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 per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The risk of a heart attack more than doubles when the total level approaches 300 mg/dL. High cholesterol levels in midlife -- even those considered only borderline elevated -- significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease 30 years later.

Cholesterol reduction with natural supplements
Artichoke leaf extract supplements may be of benefit.

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.
   Effect of combining psyllium fiber with simvastatin in lowering cholesterol.
Arch Intern Med. 2005.
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. Psyllium soluble fiber should be considered as a safe and well-tolerated dietary supplement option to enhance LDL- Cholesterol and apolipoprotein B lowering.

Beta glucan for immune system and cholesterol management supplement - Researchers at the University of Minnesota, Medical School, in Minneapolis, MN, did a 10-week study to determine the benefits of beta glucan for cholesterol management. Beta-glucan extract at 3 and 5 g doses was given two times a day with meals in the form of a ready-to-eat cereal and a reduced-calorie fruit juice beverage. After 6 weeks of treatment, the mean LDL- Cholesterol levels fell by about 15 % in 5 gram group and 9 % in the 3 g group. Similar results were observed for total cholesterol.
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 levels, but to maintain healthy CoQ10 levels while on statin therapy.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant extracted from turmeric.
Consider the Ayurvedic herb guggul which has guggulsterones.
Pectin, whether from apple or Pectin-Grapefruit, could be helpful.
Green-Tea extract to prevent oxidation
Probiotics - A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition experimented to find the effect of probiotic and conventional yogurt on lipid profile. The randomized trial recruited 90 females into three groups – 300 g probiotic yoghurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 or 300 g conventional yoghurt or no yoghurt for 6 weeks. The results were a decrease in cholesterol in the probiotic and conventional yogurt groups and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels in the probiotic group. These findings suggest probiotic and conventional yogurt had positive changes in lipid profile which may contribute to the prevention of hyperlipidemia. Sadrzadeh-Yeganeh H, Elmadfa I, Diazayery A, et al. The effects of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on lipid profile in women. Br J Nutr. 2010.
Sytrinol for healthy cholesterol. Sytrinol has flavones from orange, tangerines and palm fruit.
Krill oil is an alternative to fish oils. Neptune krill oil product is a high quality source of epa, dha and astaxanthin.
Amla extract as an Ayurvedic herb
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 lowering.

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 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!

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.

Red yeast rice
Why are some doctors touting red yeast rice product with statin substance with all of the side effects of pharmaceutical statins when there is a supplement, policosanol, which in combination with niacin, delivers an effective treatment for unhealthy cholesterol levels with none of the negative side effects?
    Most current red yeast rice products do not have statin chemical.

Different types
Not all cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease or causes plaque build-up in arteries. That carried by LDL (the so-called bad cholesterol) increases the risk; the one 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 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 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 food intake
A healthy diet has a significant influence on lowering 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. 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 levels.

Statins or diet?
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.

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

Eating frequency
A person's cholesterol levels may depend not only on what he or she eats, but also how often. 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 reduction
There are many natural supplements that could be of benefit in lowering cholesterol or preventing it from being oxidized.

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

My cholesterol is very high, over 300. 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, and 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.
   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.

Medical Therapy for high levels
Without a doubt, statin drugs do lower cholesterol levels and reduce the rate of heart attacks. But do they also reduce mortality? In a 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. Bezafibrate is a medication used to treat high levels.

Fibrates
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, 2008.

Home test kit
I am trying to locate a home test kit for cholesterol. Do you have access to them?
   We don't have info on a cholesterol home test kit.

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