Cholesterol Remedy

High cholesterol plagues millions of American. Though cholesterol has some good benefits, high cholesterol is a leading risk factor for coronary artery disease. While a doctor can prescribe medication to control your cholesterol, he or she will probably urge you to begin an exercise program, change your diet and try some of the natural remedies for high cholesterol.

Cholesterol

Not all cholesterol is bad. Understanding which is which can help you make better lifestyle choices. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in blood lipids. It helps form cell membranes and some hormones. Cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood but must be transported by lipoproteins. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol tends to clog arteries, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is an effective transporter of cholesterol. In blood tests, both types of cholesterol are measured individually and added together. Your doctor won't be concerned if your HDL is high, only if the LDL is.

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice comes from a fungus that grows on rice and contains compounds that slow production of cholesterol in the liver. The reason for this is that one of the compounds is monacolin K, a natural form of lovastatin. Red yeast rice acts as a low dose of lovastatin. Some researchers believe there are other cholesterol-lowering factors in the rice that haven't been discovered yet. A study published in the June 15, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Physicians looked at 62 patients who experienced muscle pain while taking statins, a class of drugs that are often prescribed to lower cholesterol. Instead of medication, half of the patients were given 1,800 mg of red yeast rice daily for 24 weeks. The other half were given a placebo. All were also exposed to what is caleed the Mediterranean diet, which relies heavily on whole grains and vegetables, engaged in an exercise program and practiced relaxation techniques. At the end of the study, the group on red yeast rice lowered their LDL by 35 points on average without an increase in muscle pain.

Niacin

Niacin is one of the B vitamins. It is a major protector against heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from the fat cells. It also helps with energy production, gene expression and hormone synthesis. It helps improve HDL functioning. Niacin can raise your HDL, the "good" cholesterol, by 15 to 35 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Red Wine

A moderate amount of red wine drunk daily can increase your level of HDL cholesterol. Moderate means men should have no more than two drinks a day and women no more than one drink a day. A drink is considered to be 5 oz. of wine. Doctors are still uncertain as to just what is in red wine that helps your cholesterol numbers, but most attribute this positive effect to antioxidants and a substance called resveratol that are found in red wine. Red wine can keep blood clots from forming in arteries and prevent damage caused by LDL cholesterol.

B Complex Vitamins

One of the most useful vitamins to take in reducing cholesterol are B vitamins, in a B complex form. It is recommended to take the vitamin in the most potent dose available. Since supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, different brands can vary widely in quality even if they don't appear to be different on their label. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about which brands and formulations are best. Take the recommended dose on the label of the B complex you choose, since each brand may also combine the individual B vitamins in different ways. By using the recommended dosage, you will get a balanced amount of all the B vitamins.

Lecithin

Lechithin mimics the function of HDL cholesterol with LDL cholesterol. Lecithin helps cholesterol and fat travel through the bloodstream by keeping it solvent in the blood so it doesn't attach to the artery wall. This suggests that LDL cholesterol should move through the arteries and out of the body in a manner similar to HDL cholesterol. However, medical and scientific studies have been inconclusive about whether this is what actually happens.