The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Citrus Bergamot
Posted by Pallas (Canberra, Australia ) on 11/06/2023
★★★★★
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.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Art (California) on 10/29/2022 2715 posts
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Charity (faithville, Us) on 08/17/2021
Oatmeal
Posted by beverly (Texas) on 04/20/2023
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.
Apple Pectin, Green Tea
Posted by Ria (Nevada) on 04/03/2021
★★★★★
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!
Celery Juice
Posted by 4001 (New Jersey) on 01/28/2021
★☆☆☆☆
I had no problems with cholesterol, I started having celery juice and my last test shows my cholesterol of 253. Now I have some doubts about the celery juice. It is good for cleaning the stomach though.
Coriander Seeds
Posted by Brenda Lop (Michigan usa) on 04/20/2024
How does one check their cholesterol every 3 days? Is there some sort of home kit? I thought it had to be checked by blood work from the doctor?
Fenugreek
Posted by Art (California ) on 06/28/2018 2715 posts
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anon (Not Canada) on 10/10/2020
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (USA) on 01/22/2021
Yes, I do not want statins which is all a doctor offers me. I'm going for the lecithin, I was anyway, but when I read your post Art, with friends/family as witnesses as well, sounds good to me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sam (Miami ) on 03/02/2021
Your cholesterol is perfectly fine. Besides, one number means literally nothing. Ratios are important. Lp(a) is important.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lily (Kelowna, BC) on 01/25/2021
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper in 1/3 c. of water, chase with /2 to 1c. of water for 2wks. after that once a week. I agree with low fat diet as well instead use flax seed oil, omegas, coconut oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (USA) on 02/28/2021
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by jwel2nd (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 08/03/2023
★★★★★
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
Low Carb Diet
Posted by Hal (Ny) on 01/22/2017
I eat high fat, low carb. My cholesterol was always low and I knew the high fat diet would raise it, but I know enough about the cholesterol B.S. that I wasn't worried. My bkfst usually consists of 2 tbsp. (grass-fed) butter, 1 tbspn of MCT oil, 1 tbsp. of cocoa powder blended in cup of very warm water. I was using Bulletproof Coffee, but I gave up coffee, so I just substituted cocoa.
By April 2015, my Cholesterol was 315. I didn't mind that much, but I started taking Calcium D-Glucarate 2x/day (thanks Dave Asprey), and Tocotrienols 2x/day. By 6/16 it was 236.
As of 11/23/16, my Cholesterol is 198 (HDL - 73, Triglycerides - 64, Chol/HDL ratio - 2.7). I backed off to once a day each because I don't want to be below 200.
Hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by D (Usa) on 09/02/2016
I put mine in grapefruit juice to make it easier to drink and almost cannot taste it, unlike in water. Not good for your teeth straight, or your stomach. Also, I try to eat something before, even if it is just a small snack.
Niacin
Posted by ORH (TEN MILE , TN) on 11/04/2021
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===
Niacin
Posted by Rose (BAY OF PLENTY, NZ) on 07/14/2024
Just a note on the Niacin warning. If you take Niacin on a full stomach immediately after a meal, the likelihood of a flush is greatly reduced. Never take it on an empty stomach!
Understanding Cholesterol Test Results
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 01/24/2014
Ppodruga: Hdl should be 60. High hdl indicates oxidation making bad hdl. Ldl should be below 130. Total cholesterol should be below 200. The cholesterol of Mike Adams is approximately 70/70. Taking meds is not good. Eating cooked conventionally grown foods does not provide enough nutrition for optimal functioning. Search raw food and super food videos. Take yucca spray dried for horses. The saponins are very beneficial. Take black chia seeds and organic apples. The soluble fiber is very beneficial. Take organic beans. Small red, kidney, and pinto are best. Take desiccated liver. A good liver makes good cholesterol. Take non denatured whey isolate. This makes glutathione that mops up free radicals and prevents oxidation. Take raw cocoa powder and 90, 000hu cayenne. This is best for the cardio vascular system. Take 3ml/day skate liver oil. If you have not been taking a d3 supplement then take 5000iu d3/day. Make green smoothies from organic baby greens and add some nutritional yeast every 4 hours. Take 1 organic strawberry every 4 hours or take 200mg vitamin c from a whole food concentrate. After that take 50mg c from the whole food concentrate 4x/day.
Understanding Cholesterol Test Results
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 12/12/2023
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~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 12/04/2013
Why is taking down your cholesterol important? Studies have shown that cholesterol level does not make one more or less prone to heart attacks. People with low cholesterol get heart attacks as much as people that have high cholesterol.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Happy (Up The Creek In Wv, Usa) on 12/07/2013
Prioris from Fl: You are correct. The clinical trial that is used to falsely assert that high cholesterol is connected to heart problems actually proves that there is no such correlation. Anyone can read the study and see this fact for themselves. The cholesterol mania was just a fear campaign. A conspiracy to defraud the public. A treason against the citizens.
You are entirely correct to point this out to anyone who is worried about their cholesterol numbers.... Even if they do not appreciate it now, they hopefully will later, when they are able to see more clearly what kind of mental prison the conspirators have put them in. Carry on.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 10/02/2013
To Lorene A, re Red Rice/Cholesterol,
Your advice is the same as mine and I did try the Red Rice once; maybe three years ago. The friend who was recommending it warned me that he did experience what he thought was a side effect; brain fog. Well, I'd never had problems with brain fog so decided to give the Red Rice caps a try and in two weeks was having trouble concentrating; perhaps a coincendence but I immediately got off the Red Rice and cleared up immediately. I read how the Red Rice works and as you point out and Mercola points out, it works like a statin.
A statin works at the liver level to STOP cholesterol production. But as bad a rap as cholesterol has taken in the past 20 years, cholesterol is essential for cellular health and especially the brain. The problem with cholesterol, is that if there is not enough Vitamin E (natural, not synthetic) in the system, then any fat might start sticking to the veins and arteries. The cause of plaque build up is not the presence of cholesterol but the absence of Vit E.
Got that? The cause of plaque build up is not the presence of cholesterol but the absence of Vit E.
So I got off the Red Rice and the fog went away and I just keep on taking my 800 iu daily of natural E (d alpha tocopherol/ NOT dl alpha tocopherol... The "l" after the "d" tells you it is synthetic. Just get your E at the health food store. Drug stores sell synthetic. ) My cholesterol has always been high but I believe the use of E, CoQ 10, magnesium and potassium, arginine and hawthorn etc has warded off heart issues all these years. I'm 64 and have good BP and can still engage in vigorous exercise. No circulatory issues at all.
Dave
High Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Posted by Prioris (Fort Pierce, Fl, Usa) on 06/19/2013
The reason people want to lower cholesterol is because of heart disease. People should be aware that medical studies concluded many years ago that there is no correlation between heart disease and cholesterol. Heart disease comes down to one thing - cleaning your arteries. You use fibrolytic enzymes like nattokinase and serrapeptase for that. They protect you from stroles and heart attacks. Cholesterol is there to protect you. If it wasn't for that, you'd be dead. Do the research. Even the so called "bad" cholesterol. Stop worrying about cholesterol and focus cleaning your arteries.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 10/03/2014
Dear Donna,
I think a good time to take it is first thing in the morning or between meals.
You might also consider taking cayenne pepper and eating oatmeal a few times a week. Also, eating carrots or drinking carrot juice regularly may be helpful.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Migs (Leigh-on-sea, Essex, Uk) on 05/28/2013
★★★★★
On 25th May 2012, my overall cholesterol reading was 6.9, which is high. I decided to try organic apple cider vinegar to lower it. For the last year I have daily had a table spoon of high quality organic pure apple cider vinegar diluted with water in a large mug. I drank this once a day, straight after a breakfast of cold porridge, honey and soya milk. Initially it was hard to drink as it was a bit acidic tasting, but now I quite like it. Occasionally I would have it later in the day after a different meal, but it was mainly first thing in the morning.
At end of May 2013, my cholesterol had reduced to 4.1! I was amazed by this. There were no other changes to my lifestyle except sticking to only having any refined sugar (chocolate, sweets, cakes etc) every other day, rather than almost every day. Sometimes in the last year I would go 3/4 days with no refined sugar, but would have natural sugar via fruit. This is also quite a big change, but I am sure it's the vinegar that's the main cause of the massive reduction as I have always had some refined sugar in my diet.
Migs
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Love-n-life (Philadephia, Pa) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★
I started ACV & Honey for cholesterol on a daily basis on Feb. 20, 2012. At that time, my total cholesterol was 264, drinking the mixture once a day for about a month. I had blood work done on March 24, 2012, my total cholesterol was down to 233... The ONLY change was the mixture, I haven't even started working out, my physician was very impressed and told me while it was still high, it's much better and keep up the good work. I have not mentioned to her about the ACV & Honey (i'll do that later) but in short I just wanted to say this mixture has really worked for me. Best of Luck to everyone....
SIDENOTE: My diet consist of no fried foods, mostly baked, boiled, fruits and veggies... I do have "snacks" on occasion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kitt (Pa) on 04/17/2016
Doctors never like to even hear the word natural, after all they get paid to keep you sick! They don't believe in vitamins or natural cures. They are paid kickbacks for pushing medicine that has worse side effects then the problem you went in with. then you have nurses who think they know everything! I have used ACV for the last year, not even the organic, the regular stuff from the market, for psoriasis. Even that works!!!
I drink a tablespoon a day and wash my hair with it. Absolutely works!!! It even helps with acid reflux, crazy enough!
Green Tea
Posted by Leriejane (Seattle, Wa, Usa) on 07/17/2010
★★★★★
Green Tea lowers your cholesterol
Both of my parents are frequently tested for high cholesterol. A couple days before each test, they drink a few cups a day, and their lab tests always come out normal. I imagine if they drank it regularly it would keep the levels down consistently. They're just funny that way.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm Usa) on 10/14/2009
★★★★★
Response to Patricia. Yes the red yeast rice works better than the statin drugs and it is all natural. Much better for the body. But be sure you take at least 200 mg. of COQ10 with it because red yeast rice takes COQ10 out of your body. Besides COQ10 protects the heart. My husband has been doing this for years and his doctor can't believe how good his cholesterol levels always are.
God Bless,
Carolyn
Niacin
Posted by Cindy (Ft Lauderdale, FL) on 11/12/2008
★★★★★
High Total Cholesterol, High LDL, High triglycerides, High Lipitor expense, Low bank account balance
All my numbers were greatly improved within 6 months after my visit to www.cholesterolscore.com . This website focuses primarily on the therapeutic use of niacin. The therapeutic use of niacin is nothing less than miraculous. Even my HDL, which had been my only acceptable lipid number, shot from 65 to 92.
All my other cholesterol numbers are now at healthy levels. I had been spending nearly $100 a month in insurance co-payments for Lipitor before switching to niacin. The little bit of niacin flush is nothing much at all. Especially when a year's supply of niacin costs me only $70.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Rick (Branchburg, NJ) on 02/02/2008
★★★★★
Success! I have been using virgin coconut oil for the past 4 months, typically 2-3 Tbs a day. I just received my blood test results. Total Cholesterol 234, HDL 86, LDL 131, Triglycerides 83, Fasting blood glucose 96. While my overall cholesterol did increase from last year's 182, my HDL was much higher than last year's 60. LDL also increased from last year's 102. I am extremely pleased with these results since the all important ratio (Total/HDL) decreased from 3.0 to 2.7. Finally, I have also found it amazing that I have not had a cold or any illness during this time. In the past, I would normally get some kind of sore throat or cold during the winter months. Energy levels are high and I do find that the coconut oil also keeps me regular.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Chrissy (Orlando, Florida) on 01/11/2008
★★★★★
I use coconut oil anytime that I get a sunburn and it works like a charm to relieve the skin and to help prevent peeling. I also know that when people in my family began to cook with it instead of any other oil they had a drop in cholesterol.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alma (St Croix, USVI) on 07/03/2007
★★★★★
I use the ACV 500 mg pills...2 pills, two to three times a day, begore meals. My Chlestrol was 257...I weighed 176 pounds...started taking them Sept. 1, 2006. December 2006, my chlestrol dropped to 120..my weight dropped to 162..today my weight is 149 and I haven't had my chlestrol checked yet. I feel great!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicholas (Cibolo, TX) on 01/07/2007
★★★★★
2 TBS of ACV, 12 ounces of grape juice and 2 TBS of pure honey... I'm not cured yet, but I believe this is going to work for my high cholesterol. 'I'm a 46 y/o black man with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I'm currently taking plendil for high blood pressure. About a month ago I had my cholesterol checked and it was 282. My LDL is 199. I looked at your website today and immediately went to the store to get some grape juice, honey and ACV. In about 30 minutes of drinking this recipe I started felling better. My head is clear and I got a little pep in my step. I'm going to continue taking this remedy and have my cholesterol checked in a month. I know it's going to be better. God makes the simplest things to fix our big problems.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Elizabeth (Buffalo, NY) on 12/01/2006
★★★★★
my cholesterol was 224 before using extra virgin organic coconut oil. doc took me off lipitor because of side effects. i started coconut oil 1 tbls or more/ 4 or 5 days a week. IN THREE MONTHS MY CHOLESTEROL WAS 176 ....! i'd changed nothing else about my diet, but do not eat egg yolks--hadn't for a long time.
Psyllium Husk Powder
Posted by Jonathan (Boston) on 03/08/2006
★★★★★
My cholesterol was 226. I started taking psyllium husk powder - 3 teaspoons a day with fruit juice. After 4 months I had my cholesterol re-checked and it was 155. I also started eating healthier and added flax seed to my diet.
Curry Leaves, Garlic and Black Peppercorns
Posted by Malati (India) on 03/16/2024
★★★★★
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 12/11/2023
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~
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Art (California) on 10/29/2022 2715 posts
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (Crescent City, CA) on 08/15/2021
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.
Oatmeal
Posted by Denise (Nashville) on 04/01/2025
Oatmeal does work for lowering cholesterol, but the high carb factor (even with the built in fiber) messes with my blood sugar. I found something even better--Amla fruit. I purchased powdered form off Amazon and my LDL went from 223 to 164 in less than six months. Be sure and order the type that has been tested for heavy metals as it's a fruit from India. You may be able to find the actual fruit at your local international markets. Dr. Greger (real M.D.) recommended on nutritionfacts.org --to see the scientific report. Game changer.
