Natural Solutions for High Cholesterol: Effective Home Remedies

Curry Leaves, Garlic and Black Pepper for High Cholesterol

This is a remedy tested by many and found effective. 10 fresh, washed curry leaves, one pod of garlic and 2 peppercorns, to be crushed and had at any time, with or without food/water etc. In a month the cholesterol will come down significantly. My partner and son have both experienced its benefits and I have just started using it myself.

Curry leaves are commonly used in Indian cooking, but are now available almost everywhere in the world.

Hi KAYJAY,

You are correct in thinking that red yeast rice may be raising your HbA1c. Red yeast rise is essentially similar to the statin drug Lovastatin/Mevacor as discussed here :

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/red-yeast-rice#:~:text=Red yeast rice contains chemicals, the risk of heart disease.

Here is a relevant quote from the article :

Red yeast rice contains chemicals that are similar to prescription statin medications. One of these, called monacolin K, has the same makeup as the drug lovastatin (Mevacor). Doctors prescribe statins to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Statins are noted for increasing HbA1c as discussed here in this Cleveland Clinic article :

https://www.ccjm.org/content/90/1/53

Here are some very relevant article quotes :

• The weight of the evidence suggests that statin use is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus, but the magnitude of the effect has varied across studies, including differences between randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
• The risk is generally greater with high-intensity statin therapy and higher statin doses. However, many other variables are also involved, including prediabetes, genetics, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, lifestyle, and other medications, most notably glucocorticoids.
• In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, statin use is associated with a small increase in hemoglobin A1c, and this effect may be greater with atorvastatin than with other statins. However, the benefits of statins in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease outweigh their adverse effects on glycemic control.

It is hard for me to understand how the potential risk to start diabetes is an acceptable side effect of statins given the many health dangers associated with diabetes.

You might be interested in reading my article regarding Nattokinase, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis here as a potential alternative to red yeast rice :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/high-dose-nattokinase-for-atherosclerosis.html

In my opinion, cholesterol is a poor marker for atherosclerosis, which statins are supposed to help prevent.

To make matters worse, this 2020 article suggests that statins can potentially contribute to atherosclerosis :

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.119.313832#:~:text=Conclusions:, –IL-1β signaling axis.

Here are some relevant quotes from the article :

• Statin therapy is associated with higher coronary artery calcium scores and increased macrophage Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) activity in patients.
• Statins disrupt the complex between Rac1 and its primary inhibitor RhoGDI (Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor), in macrophages, leading to Rac1 activation and Rac1-dependent IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta) expression.
• During experimental atherosclerosis, statin therapy leads to macrophage Rac1-dependent increases in IL-1β and atherosclerotic plaque calcification.

Art

Hi,

So three months ago, I found out I have a high total cholesterol of 229. My LDL was 165. I am 51 and I am active only as a mom and one who does pilates four days a week. I call myself a vegan slash pescatarian slash vegetarian low on the dairy though slash turkey or chicken maybe once every two week. Put it like this people were shocked when i told them i had high cholesterol. Anywho my nurse practitioner decided to have me tested for this genetic disorder. My brother actually has the genetic disorder that makes his cholesterol high so he's on statins. Well i refuse to get on that medication because i understand the side effects are not good but to each his own and no judgment here. Not at all. My nurse practitioner put me on fish oil and red rice yeast to treat my high cholesterol but check this out before being put on red rice yeast my a1c was good. It was 5.4, but after three months on red rice yeast my a1c which has never been high shot up three points 5.7. I am wondering if this red rice yeast caused my a1c to rise. I heard prescription statins do the same thing. I meet with my practitioner this week and will ask her if this is a side effect of red rice yeast. If it is i want to get off. I have already started adding more carido to my exercise routine and cut those carbs out i know are not good for me but they taste so good even if theyre organic and used with good ingredients. Okay so what are your thoughts on red rice yeast and the possibility they elevate your a1c? I have a gut feeling it has increased my a1c. Also, my three month check up my total cholesterol went down from 229 to 209. My LDL went down from 165 to 140. So it appears it is working but I also believe changing my diet and doing intermittent fasting 16:8 has helped too. I appreciate any comments and i look forward to reading them. Bye

I make a half gallon drink to cover the taste of ACV. 5 green tea bags (boil 4 1/2 c. of water, you'll end up with about 4 c. of tea), 6 Tbsp. of ACV (Fairfield's. Bragg's is watered down), juice of a whole lemon, then add a mixture of your favorite juices. I add a 1/2 c. cranberry, 1/2 pomegranite, and then more of the juice that is my favorite, which is cherry, orange or grape. I drink it 1/2 the juice mixture with half spring water because it is so strong. This lasts me all week and I try to drink some every day. I make it as organic as I can get it. Kids like this too.

A touch of honey with Apple Cider Vinegar and water improves the taste ALOT. Or a bit of stevia.

Hi Mama to Many,

Thank you for answering my question. I do not have high blood pressure and I do not have any related health problem. I did not take any prescription pills. I only take supplements. Right now I just want to control what I eat to slowly lower my cholesterol. Just wonder if Prioris from FL still doing ok with very high cholesterol that doctor will think.

Dear Lynn,

I don't think Prioris has posted in while...

Regarding whether or not to be concerned about the cholesterol number... have you had any other testing done? Do you have any other risk factors for heart disease?

My husband's cholesterol number was not a concern for his doctor until he also had a bad calcium cardiac score; that combined with high blood pressure and some extra weight made it a concern. Plus, my husband's father died of a heart attack at age 37. So we worked on his cholesterol through diet, which also helped him lose weight.

If you are healthy and have no health problems, it may not be a concern for you.

~Mama to Many~

Hi Prioris,

I am very interesting about that you have very high cholesterol 370 about 50 years without any problem. I just tested my blood that I have same number as you total cholesterol 373, but my good one is 114 that mean my ratio is ok. I am 64 years old. do I need worry about it? how are you? still with that high cholesterol? your post make my mind open. do I need do something to lowering my cholesterol? I am healthy and no any health problem. Can anyone can answering my question if Prioris from FL does not see my post? I know this is very old post from Prioris. I hope that I can get some answers from somebody.

Daniel,

Thanks for the information! I will look into it.

My cholesterol has always been very low, even below 100 when I was in college and not on the best diet...

~Mama to Many~

I appreciate your contributions to Earth Clinic. After seeing your recent one regarding your husband's cholesterol of 131 total, if that is correct I would suggest that is dangerously low.I have an old newsletter from Dr. Mercola that referenced a study presented at the 24th American Heart Association Conference on Stroke. They found that cholesterol over 230 increased risk of stroke as did cholesterol below 180. It can lead to leaky vessels. When I had cancer 23 years ago I think mine was around 150. My doctor told me that was low. I was in the low 160's the last few years but now up to 205 which I am comfortable with. I also read a paper by Dr Cheraskin in Orthomolecular News that as more detailed about low cholesterol. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate paper again. If he is able giving blood should lower the iron level.

Hi there!

A few years ago, my husband had an abnormal cardiac calcium score and a less than ideal cholesterol reading. His doctor gave him the option of statins or a gluten free, vegan diet. He reluctantly chose the diet.

It worked. He lost weight and got his cholesterol down dramatically.

Over time we put fish and chicken into his diet. (Tilapia, salmon, and boneless, skinless chicken.) He also eats an occasional sweet but is very moderate about it. He uses Erythritol and oat milk in his coffee.

He had bloodwork done this week. We were thrilled that fish and chicken added to his gf plant-based diet have only improved his numbers. His good cholesterol went up a bit and the bad is in a very good range. His total cholesterol is 131.

Six months ago, we invested in a Blackstone Grill. That thing is life changing. Really. My go to meal is fish or chicken bowls. I cook the chicken or fish and an onion, sometimes a jalapeno, potato or carrots on the Blackstone, season it well with salt, pepper, and garlic, and serve it over brown or white rice. I use some olive oil on the grill. We never get tired of this meal. It also makes clean up easier and I don't make much mess in the kitchen.

My husband eats a lot of hummus on sesame crackers or raw carrots with guacamole for a snack. If he eats breakfast, its oatmeal. I make a Thai curry every weekend and we have burritos and fish tacos often; its a go-to meal when my kids and grandkids come over.

Interestingly, his hemoglobin and hematocrit numbers are at the high end of normal. Apparently, you can get plenty of iron without eating red meat or eggs. His iron level has always been high normal on a red meat diet, on a vegan diet, on his current diet. He doesn't eat much in the way of leafy greens either.

Since I have Alpha Gal and some food allergies, a mostly gf, plant-based diet with fish and chicken has been my diet for many years. Cooking got easier with his dietary changes. I fix burgers or sausage and eggs for my kids sometimes, but they do love the Blackstone bowls, too.

Anyway, this is all anecdotal, but I am sharing it in case it would help or encourage someone else!

~Mama to Many~

Hi! You can't possibly mean that you fill up the big coffee cup with lemon juice after adding ACV and honey. You meant that you fill it with water and add lemon juice, right?

Statins versus Citrus Bergamot

Citrus Bergamot has some free text articles on Pub Med that describe effects such as

"The results are shown below, but patients who received 500 or 1,000 mg of BPF (bergamot polyphenol fraction, essentially refined bergamot oil) for 30 consecutive days saw a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and blood glucose coupled with a significant increase in HDL levels.2 Mar 2023 "

It is from sour inedible orange mainly grown in Sicily and is fairly widely available as a supplement, even in Australia at one major

chemist chain as well as online from the usual well known big American supplement suppliers.

A number of testimonials on them have (seemingly genuine) testimonials about reductions in their levels. My open minded GP read one study on my phone when trying to put me on statins

and said, "This is rather interesting." A friend had her cholesterol levels drop markedly after she put herself on CB when her GP also wanted her on statins. He did not want to know why but conceded her latest

levels did not now warrant a statin.

Take a big coffee cup, add some honey, just enough to cover the bottom. Add your 2 tablespoons of ACV. Fill the cup with lemon juice. Stir well to get the honey all mixed up. Drink it down. Tastes great, Lemon juice and honey are also helpful for many things. Your ACV will do it's job well using this recipe

I take it in the AM when I first rise on an empty stomach. The brand is Biom----

The only thing that matters is LP(a) reduction. So far nothing works.

What is your LP(a)? Ratios? PLAC? Did you have a cardio IQ test with PLAC and LP(a) included?

Denise,

If soy lecithin granules is not to your liking for lowering cholesterol, another option is Fenugreek.

Art

Denise,

Since you are considering using melatonin, the following meta analysis should interest you regarding triglycerides :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261561417314012#:~:text=Meta-analysis suggested a significant, p = 0.197) was found.

Here is a relevant quote :

' A total of 8 RCTs were eligible. Meta-analysis suggested a significant association between melatonin supplementation and a reduction in triglycerides (WMD: −31.54 mg/dL, 95% CI: −50.71, −12.38, p = 0.001), and total cholesterol levels (WMD: −18.48 mg/dL, 95% CI: −35.33, −1.63, p = 0.032), while no significant effect on LDL-C (WMD: −2.37 mg/dL, 95% CI: −11.61, −6.86, p = 0.615) and HDL-C (WMD: 1.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.66, 3.23, p = 0.197) was found. In sub-group analysis, a significant decrease in triglycerides was found at doses ≥8 mg/d and when trials last ≥8 weeks. In addition, a significant decrease of total cholesterol was found at doses ≥8 mg/d and when total cholesterol baseline levels were ≥200 mg/dL. '

Art

Hello Art, and thanks so much your reply. I'm a bit shy of Soy Lecithin, as I heard that Sunflower Lecithin is the best, but also, I can't remember what it was that worried me about the Soy. I don't eat anything, or drink Soy so again, a bit shy of that. It may just have been something I read. I hope no one faints, but I do want to say that I believe, or am at least pretty secure with the info on high cholesterol not being dangerous, and that it's the Trigs divided by HDL that is the number to watch, mine is 3.0 right now, latest Lipids, but the total cholesterol is 511.

I want to bring that number down and my trigs were also lower in past tests and I was running at 300 plus with TC. I'm a bit afraid a doctor will dump me from his patient list if I don't take something to lower my C. I'm going to also reply to the Melatonin thread as I don't want to change the subject of this thread, but I have bad insomnia some nights, especially if I don't get any exercise during the day.

Thank you again, Denise!!

Denise E,

Although studies do show that berberine has cholesterol lowering effects and as being good for diabetics to help maintain healthier glucose levels among many other benefits, I do not consider it to be a potent anti cholesterol supplement based on my experience. If you cholesterol is significantly high, berberine may not be potent enough to get it low enough, but it wouldn't hurt to try it and it will help with lowering glucose levels.

For the purpose of lowering cholesterol, I have had good results using two level full tablespoons of soy lecithin granules each day. I use a 4 ounce glass of water and dump the granules in it and drink it down right away in one go with no mixing. Others put it into their smoothies, or yogurt.

I have no recommendation for a brand of berberine as I have used several and they were all effective. I think the divided dose would be important for optimal effect.

Art

Can anyone give me feedback on Berberine for high-cholesterol? I've been searching for a good brand, but more so, I would like to know if anyone has used this supplement and actually had their cholesterol lowered without using a Statin?

If Art Solbrig is around I would love to ask him about it. I will post one link to a very short video from one of my fave online doctors, Dr. Benjamin Bikman. He is big on Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance, and I have beaten T2 Diabetes just using Ketogenic nutrition. But with Keto, I get a high number on my Lipid tests and worry my doctor til I think he'll have a heart-attack because I won't take a statin. Berberine sounds good to me, but feedback is very welcome, and a brand name would be very helpful,

Thank you in advance, Denise

I started the carnivore diet three months ago and have never felt better. About to turn 75 next month. Before I never really felt good........always blah and had lots of allergies. Vast improvement. I researched it for months before taking the leap. Lots of info on utube.

Great info! Mama, I'm curious to know what you think - I have high cholesterol (runs in the family but grand/parents have lived to 87-101) and blood sugar. After heart palps, doc recommended calcium test but noticed your husband was concerned about the radiation. I had a few c-scans & mri for a surgery last year, and another due this month. Not sure more radiation from the calcium test would be wise (mammogram also due). Being already thin, removing meat and eggs will take me down to 100# or less... but don't want statins or a heart attack. Thanks!

What the heck - according to that website I am at 3%. My doctor says I am at 7%. She used a calculator on her phone (I think) and wants me on a statin drug which I declined to take......
Who to believe and why is that website more reliable?

It's important to assess a determination of "high cholesterol" before you decide to do something about it. Look at the lipid panel yourself and check to make sure your HDL (good cholesterol) isn't so high that it is throwing off the total cholesterol numbers. Many years ago, the doctor told me that my total cholesterol would always look high because my HDL is so very high. That has proven over and over again to be the case. If you want to use your lipid panel to check for your risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol, enter your numbers, age, etc, at this Univ. of Wisconsin website

https://www.mcw.edu/calculators/ldl-cholesterol-goal-level

Hi!

It's been 10 months since my report on my husband's success with a plant-based diet for his high cholesterol.

Since then, he has introduced a more regular use of chicken and turkey (mostly added to curries! ), an egg here and there, and fish (salmon) a couple of times a month. He drinks a glass of wine with dinner once in a while and has an occasional beer. He is still gluten free and sugar free and eats no dairy or red meat or pork. I would call it a plant-based diet still, but we were not sure what the changes would do to his cholesterol. He still consumes oatmeal and raw carrots most days.

He had bloodwork done last week. His cholesterol is down to 114! HDL is still 65. Doctor was thrilled. His blood pressure is even a bit lower, and he got the go ahead to try going without medication for a while and see what happens.

His decades of ibs-d symptoms are also pretty much gone. I believe dairy was the problem all along.

I also had bloodwork done and my cholesterol is 110. HDL 48. I eat pretty much the same as my husband, minus the beer and wine and carrots. (I don't like beer, wine gives me a headache, and carrots are hard on my jaw.)

Any special diet is easier to do with someone else! When we go to pot lucks I often bring a Massaman Curry and rice, our favorite, and now a favorite of some of our friends.

Happy early Thanksgiving, you all!

~Mama to Many~

ACV is really a wonderful NATURAL solution to many health problems.

Happy you found it worked for you. I use B----'s Organic ACV with the “mother.” I luv the taste. Dilute it w water and lemon and drink one TBP in the am half hour before I eat. It really helps. Best of health always.

Alan M.,

I forgot to answer your question about what to take for the muscle pain. CoQ10 has been shown to alleviate the muscle pain :

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835

Here is what they concluded :

' CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated statin‐associated muscle symptoms, implying that CoQ10 supplementation may be a complementary approach to manage statin‐induced myopathy. '

It may be more beneficial to use CoQ10 in a soft gel form for best absorption.

Art

Alan M.,

Red yeast rice has the active component Monacolin K which is chemically identical to the active ingredient in the statin drug Lovastatin :

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-yeast-rice#:~:text=Some red yeast rice products contain substances called monacolins, which, the category known as statins.

Here is a relevant quote :

' Red yeast rice products may not be safe; some may have the same side effects as certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some may contain a potentially harmful contaminant. '

Lovastatin is known to cause muscle pain and muscle damage :

https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/lovastatin-oral-tablet#important-warnings

Here is a quote from the article :

' Serious muscle damage warning: Using lovastatin raises your risk of serious muscle problems. These problems include myopathy, with symptoms that include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can lead to rhabdomyolysis. With this condition, muscle breaks down and can cause kidney damage and even death. If you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, stop taking lovastatin right away and call your doctor. '

Another option might be lecithin granules at two tablespoons / day. It can be thrown in a small glass of water without mixing and just drink it down or it can be sprinkled on foods, desserts or added to smoothies.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/#:~:text=Lecithin is capable of reducing, nervous system and brain activities.

Here is a relevant study quote :

' One-two months before the treatment beginning, blood samples were collected for total lipids and cholesterol fractions analysis. The results showed a reduction of 40.66% and 42.00% in total cholesterol and of 42.05% and 56.15% in LDL cholesterol after treatment for one and two months, respectively. A significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed during the first month of treatment, suggesting that the administration of soy lecithin daily may be used as a supplemental treatment in hypercholesterolemia. '

Art

Red yeast rice antidote needed

Have always had good numbers on almost all health related things. Played 4 sports and when I couldn't anymore due to an injury, I took up walking some years ago. Now at 69, still walking 4-5 miles every day, I find myself with high cholesterol and triglycerides. Most of that is genetic, but I didn't expect it as I thought I could get around it by walking.

Tried red yeast rice about 2 weeks ago and developed extreme pain in my left thigh. Of course I have stopped taking it, but in the meantime I am almost unable to sleep because of the pain, going on about 5 days now.

Once I get moving the pain fades into the background and it seems to occur when I am laying down. I guess I'll go back to ACV which fixed my acid reflux a few years ago. Does anyone have an antidote to Red Yeast Rice?

My cholesterol skyrocketed over span of two years. My OBGYN thought it might be because I went off my hormones and put me on low dose plant based hormones Anyhow, the MD told me to get on statins and my ND told me not worry about it because it could just be family genetics. I researched and read Cholesterol Down and simply followed the steps and my cholesterol is back to the low side of the normal range.

1: Eat oatmeal daily I get gluten-free oats.
2: Cut back on eating nuts, eat it in moderation
3: Take Psyllium Fiber or buy them in capsules
4: Eat flaxseeds I sprinkle some on my oats, it's really softened my skin

5: Eat beans
6: Eat apples
7: Take Plant Sterols with your largest meal of the day I take Cholestoff Plus which has been clinically proven to lower cholesterol.
8. Add garlic to your food
10: Exercise we take a quick 30 minute walk daily

Wishing everyone good health.

That sounds awesome! How did you take it? Spread out through the day? With and without food? What are the initials of the brand you use? I've taken it before but didn't have your results. Probably didn't take large enough dosage, or perhaps not a good brand.

Thank you so much for sharing Brooklyn Baby

Serrapeptase brought down my cholesterol 200 points.

I'd never heard of Serrapeptase before however, when I was researching Earth Clinic for remedies on Inflammation for Nasal Polyps I stumbled upon this gem. I purchased the Serrapeptase that was Enteric coated to survive acidic stomach conditions. I started out by taking one 80,000 capsule and slowly increased it. I am now up to 6 capsules a day which is where I think that I will stay. I started taking Serrapeptase less then a year ago and 2 weeks ago when I went for my annual physical my cholesterol levels had come down 200 points. No side effects for me whatsoever. It cleared up my sinuses and eradicated the acid reflex that I've had for the last 20 years. I know that it sounds like it's too good to be true but in this case it is definitely good as well as being absolutely true.

I followed Ted's high cholesterol protocol (https://ted.earthclinic.com/cures/cholesterol2.html) of granulated lecithin, 1 teaspoon twice a day, mixed with lemon oil (or d-limonene) 10 drops twice a day too, as well as 1 teaspoon of glycine twice a day, green tea extract 1/8 teaspoon twice a day, and lysine 1/4 teaspoon twice a day to reduce triglycerides. I did not do borax in water 1/8 teaspoon to reduce triglycerides.

I also made oatmeal porridge with soy milk.

I got tested two months after I began the regimen and my total cholesterol decreased from 249 to 208. Triglycerides reduced from 57 to 48. (My HDL went from 106 to 81; LDL, from 134 to 118).

This is amazing! I have always had elevated cholesterol but this is the lowest it has ever been. I am ever so grateful for Ted's protocol.

In what form do you take the Fenugreek, how much and how often etc please to lower your cholesterol.

Hi, How long did it take to get those results?

Treats Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood pressure, Fatty Liver

Daily Water Salad

07/10/2021

I created this curement on my own. This has amazing results. I use this daily salad for at least 12 years, usually 5 to 6 times per week, one time a day (every midday or in the morning). It my keeps all my analysis of Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood pressure, cleaned fatty liver, all in normal levels.

Speak with your doctor before using this curement. Use this curement completely on your own responsibility (earthclinic or me, have no responsibility), since this is given as a suggestion.

It works directly for lowering Cholesterol, lowering Triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, cleaning fatty liver.

Use:

1 garlic clove (2 grams about)

2-3 grams of onion

4-5 grams of celery

4-5 grams of parsley

4-5 grams of lettuce

Put this in a blender with water. Drink this juice, within 7 minutes, after you get the juice out of the blender (Do not let the juice more than 7 minutes in the glass, without drinking it, since it will weaken its power). Add some extra water after making the juice. You can use the juice in one or two glasses of water (Use two glasses of water in case the taste is difficult for you). It has rather difficult taste, but the results really worth it.

Personal experience... tablets are not as effective. Processed loses the goodness and quality. Same goes for food, big time. ACV needs to have the 'mother' like Braggs brand has. You can even make it easily & inexpensively with your own apples. Lots of vids on how to. If you need a little help adjusting to the flavor add it to hot water and add stevia to sweeten (not sugar), and some nice Ceylon cinnamon and it's like a hot apple cider drink. Very pleasant.

Hello Carla! What time of the day do you take the ACV? and do you do it after a meal or before? Thank you!

Mama to Many,

I would add Vitamin K2 to his regimen. It was researched a few years ago.. it is the mineral mover of the body...Moving excess minerals from arteries and into the bones. Study showed...To get enough one would need to eat 30# of broccoli per day. It is sometimes packaged with D. Less than 10$ for 3 months supply..

Super! Happy for both of you!

BRAVO!!!! Lucky you!!

I am happy to report that 6 months on a plant-based diet has done wonders for my husband's cholesterol.

In July, my husband's doctor was concerned because his cholesterol (specifically, the "bad cholesterol") was elevated AND his calcium cardiac test revealed significant blockages in all of the main arteries in his heart. My husband has a bad heart history in his family.

His doctor said, "I can write you a prescription for statins or you can go vegan, gluten free, sugar free." The doctor said that would be the diet that could potentially reduce the plaque in his arteries.

So, my meat and potatoes husband went gf, sf, vegan. (He didn't have to give up potatoes! ) This is about how I eat anyway, due to Alpha Gal Syndrome. It was more motivating to make interesting meals for more than just myself.

Anyway, labs this week were the proof in the pudding!

In six months, his total cholesterol went from 182 to 122!

In six months, his LDL went from 121 to 65!

I am very proud of him.

We did not repeat the calcium cardiac score yet due to the significant amount of radiation exposure with that, but these numbers plus the other health benefits are motivating him to stay on this diet.

Some other things to note, which may have helped to improve his numbers -

He eats oatmeal every day for breakfast. Oatmeal is supposed to be good for cholesterol.

He eats raw baby carrots with guacamole or hummus with his lunch 5 days a week. Carrots are supposed to be good for cholesterol.

He uses a monkfruit sweetener in his coffee. He also uses oatmilk as a cream alternative.

My primary oil to use is olive oil. We also use some plant butter.

I make so many lentil recipes, his potassium is actually a tad elevated. (Lentils are a good source of potassium! )

I have made many, many recipes from a food blog - minimalist baker. They have been a lifesaver - fast recipes with not a ton of ingredients - and delicious. She even has a df, gf biscuit recipe that is amazing.

My husband's blood pressure is doing much better on this diet and he has been able to cut his blood pressure med in half and still has better readings than he did 6 months ago on the full dose! He may be able to get off this med completely.

He does eat fish and chicken and bread once in a while, mostly when we go out and he does partake in celebratory meals like weddings and holidays - he just tries to be moderate with portion sizes.

Oh, and he lost 50 pounds total without any effort beyond the effort of staying on the diet!

I am thankful for his perseverance. I want him to be around a long time. :)

~Mama to Many~

Hi, Did you change your diet as well and or introduced exercise in addition to the brazil nuts? Thank you

BETTY, ORH here and cholesterol is not a deal. Your brain is almost all cholesterol. You need it to survive. When it gets out of hand you have a problem. Too complicated to explain, so my suggestion to you is to read. Google is the devil, but it will get you the knowledge you need.

====ORH====

Hi ORH, Lord knows I am trying :) Just relating what I am doing. What do you suggest if you will share your knowlege?

BETTY, ORH here and I love you, but you do not understand niacin. There are many forms. Niacianamide will take care of Alzheimer's and flushing niacin will take care of your heart. Most of EC's posts are good, but some will cause you grief. I am a Redneck, which means that I am an opinionated person. All know this after 20 + years of my postings.

Betty, your problem is that you are half smart like me and need to read more. ===ORH===

My doc has me on niacinamide 1000mg in am, then 3 250mg doses separated thru out the day. It lowers cholesterol and is a liver/body detox. Flushing happens but not all the time anymore. Research Dr. Hoffer, he wrote some very informative papers on niacin and vit C.

DONNA,,,,,,,, ORH here and good advice. Md's prescribe flushing Niacin Rx and that is 500 mg, far too high to start. So people forget that program. To get 100mg, you must get a supplement. Increase dosage as you stop flushing. The 9-11 first responders ended up taking thousands of mg and in a sauna to get rid of their toxins. Their towels were dark from what was excreted during the flush. Tom Cruise installed and paid for that protocol because the medical folks had no clue.

Gene DeCode has a detox for the jab that will soon be on his new site..... blessed for service.org. One brilliant man. ====ORH====

Go slowly. Start with 100 mg a day and then work up. High dose too quickly can make you faint but isn't dangerous, just uncomfortable.

If you juice a bunch of celery every morning and drink it you will lower your cholesterol. I did it for 3 weeks between appointments and it brought it way down.

Does this really work? Is that too much vitamin D? I gotta get my cholesterol down. It's been high for years. Doctor put me on a statin and they aren't good. Looking for something natural.

Does using HP help reduce high cholesterol, if yes. How do you use and what %. Thank you

Imagine what it could be without the added saturated fat in the butter! Being biological herbavores humans make plenty of cholesterol in our own livers, unlike omnivores. just like humans and other herbivores can't make our own vitamins c but omnivore animals can. Cholesterol comes from animal products and causes heart disease in herbivores. omnivores animals can eat a pure meat diet and will have no heart disease.

You might glean from this teaching on cholesterol:

Dr. Berg's Wife Has Crazy High Cholesterol of 261.. - YouTube

Insulin resistance is taking place long before (years even) High Blood sugar is detected. See Dr. Benjamin Bikman books and videos on Youtube. Also, Keto is a wonderful way to eat, so lots of videos on that by Dr. Berg, and MANY studies. Also, Dr. Pradip Jamnadas, MD videos on Youtube.

Why don't I read anything at all about changing our diets? I'm finding amazing results with my blood sugar levels (I have type 2 Diabetes) and last hba1c was 6.2. I eat a Keto diet, high fats, low carbs (below 50) and proteins.

Now I'm changing my dairy intake to pretty much zero because my cholesterol shot up to 389. I've read many times it is most important to divide your Triglyceride # by your HDL #. I've also read and heard that people that are living longer have high cholesterol numbers, and those that die earlier have low LDL numbers (low total cholesterol numbers).

I'm nervous about information being true, or untrue, so I am going for lowering my intake of dairy products. I have to tell you though, long (back to my 20s and I'm 68 now) I did not do dairy! I just didn't care for any dairy products! But I'm going to try anyway. I eat mostly lean meats but add some olive oil, lots of veggies, low amounts of carbs and only safe carbs (so I've read) like berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and I gotta have a few blueberries).

I can't remember why but I was scared off from Lecithin when I used it for a couple of weeks. I first ordered the wrong thing, then bought what was supposedly the right thing but something was going on that made me think it was the lecithin. I know I need to keep better track of these things. Input welcome, I just think we should talk more about our basic diets before piling on the ACV, Lecithin, or any other fix.

Wondering if you are still around, Blane?? I have found more and more info, but didn't look up your suggestions, but am now doing just that. Thank you, because I've been listening to Dr. Benjamin Bikman, Dr. Eric Berg, some of the Diet Doctor, and trying hard to read Lipid Lunacy. It's too technical for me I'm afraid but headed out to read your suggestions now as well. I'm becoming a believer in high, total cholesterol isn't the enemy, but rather the Triglyceride/HDL ratio. I admit I am lowering my dairy intake to see if I can "feel" safer with my numbers in the lipid profile I just got, but my Triglyceride/hdl ratio is excellent!

I'm just up for reading more studies that have been coming out for some time on this topic, and I haven't put my faith in conventional medicine for some time ;) Feedback from anyone is welcome as I remain open-minded, and, I do understand that if ACV works for you, don't "fix" it ;) I had to change my way of eating because of Type 2 Diabetes, and the fact that I have a 3rd degree AV Node block and am on my 3rd Pacemaker since 1997.

198 cholesterol is really not high because the desired range is under 200 but I do watch the HDL/LDL. And also watch the intake of transfat, sugar and junk foods in fast foods, pastries, soda pops etc.

Good luck with your health.

I totally agree with the Red Yeast Rice and Coq10 for lowering cholesterol.

Hi, Good to know about oats and sharing all these details.I was wondering did he add any kind of milk in the oatmeal?

BTW fish oil and COQ10 alone does not lower cholesterol. You need to Red Yeast Rice along with it.
Give it a try.


Thank you,
Tom

In 2019 our family doctor was concerned about my husband's cholesterol. He is not quick to recommend statins and suggested he try fish oil and COQ10.

My husband was very faithful in taking these supplements for a year. He made no other changes to diet, supplements, exercise, etc.

A year later (January 2020) his cholesterol was higher and his LDL was worse! Hmmphh.

So we dropped those supplements. No use taking them or wasting money on them anymore.

I suggested oatmeal. Like, oatmeal for breakfast EVERY day. I eat a lot of oatmeal and my cholesterol has always been on the lower side. And some studies seem to show that oat lowers cholesterol. He was game.

So every morning for the last six months, (at least 13 out of 14 mornings), he and I have had a bowl of oatmeal together. He made no other dietary changes or changes in exercise or supplements.

Sometimes I make steel cut oats in the instant pot with dried cranberries and coconut flakes. Sometimes I made quick oats on the stovetop and add fresh fruit like oatmeal or peaches. I add a little salt and maple syrup. I put a little butter in his and a little plant butter in mine.

Six months and about 175 bowls of oatmeal later, he had labs done again.

His total cholesterol dropped from 198 to 182. (An 8% drop! )

His LDL went from 140 to 121. (Still higher than desired but a 13% drop! )

His LDL/HDL ratio is back in the "normal" range.

We will continue our breakfast for oatmeal routine. Perhaps over time there will be more improvement. I will let you know!

~Mama to Many~

I would love to know what is the Niacin brand that you take please and also do you just take one tablet at night time with food?

Do you think the ACV tablets will work as well?

Apple Pectin For Cholesterol Reduction, Green Tea For Triglycerides

My cholesterol was around 263 when my specialist freaked out about it.

I did research and read about apple pectin, which is a soluble fiber.

I took one capsule of 750 mg for four to six months on an empty stomach in the afternoons with a large glass of water.

Six months later, my cholesterol was down significantly, and my doctor was rather surprised. The only reason I didn't take more was that my stomach is delicate and I've had problems with other supplements before.

Now I'm down to 224 and my new doctor freaked out about it. I went back to apple pectin again, and we're re-testing in six months.

My triglycerides were consistently in the high 100s and I heard at a health seminar that green tea reduces them.

I started to drink 2 cups of green tea decaf most days (can't do caffeine) and the last two times my triglycerides were 84 and 85.

They have never been so low. Keep in mind that psyllium is also a soluble fiber and any powdered supplement you can buy in the stores that contain it will do the same thing. I prefer the capsules because I can't stomach the sweet flavor of the powders. Good luck, people!

This was truly an interesting article, Ivy. I hadn't read it until this a.m. Thank you for the link. I started the Meformin again, after stopping it at 3 weeks in, because I had some stomach discomfort they do speak of in possible side-effects. A problem in my mind was, those are mentioned as side-effects for the Type 2 Diabetes I was diagnosed with 4 weeks ago now. I do love alternatives and have had many work for me, but I am not against conventional medicine either. I wish it could all be taught to MDs. When the best fix for an upset stomach or many other things is ACV, why should a drug be prescribed? I know the answer, BIG Pharma. Well, interestingly enough, I am getting my foods in-line now and no ill effects from the Metformin so I'll continue on it. I know people have different experiences, different opinions, and different levels of knowledge about health. I do have an open mind about it all, then I choose what is best working for me. It's my body, only I know what all goes on, I couldn't begin to list and tell about the many issues, little things many of them, but still very vigilant. Thank you again.

They prescribed Statins which I took one night, and the next day I felt awful so I stopped them. Then I got the Lecithin. My cholesterol is 330. I'll break that down to the Ldl and the hdl: LDL = 239 HDL = 55 Tryglicerides are high too I hear: 185. These are all mg/dl. Ratio is 4:3 Why do you say mine are fine, if you were speaking to me, when I didn't post them?

Your cholesterol is perfectly fine. Besides, one number means literally nothing. Ratios are important. Lp(a) is important.

Hello Art, Thank you for your reply :) I haven't had any further Niacin flushes without taking any Niacin, lol ;) Thank goodness, no liver issues (disease). My hair is still in good shape, but I think it's beginning to thin a little. I will see about adding Zinc and Selenium to my regime. Right now, with all else, I stopped my B-complex and Glucosamine blend because I wanted to see if that might have caused the headaches, etc. I can add them back with my D3 1000iu recommended by my doctor (not sure their right, of course but not ill effects I know of) and my "just" 200mg of Magnesium Citrate (I know this one isn't hurting me but use to take it at 400 mg a day which I think is better). I feel comfy with just the 2 tbsp of Lecithin, one in a.m., one in p.m. with either green tea or my turmeric juice and ginger juice mixture. I bought that from a company here in California, but of course, it is processed by them. I hope it's healthy though, for anti-inflammatory. I haven't had any arthritic pain since I've been drinking it. It seems I read that if the thyroid is working right, many other things can start working right as well. I can't remember where or who I heard it from though.

Hi PCL.

You've got a few health issues going on at the same time.

The lecithin you started today should help reduce your LDL and VLDL cholesterol very significantly as well as triglycerides. My friends who have used it took 2 tablespoons per day initially as a loading dose and then switched down to 1 tablespoon per day as a maintenance dose. Nine tablespoons a day is a lot by any standard and I would say way too much. You are a fairly small person so you may find that a tablespoon is more than adequate for you and in time and with testing, you may find you can go with a slightly lower dose to maintain benefit, but that will be trial and error on your part. Lecithin can be helpful with fatty liver disease if that happens to be a health issue you are having. One small study suggested that a component of lecithin can possibly improve insulin sensitivity making it useful in diabetes. Lecithin is an emulsifier so it can help breakdown fats which may also be useful in diabetes, but the studies are lacking to discuss this benefit in diabetes.

One friend who is using lecithin successfully adds it to her morning smoothie and said she feels it improves the flavor of her smoothie.

On a somewhat related note, Zinc and Selenium are usually helpful if hypothyroidism is an issue, especially zinc. What condition is your hair in?

Art

That is interesting, but I think I mentioned here or was it on a diabetes forum?? Well anyway, I am willing to take the Metformin if it that last resort for caring for myself at home. If I end up in the hospital then I'll have to let them give me whatever. I just have found natural ways of "fixing" a lot of issues. The fact that Metformin has a very good track record, which I can see in your link, and have heard from other believers, is reassuring should I have to resort to a drug.

It actually seems good to me that Life Extension makes what seems to be a reliable alternative for people. It made me sick for 2 weeks, or, it was my physical issues. I don't know for sure at this point. I even quit my supplements and just to try without even those to see if it is just my body is sick with Type 2, high cholesterol/triglycerides, hypo-thyroid issues in the past (maybe again now, can't get tested yet for that), and now added to the pile, is about of high blood pressure. It was 170 over I think it was 110, but I haven't been able to get the recording of that from the hospital. My regular doc has to request it and I will be telling him on Monday about my Friday trip to emergency. I do thank you for the information, it was sort of a surprise as I didn't know Life Extension made prescription drugs.

Hello Art, good to find your post.

I got my Lecithin. It sure doesn't taste bad at all, and I could just chew it up in my mouth if I had to ;) I dissolved a tbsp of the granules in my decaf Green Tea (which I like to chill to make it ice-tea) I don't notice any difference in taste with that. It takes just a little time, maybe 15 min. to dissolve in the cold tea but people can use a blender to speed up the process if need be. I read it's good to do it for about 30 min. before I eat so am doing it that way. I hope it works, and I don't know if I should do the 3 tbsp, 3 x a day. I don't see anywhere you mention how much you used per day? I'll just keep taking some each day. I didn't get my Lecithin until this afternoon in the mail, so it has nothing to do with what happened to me this a.m. I have Type 2 diabetes just diagnosed Jan 20.

I cut my carbs way back to I think below 30g a day, I was so concerned about having something like Diabetes. Anyway, yesterday got to talk to a dietician, and leary of them as well but I listened. She encouraged me to eat more carbs, 30g per meal say. So I started that today. But from 6 a.m. to 9:15 I felt so good and healthy, lots of energy, and for the first time in weeks, no headache on awakening.

Then at 9:15 or so, I got the bad shakes, like the hypoglycemic thing I got as a kid when I didn't eat soon enough. Then a headache that didn't feel like any headache I'd ever had, so really clueless. I don't do this unless I know something is way wrong, I went to the emergency room, and all I got done was my blood pressure, temperature, checking stuff.

My blood pressure for the first time I know of in 68 years was 170/??, I can't remember the bottom number but it might have been 120, or not. I was just so upset because the waiting room was full, the inner exam rooms were full, sick people surrounding me, and I didn't stay as my head stopped hurting and I figured I wouldn't be seen anyway.

I plan to contact the clinic tomorrow and ask about my blood pressure, they are open on Saturdays. If this crazy new way of eating, high cholesterol, and of course high triglycerides are the cause of now, High Blood pressure, I can only hope I can find an answer for that here too. I'm 5'2" and right at 129, exercise regularly walking, never ate a whole lot of carbs and all this. Kind of overwhelming, but I trust alternative medicines/home-remedies over drugs and I won't give up. Thanks for your's and everyone's input on the site,

GertJr,

Yes, red yeast rice is essentially the same as the statin named Lovastatin or Mevacor. Myself, I wouldn't use it.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17417-cholesterol-reduction-red-yeast-rice-and-plant-stanols

My choice would be "Soy Lecithin Granules" because these have worked very effectively for friends. I use Non-GMO Soy Lecithin Granules to good effect.

Art

Art, thanks for the thoughts on statins.

Do you have any information about red rice yeast and it having the same side effects as statins? I've been taking LDL Omega capsules for my cholesterol and it works to bring it down, but I also get the same muscle aches and leg cramping as when I took statins. This formula has the CoQ10 as well, but the leg cramping has me wanting to not take it anymore.

I am concerned I may not have ordered the right Lecithin. I'm not sure I can mention a brand or put a link, so I'll mention the brand I ordered. I don't want to do anything against the site rules, but I know they check all the posts before they allow them so I'll go ahead. I ordered granules (lecithin) from Life Extension. The ingredients sounded good and reviews, but someone mentioned, back in 2015 post, that there is not GMO Soy, no matter what the label says? Thanks again for any help,

Hi PCL,

Good on you for reconsidering about statins.

Here are a few reasons why statins may not be the best choice.

1. Statins are known to cause muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar and neurological side effects as discussed here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

2. Statins have caused memory loss in some people as discussed here:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/cholesterol/new-findings-on-statin-memory-loss-link

3. Statins can cause tendon damage or rupture as reported in the following study link:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666488/#

On the other hand, "Soy Lecithin" lowers cholesterol and triglycerides as shown in the following study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/

It is worth noting that I have not as yet been able to find other cholesterol studies for other forms of lecithin such as sunflower lecithin and my experience is that "granular soy lecithin" has been effective for several friends who have used it.

Art

Life Extension states that Metformin is a life extension drug.

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2017/4/metformin-slashes-cancer-risks

Hi Art, or anyone reading,

I never got the Lecithin, no good reason, and Jan 20,2021 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Now I've had to quit some things, and have gone lower than low carbs, almost zero. My blood sugar is dropping a little after a month, no Meformin for me, but my cholesterol and Trygliserides are high. Cholestrol has stayed at the 300,330(last lab). Of course they wanted me to take a Lepitor, did that last night for the first and last time. My ears (Tinnitus) are insanely spiked to where I just can't take another of those pills. I'm getting on the Lecithin as soon as Amazon can get it sent to me. I don't know what brand to look for but I do take some good supplements from LIfe Extension, like my B Complex. I also am to take D3 and that has no side effects on me I know of.

Thanks to everyone that's posting on this. My doctor is a precious man, very young, and really seems to care about folks but I can't trust the drugs ;(