Integrative Medicine
Lower Cholesterol Level Naturally
High cholesterol is a precursor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Factors which may cause increases in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol are menopause and hypothyroidism. Cholesterol levels rise in postmenopausal women as a result of a decrease in estrogen levels. Overtime, medications such as
the ‘statins’ have been used to lower abnormal cholesterol levels. However, as with all prescribed medications there are side effects. The elderly,
in particular, may be taking numerous medications for various chronic conditions and are interested in learning about other possible options.
One option is an individual’s dietary habits.
Dietary habits can have a profound impact on cholesterol levels and CAD. For some people it may be a simple lifestyle change such as exercise. For others it may be a combination of consistent exercise and lower dietary fat intake. Dietary supplementation is also a lifestyle choice.
Supplements include Acetyl-L Carnitine, which has been promoted by the supplement industry to be an energizer at the cellular level, a cognitive support agent and hypo-lipidemic agent..
Psyllium and grapefruit pectin, a fiber supplement, are considered to have hypo-cholesterolemic action. The additional fiber reportedly pulls the cholesterol out of the body thereby preventing its re-absorbtion. Other supplements include Pilicosanol, which is derived from sugar cane and thought to work by inhibiting cholesterol from forming in the liver, vitamins B6, B12, and Folic Acid. None of these statements have been supported by the FDA.
Before starting any lifestyle changes and supplementary regimen it is best
to learn about all your options and collaborate with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about complementary therapies.
Date of last modification: April 10, 2010
