 12-week blinded placebo-controlled study, patients were randomized to receive 20 mg of simvastatin plus placebo, 10 mg of simvastatin plus placebo, or 10 mg of simvastatin plus 15 g of psyllium (Metamucil) daily. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B were determined after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The study group comprised 68 patients. All treatments were well tolerated, and after 8 weeks the mean LDL-C levels in the group receiving 10 mg of simvastatin plus placebo fell by 55 mg/dL from baseline, compared with 63 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) in the group receiving 10 mg of simvastatin plus psyllium. The mean lowering of LDL-C in the group receiving 20 mg of simvastatin plus placebo was the same as that in the group receiving 10 mg of simvastatin plus psyllium. Similar results were seen for apolipoprotein B and total cholesterol. No significant changes from baseline triglyceride or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels occurred.  Dietary psyllium supplementation in patients taking 10 mg of simvastatin is as effective in lowering cholesterol as 20 mg of simvastatin alone. Psyllium soluble fiber should be considered as a safe and well-tolerated dietary supplement option to enhance LDL- Cholesterol and apolipoprotein B lowering.

Fibrates and cholesterol reductions
Long-term treatment with fenofibrate, a type of fibrate drug often used to lower cholesterol, does not reduce coronary plaques or signs of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, December 16/23rd issue, 2008.

Cholesterol reduction with natural supplements questions
Q. i used to have problems with cholesterol and triglycerides and now they are normal may i know what to do next, what are the damages done to me in many years that my cholesterol and triglycerides were above normal (and also low hdl) what should i do now that my cholesterol triglycerides are normal.
   A. You may take a look at the diet link above for suggestions.

Q. I am trying to locate a home test kit for cholesterol and I seem to remember that I got one that came with a cholesterol product. Do you have access to these cholesterol home test kits?
   A. We don't have info on a cholesterol home test kit.

Q. i was told that if u have cholesterol and/or triglyceride problem, then u will have to take cholesterol medicine for life, is it true?
   A. If people make excellent dietary changes, many can avoid the need to take cholesterol medicines.

Q. I just finished reading a newsletter article on the infamous statin drugs by Dr. Ray Sahelian. My cholesterol always hovered around the 180 mark which is fine by all the standards, and my LDL, bad cholesterol, was always around 100, again ok, and my triglycerides hovered around the upper range at 150 - 160 or so!...About 6 months ago, I started taking flush free niacin (over the counter!) to see what would happen to my cholesterol levels, added 2 grams of fish oil, and a garlic supplement!.. I did not change my diet. To the astonishment of both my Dr. and to myself last week,
the following results came back.---- total cholesterol 138, LDL 86, TRIGLYCERIDES, 90..... My HDL, well, I've always had a bit of a problem with that being around 36 or so and have tried everything, went to 40....My point being that one should explore 'every possible option' before putting the dangerous statins into their systems.. Additionally, statins deplete the body of CoQ10, the 'master' of all energy within our cells...The doctors don't tell you that. Nor to supplement with CoQ10 if you are on statins. Mostly because they don't know this fact. My best to you,
Chuck Kelley, You may use this if you wish, and I have 'documentation' if you wish also!

Q. My Cholesterol numbers as follows:  Total: 271, LDL: 189, HDL: 48, TG: 167. I run a lot: at least 20 miles a week. And my diet is also not that high in cholesterol contents. I am healthy but please can you tell me how I can reduce my cholesterol naturally. My doctor is asking me to take lipitor and I am a little hesitant in taking it because of its side effects.
   A. We can only make general cholesterol reduction suggestions as listed above.

Q. Can you tell me what's the best product you recommend that I can take for cholesterol reduction? I am trying to avoid Lipitor, but I need to try something to get the numbers down...
   Q. We cannot make specific recommendations, but you can discuss the info on this site with your doctor.

Q. I don't know what to do with my wife high lipids and cholesterol.
   A. Perhaps the supplements mentioned on this page could be helpful. if overeating is a problem, consider Diet Rx which reduces food consumption thus reducing the amount of cholesterol and lipid consumption.

Q. My cholesterol is very high, over 300, I have tried to lower this for years, but I cannot take statin drugs, not only does it cause muscle aches, but I believe my arm muscles are wasting away, it could be old age, I am 75, and I also have Lupus. but I have tried every statin drug on the market, a nd they all do the same thing. Then I found a product on the internet that is suppose to lower cholesterol without statin drugs, but it has 700 mgs of red rice yeast extract. I have read about this, and it has the same side effects. I am wondering if this is safe to take. and would it be okay if I took CoQ10 along with it to be safe. I am desperate to find something, as I have already had a triple by-pass, and now they say my right renal artery is partially blocked. I am also taking prednisone, and Immuran for my Lupus, and a couple of high blood pressure medicines. Quinaprel, and Diltiazem.
   A. The medical history and medication profile is too complicated to give simple answers, we suggest your doctor review this page on cholesterol and offer suggestions.

Q. Do any supplements reduce the lipids like cholesterol that have compacted in the circulatory system?
   A. It is possible that the use of certain supplements, along with diet, could be in reducing cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream and the lining of arteries.

I'm very involved in lowering my husband's cholesterol naturally. He takes red rice extract, fish oil, turmeric (for this and Crohn.s disease). I asked him to get the VAP test. Lipid profile showed while his cholesterol levels are average to borderline, 200 Total, 125 LDL, 45 HDL, 30 VLDL, Tryglycerides 160, his VAP is abnormal, AB. He explained what the doc told him that the "shape" of his LDL is small and therefore "sticks" to the walls, rather than moves like it should if his LDL was "larger."
The doc suggested Crestor, 5mg, gave us some free packs or to take niacin, more fish oil (3,000 mg). My suggestion is always for my husband to do skip statins and: What is the best supplement to improve VAP? I'm concerned that maybe I should finally "give in" and suggest my husband take the statin, although I'm very opposed to pharmaceuticals. He took Baycol once and felt horrible, now it's been recalled. He's 47, moderate drinker, exercises 3x a week, healthy nutrition for the most part, although sweet tooth is too high.
    We appreciate your email but we can only provide general research studies on natural ways to reduce cholesterol through diet and supplements, then it is up to the patient and his or her health care provider to make the decisions on whether to use dietary supplements, medications, or a combination.

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