Some medications have awful side effects and the side effects may be worse than the problem the medication is attempting to fix.  It seems that with some medications, people are forced to take other medications in order to counteract the effects the medications are having.

No one wants to be bogged down with a million different medications, all with various side effects

Garlic Head and Cloves

It’s always better to make the natural changes to your diet and daily routine in order to become a healthier individual.  There are many different types of daily changes you can make in addition to natural remedies and alternative therapies that will help to lower your cholesterol greatly.

There are many different herbal supplements, which can help reduce cholesterol:

• Garlic – garlic can reduce blood levels of total cholesterol by a few percentage points.  Studies vary in showing how beneficial it is, however, it’s clear that consuming garlic either in dietary form or supplement form can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels greatly.  Garlic should be discontinued prior to surgery as it may cause bleeding or blood thinning.
• Guggulipid – the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree.  It can significantly reduce levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.  The effectiveness of this herb is still undecided as research studies show varying proof, however, this herb is safe and effective to try.
• Red Yeast Rice – some studies show that red yeast rice can lower cholesterol levels.  It used to be found in over-the-counter supplements, such as Cholestin.  The newer formulations of Cholestin no longer contain red yeast rice.
• Policosanol – is produced from sugar cane and can lower LDL cholesterol levels.  It’s important that the policosanol comes from sugar cane and not beeswax.  There is currently no evidence indicating that policosanol from beeswax will lower levels of LDL levels.
• Other herbal products – fenugreek seeds and leaves, artichoke leaf extract, yarrow and holy basil may help to lower cholesterol.  Other very commonly used spices, such as ginger, turmeric and rosemary may also be beneficial in lowering cholesterol.  They also may help to prevent coronary disease.

You can also make several different dietary changes as well as lifestyle changes that can benefit your cholesterol levels.  Speak to your doctor before making any drastic changes.  It’s always important to make sure that the changes you’re planning on making are healthy for you as an individual.  Not all lifestyle changes are healthy for everyone.