Cholesterol-lowering supplements are good for you

When a special diet and regular exercise are still not effective in reducing cholesterol levels, you may need other intake that can help control cholesterol levels. However, the use of cholesterol drugs such as statins usually makes some people worry about the side effects they cause. If so, cholesterol-lowering supplements can be one of your alternatives in an effort to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

Cholesterol-lowering supplements your doctor may recommend

There are several types of cholesterol-lowering supplements that your doctor may recommend using.

1. Fish oil

If you have high cholesterol levels in the body, taking cholesterol-lowering supplements such as fish oil supplements is an alternative that you can try. Omega-3 levels in fish oil, namely EPA and DHA, have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels by up to 30%, minimize swelling and blood clots, and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

In fact, according to a study published in the journal Lipid in Health and Disease, after being used for 12 weeks, fish oil can drastically lower cholesterol levels as well as lower high blood pressure.

However, high levels of mercury and pollutants in several types of fish oil also need attention. Choose a supplement that has been clinically tested to be free of heavy metals such as mercury and lead and other environmental toxins, including polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs.

Not to mention, you also have to pay attention to the side effects that may be caused when using this cholesterol-lowering supplement. The reason is, this supplement can cause unpleasant sensations, bad breath, want to pass wind constantly, nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea.

In addition, you also need to pay attention to other medicines that you are taking, considering that fish oil supplements can interact with blood thinners such as warfarin.

2. Psyllium

Psyllium or better known by the name Plantago ovata is a plant that only grows in India. However, this herb has long been consumed as a supplement derived from natural sources of dietary fiber.

This plant is a type of water soluble fiber that can dissolve cholesterol and lower triglycerides and total cholesterol, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol-lowering supplements containing psyllium can be an alternative choice to help you lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Even so, you need to pay attention to the amount of psyllium that must be consumed every day to lower cholesterol levels. In one day, you only need 10-20 grams of psyllium taken three times a day before meals.

Make sure every time you take supplements that can lower cholesterol, you also drink lots of water afterwards. The reason is, if not, you may experience swelling or blockage of the esophagus. In addition, consuming this can also cause side effects such as passing gas, flatulence, diarrhea, or even constipation.

In addition, this supplement can also reduce the ability of the intestines to absorb several nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

3. Niacin

Niacin is a B vitamin supplement that can increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 30 percent. This supplement needs to be taken in large doses so that the effect can be felt, namely as much as 1-3 grams a day.

Just like other cholesterol-lowering supplements, the use of niacin can also cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, itching, and redness. In rare cases, these cholesterol-lowering supplements can also cause liver damage if taken long term.

4. Sterols and stanols

Phystosterols, also known as sterols and stanols, are compounds that have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol by 9-20 percent. This cholesterol-lowering supplement containing phystosterol can reduce the risk of heart disease if consumed by 400 mg per dose every day.

However, like other cholesterol-lowering supplements, this supplement also has side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and may interact with other cholesterol medications.

5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

This compound is included in a strong antioxidant class that is beneficial for heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels in the body. Apart from that, CoQ10 can also help lower blood pressure.

Not to mention, CoQ10 is considered to reduce the side effects caused by the use of cholesterol drugs such as statins. Yes, CoQ10 is thought to relieve muscle pain that occurs due to statins.

However, this study was only conducted on mice and further research is needed on whether it works effectively in humans.

Apart from taking cholesterol-lowering supplements to herbal remedies for cholesterol, you are also advised to change your diet to help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood that are already too high. For example, reduce foods high in cholesterol and multiply foods such as fiber which can lower cholesterol levels.