Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, natural treatment can help. Dr. Hanson, a naturopathic doctor in New York City, uses safe and effective holistic remedies, such as herbs and nutritional supplements, to lower cholesterol naturally. Call 917-267-9355 today to schedule an appointment at his Manhattan location.

By now we all know that high cholesterol is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and we should all know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the U.S. However, it is important to be aware that high cholesterol is not the only risk factor for cardiovascular disease and that cholesterol levels alone do not give a complete picture of your risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.

Cholesterol has gotten most of the attention because there are pharmaceutical drugs available to lower cholesterol levels, though widespread use of these drugs has not led to the lower levels of mortality you might expect. Other lab values used to evaluate cardiovascular risk, such as homocysteine and fibrinogen, can be measured and, when considered in combination, will give us a more complete assessment of risk. These factors are best addressed through natural approaches, such as diet change and nutritional supplementation.

That being said, what are some options for the natural treatment of high cholesterol?

Diet and Cholesterol

The most important natural way to lower cholesterol is through dietary adjustment. Simple carbohydrates, such as table sugar and foods made from white flour, should be avoided, as should hydrogenated oils and trans-fatty acids, such as margarines and shortenings. Do not eat fried foods or foods made with powdered eggs or powdered milk. Tobacco products should be abandoned and caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea should be reduced to one cup per day. Alcohol intake should also be limited to one serving a day ideally in the form of red wine or dark beer.

Olive oil should be the main cooking oil for those concerned about high cholesterol. Increase the amount of fish and seafood as well as the onion family of vegetables: garlic especially but also onions, leeks and shallots. Other foods that lower cholesterol are soy products like tofu, flavonoid-rich foods like apples and green tea. One very important aspect to lowering high cholesterol naturally is an adequate intake of fiber. High fiber foods are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Nutritional Supplements for High Cholesterol

Red yeast rice is one nutritional supplement that has been used to lower cholesterol naturally. It works in the same way as many cholesterol-lowering drugs and consequently can have similar side effects, though they have not been reported as often. Niacin, tocotrienols and pantethine are all safer options for lowering cholesterol levels naturally. Guggul and garlic are important herbs that can lower cholesterol.

If you are taking statin drugs or red yeast rice to lower cholesterol, it is important to supplement with a nutrient called CoQ10. This is naturally produced by your body but will be reduced by these drugs and this reduction may cause adverse effects.

Lifestyle and Cholesterol

Stress reduction, exercise and adequate sleep and sun exposure are all important aspects in the natural treatment for high cholesterol.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol and are interested in natural treatment, make an appointment today. If you do not live in the New York City tri-state area, but are still interested in lowering cholesterol naturally, phone consultations are available. Please call 917-267-9355 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .