Cholesterol lowering supplement an alternative to drugs

If you are having trouble controlling your cholesterol through diet and exercise, you may look to a cholesterol lowering supplement.

There are no shortages of products that will claim to be a cholesterol lowering supplement. Plant sterols have been receiving a lot of attention for their heart-healthy benefits. They block the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the bloodstream, lowering the bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) type of cholesterol. Plant sterols are available as a supplement as well as certain foods such as orange juice, salad dressings, and margarine. Occasionally, diarrhea may be a side effect.

Another substance that works as a cholesterol lowering supplement is soluble fiber. Available as a dietary supplement in forms such as psyllium powder as well as in foods such as oats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, soluble fiber binds cholesterol so that it is excreted from the bloodstream. Adding five to ten grams a day can reduce your LDL cholesterol levels by around five percent. Soluble fiber may cause gas or bloating.

Cholesterol lowering supplement

Another cholesterol lowering supplement that has garnered attention is artichoke leaf or artichoke extract. It is believed that this product reduces synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichoke extract reduces both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. This supplement may cause gas or an allergic reaction.    

A cholesterol lowering supplement hasn’t always gone through the careful studies that cholesterol drugs are required to go through. Side effects, although rare, are not always well known. It may also be unclear what the optimal dose of the supplement is for the maximum benefits to your cholesterol.

Any cholesterol lowering supplement can have an effect on other medications, so always consult your doctor before taking any new products.