Alternatives to Statins For Lowering Cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, you probably need to gain control over your rising numbers. No doubt, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can make a huge difference, but your doctor will recommend you take medicine to bring down your rising cholesterol levels. You may get a statin to bring down your levels to normal. According to reports, about 25 million people in the USA take statins to treat their high cholesterol because the medicines are so effective at bringing down the levels of LDL and preventing cardiovascular health risks.

So, where is the problem? These medicines are not effective for everyone, and some people have side effects or do not want to take them. There is an intense debate over who should use statins, and the drugs are often associated with a high risk of adverse effects such as muscle aches and weakness. Furthermore, there is conflicting information on who should be a suitable candidate for the drug.

There are alternatives to statins for people who need to address their high cholesterol problem and do not want to follow a medicinal treatment. Natural remedies provide you with plenty of benefits at a low cost. 

Can Fish Oils Supplements Help?

There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are generally safe and effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases. Fish oil supplements do not necessarily lower bad cholesterol, also known as HDL. Still, they have been shown to cause a significant reduction in triglyceride levels and an increase in good cholesterol, or LDL.

According to research studies, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, affected patients at risk for heart attack and those with high triglyceride levels. Such patients tend to experience fewer cardiovascular events than those who did not take EPA in the clinical trials.

Prescription treatments containing fish oil can help lower triglycerides and the risk of heart disease. Also, over-the-counter products like omega-3 fatty acids are not well regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA, so they may be cheaper options than prescription drugs. If you are in doubt, talk to a health care specialist. Fatty fish like mackerel, albacore, salmon, and herring are good sources of omega-3.

Can Niacin Bring Down Cholesterol Levels?

Although it is still not understood how exactly vitamin B₃, also known as Niacin, works, according to research studies, like EPA, it can increase good cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Vitamin B3 supplements are easily accessible over the counter and come as prescription medicine. However, there is not enough evidence to show that niacin lowers the risk of cardiovascular events and death, as statins do. Niacin can also cause reddening of the face, neck, and upper chest.

Can Fibre Bring Down Cholesterol Levels?

Fiber supplements are specially designed to make your digestive system function properly. Some have an additional benefit, such as slightly reducing your cholesterol levels. They may help lower your cholesterol by 5 to 10% if you consume the supplement daily. However, it is important to follow the instructions given by your healthcare specialist while using the fiber supplement.

Research says foods such as nuts, soy, and fruits rich in pectins, such as strawberries, grapes, and apples, can help lower cholesterol.

Summary

Some alternatives have proven effective for those who wish to try lowering cholesterol naturally. These natural alternatives to stains include exercise, diet, and weight control. Certain foods positively impact cholesterol levels. These include omega-3-rich foods, whole grains, soy products, and foods high in soluble fiber. There are a variety of foods and herbs that may drop your cholesterol levels to normal. However, there is limited research to verify the effectiveness of natural alternatives to statin.