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.
Iron
Posted by Alice (San Antonio, Tx) on 05/01/2010
★★★★★
iron and cholesterol
I have been taking two 47.5 mg iron tablets per day for about 2 months. I started taking iron because my blood was just below the acceptable level for helmoglobin when I went to give blood two different times. I have been on cholesterol medicine for about 10 years. These medicines had brought my cholesterol, when fasting, from average of 323 down to 270 on Jan 13, 2010. After the first month on the iron, my cholesterol (non-fasting, taken at the blood bank)was 242 on March 10, 2010. When I gave blood the next time, April 23, 2010, my cholesterol (non-fasting, taken at the blood bank) was 207. Since I eat a meal just before giving blood, I have no doubt that my cholesterol would be below 200 when fasting.
Iron
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/01/2010
Don't be too hung up on cholesterol levels. Things don't seem to be as they make you believe they are. I have just ordered a book because I want to read more about it. Be careful because lowering your cholesterol too much seems to be harmful. Especially for older people, there are researches showing that lowering the cholesterol can have bad side effects. Right now I don't know what to think but I want to read more just in case one day a doctor wants to put me on medicines. One should be able to trusts doctors on all matters concerning our health but unfortunately that is not possible!
EDTA Chelation
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 02/01/2010
★★★★★
Hi Ya'll doin, Thought I had the bull by the tail on a down hill drag, but it appears that is not the case. As a few of you know, I have been a reader and a contributor for a couple of years. I was late at this health stuff but hit it hard for the last five years. At 73, I and having and anti aging doctor and a chelation doctor, I decided to go get a jowl lift soes I could match up with my good lookin spouse of 50 years. At my age the anastegeologist was nervous and and wanted to do another EKG. It was not good, and they shut down the procedure and shipped me off to a cardiologist. This guy is gov approved.
He said he had not been sued in 32 years because he only does what the AMA approves. It pissed him off that I had
been referred by a high dollar cosmetic surgeon who was going to make me pretty. It pissed him off that I had been doing Chelation so I did not have to mess with his type. He gave me a lecture on why we should just age normally and not let an anti aging Doctor modify our hormones and blood work soes we don't get all these old age diseases. He then proceeded to give me a satin drug for Cholesterol without blood work nor asking me what my tests were. How 'bout that for science ? My Cholesterol is 156 with a 57 HDL and a 99 LDL. Tests that most 73 year olds would pray for.
I went back to my Chelation Doctor, a Thoracic Surgeon, who got tired of cutting off folks arms and legs in the early 90's and found chelation. I am back into EDTA Chelation. In my group last Thursday, I asked who they were using as a cardiologist? None... done done that and the procedures only lasted a few years. This is by-pass and stints, etc.
They rely on chelation to keep them perkin. Anyways, I's searching Earth Clinic for any help. Know to do Magnesium, ACV, Cayenne and breathing stuff. Just know that most doctors are only interested in their next vacation trip to Europe.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Patricia (Hartsville, Sc) on 10/14/2009
★★★★★
High Cholesterol: My bad cholesterol was over 200. After taking one 1200 mg. of red yeast rice tablet in the morning and one in the evening for 3 months, it dropped to 170 and my good cholesterol rose. I saw a report on this on the national news health watch segment. They reported that is does as well or better than statin drugs.
Baking Soda
Posted by Maria (El Paso, Tx) on 09/27/2009
Phyllis, I wanted to share my cholesterol story with you. My total cholesterol was well over 251. The doctor was threatening me with yet another prescription medicine that I would have to take for the rest of my life. I was determined to avoid that and get off my blood pressure medication in the process. I began to take Milk thistle for the cholesterol. In just three months, I was able to lower the total cholesterol to 189. I must mention that I did in fact change my diet. I avoided bread, sugar, potatoes; began eating more vegetables and protein. I managed to lose 15 lbs, and my blood pressure medicine as well.
I would also like to share that this site has been very helpful to me, my grandchild (egg whites and fever), and my husband avoided a 2nd heart attach by putting cayenne pepper under his tongue whenever he was feeling ill. We ended up in the hospital, but the doctor stated that the episode was only an angina, not a heart attack and no evidence of damage to the heart. Thanks earth clinic, for all the education that you have provided me.
Maria from El Paso, Tx
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alan (Oldham, Lancashire) on 09/06/2009
★★★★★
Update to previous publication: Apple Cider vinager, Recent blood test results back have shown excellent results (doctors words) previously 10.8 now 4.2 triglycerides, previously 6.2 cholestrol now 5, also lost 1 stone of weight but must start doing execise (not). A slight modification on the recipe i dont have the apple, i have increased the purple grape slightly with the cider vinager because what was not explained to me is i have boarderline diabetes and cholestrol taking the apple may increase my sugar level also since my blood test i have lost a futher 1lb in weight, over 5 months anyone trying these recipes good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lily (Kelwna, BC, Can.) on 02/14/2021
Try replacing the ACID reflux meds with 1/4 TSP. of cayenne pepper in 1/3 c. water(stir well), chug a lug followed by 2/3 c. water...it will cure ulcers and help or destroy acid reflux. Do this for 2 weeks . After that continue once a week to keep healthy, it may also address cholesterol levels .Don't be chicken ..it won't burn!
You may have in your spice rack but buy some, make sure it is fresh and powerful.
Garlic
Posted by Leland (Pickering, MO) on 08/06/2008
★★★★★
I had suffered from acid flux reflex for about two years (off & on) and I heard about takinig ACV. I did and had the worst heartburn ever. But I continued to take it. After about a day or more the pain went away and I was able to get along fine. I think if people would continue the treatment or put one tablespoon of Vin in 8 oz of water it would cut down the pain. I still take it when I have too. Every once in a while I take a generic Zantac which helps. I am still a great believer in natural remedies. I am now looking up the sites for ACV, honey and garlic to help in helping to get my body under control with weight and cholesterol. Just on garlic tablets, my cholesterol came down 20 pts in 6-8 months. Thanks for letting me share about ACV & honey. Leland
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pam (Las Vegas, NV) on 06/19/2008
apple cider vinager is great but so are eggs... boiled they are simply ovals of pure protein. my cardiologist suggested eating them and cutting the carbs/ such as no potatoes only two slices of bread a day etc. kind of like the adkins less the bacon :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Dighton. Ma) on 07/11/2017
If cholesterol is at 200 plus or minus 10 you are in good shape.
You need cholesterol in your system. I had 280-300 and I started taking 1500 Mg. garlic oil caps. One a day and the Cholesterol went to 170. It happened over a 6 month period. I do not take statins. Trigliserides are good. Funny, statins cost a lot and can make you loose your memory.
Garlic oil caps cost 4.99 for 500 and also help with stomaach problems and high blood pressure. 140/90 to 117/70. You can get them from a health food store or online.
Vitamin D
Posted by Tanja (Melbourne, Australia, Victoria) on 06/18/2011
Hi there. Try rebounding or using a mini-trampoline. It's the best exercise on earth. A rebounder costs around 50 bucks and the benefits are numerous. I do 20 minutes per day which is equal to 1 hour of jogging (plus it's 68 percent more effective than jogging without the added stress on the joints). Look it up and try it! All the best. Tanja
ps. you can do abdominals and crunches til the cows come home. They don't work.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Aldo (Westfield, Ma) on 12/12/2007
★★★★★
My cholesterol has always been high around 276 and my doctor did not believe at that time to treat it, I am in good shape, but when I turned 64, he put me on simvastatin 20 MG. My legs started to cramp up immediately, so I stopped and told him i would research other ways.I saw some data on Red Yeast Rice and took it for 3 months and had my blood tested, my cholesterol droped 40 points my TG went down, he said keep doing what you are doing. I also take 1000 MG of Flax seed. The Red Yeast Rice I cut back to 600MG every other day. I will get my blood tested next week and see what is going on. Test Kidney and Liver. I cut back because i had some very minor stomach reaction. I found that you should check all the ingredients in Red Yeast Rice, you want no other items in it. I purchase it from a Health Store where i can talk to the owner who is an Herbalist. By my dropping the dosage it may not be that effective. I will wait for my tests and then I will react. I have no intention on trying to reduce cholesterol to below 200, I think you can put to much of anything into your body. I will post after my blood tests. Thanks
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Michael (Indianpolis, IN) on 02/14/2007
★★★★★
A few years ago I paid $10 for a quick cholesterol screening at a local grocery store. I didn't know what my level was, I don't think it was high in the first place, but the results were amazing. I had been taking a tablespoon of BSM for a couple of months. I am not an athletic person by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't exercise with any honorable amount of regularity. And when I returned an hour later for the results, the guy shook his head in amazement because he said my cholesterol revealed what would be normal for someone who was involved in heavy athletic activity! (My unimpressive physique said otherwise, as he knew.) I had not been taking any other supplementation, so it is my unwaivering belief that the BSM had such an impact on my blood system that it revolutionized it! I got away from it for a while, but desire to see an improvement in my complexion, AND see if I can vacate my noggin' of ensuing gray hairs!
Multiple Supplements
Posted by Edward (Amanzimtoti, Republic of South Africa) on 09/01/2006
★★★★★
Ciplaton ( Multivitamin )
Lecithin 1200mg (Choline & Inositol)
Vitamin E 400iu
Vitamin C 300mg
Salmon oil (Omega 3)
Garlic (Omega 3)
This combination of supplements brought my cholesterol within acceptable levels.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Woodhaven, NY) on 06/23/2006
★★★★★
I was told by my doctor that my cholesterol was high (240). He put me on medication (lipitor.) I tried the medication for a couple of weeks but began to feel pain in my muscles, it felt like getting acupuncture, like if someone was inserting needles into my muscles. I called the doctor right away and he told me to stop taking the medication, he told me to try to diet and exercise. I did a little research and found info on apple cider vinegar . I also bought flax seed oil, fish oil, ester "C"and garlic supplements @ a local health food store i tried all of this for a couple of months along with exercise such as riding my bike. I recently did another blood test and found out from my doctor that my cholesterol was back to normal ranges! i was also suffering from acid reflux, which is also gone. I used to get pain in my chest which was from the acid reflux I used to think I was having a heart attack but it was the acid reflux which is also gone. the apple cider vinegar sure does work.
Flax Seeds
Posted by Bridgette (USA) on 10/18/2005
★★★★★
Freshly ground Flax Seed. Buy the Flax Seeds whole and organic. Grind them just before using... a few tablespoons per day on your food, salads, etc or just grind and eat them alone. Never substitute with pre-ground or the oil... they are not as effective at lowering cholesterol. Extra vitamin C helps too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 01/25/2012
Try the milk thistle with artichoke in the capsule. Artichokes scrub the liver clean.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★
Many people with high cholesterol have tried this drink with much success.
Recipe:
2 cups of grape juice
1 cup of apple juice
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Mix together and take 2 ounces before your largest meal everyday; only 2 ounces is needed for results.
Berberine
Posted by Denise E (Crescent City, CA) on 06/16/2023
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!!
Berberine
Posted by Art (California) on 06/16/2023 2892 posts
Denise,
If soy lecithin granules is not to your liking for lowering cholesterol, another option is Fenugreek.
Art
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Alan M. (Atlanta, Ga.) on 10/29/2022
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?
Serrapeptase
Posted by Bet (NJ, USA) on 08/16/2022
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
Lecithin
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 12/26/2025 223 posts
I use the sunflower lecithin b/c it's supposedly less processed. Another adjunct to this is the 5 ingred heart tonic. Between the two, cholesterol should drop like a rock.
Lecithin
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 12/28/2025 223 posts
I try to take it after every meal, most days I only eat twice. It seems I wrote 1 C of lemon juice twice but you only need one cup which is about 3 large lemons. No I don't strain it, I like it as it is. I also use a higher quality honey I think I use acassia(sp). Best of luck to you.
Plant-Based Diet
Posted by Cfitz (Georgia) on 01/29/2022
Super! Happy for both of you!
Plant-Based Diet
Posted by Anamo Also (Tn) on 01/29/2022
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..
Plant-Based Diet
Posted by Marsh (Colo) on 02/20/2023
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!
Oatmeal
Posted by Richard (TN) on 07/23/2021
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.
Apple Pectin
Posted by Ria (Las Vegas) on 01/22/2020
★★★★★
Try apple pectin. One to three times daily 1/2 hour before food on empty stomach with lots of water. I did this years ago and it brought it down very well. Doing this on an ongoing basis is a lot better than statins.
Fenugreek
Posted by Deborah (Winston Salem, Nc) on 07/22/2018
My doctor hasn't said anything except that he wishes his HDL was as high as mine.
I feel good.
Fenugreek
Posted by Adrienne (Mn) on 09/05/2018
How much fenugreek do you take for cholesterol?
Fenugreek
Posted by Deborah (Winston Salem, Nc) on 07/22/2018
Jean,
I just buy a bottle of it from Vitacost and take one pill a day so I don't get sinus infections. In the beginning I tried drinking the tea, many years ago, that stuff was horrible there's no way I could keep drinking it. Back in the 90s I got the Tea form from GNC stores.
Fenugreek
Posted by Michael (Scotland) on 10/16/2018
Have you tried using a good omega 3 fish oils also plenty fruit and veg and leafy green veg important. Check up in beta glucans, a cholesterol lowering soluble fibre from oat bran and rough oat cakes.
Soy Lecithin
Posted by Jan (Mi) on 12/21/2017
Good luck and be sure to let us know.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 12/23/2017 2041 posts
J: Lots of good on-line health-food stores will pop up on any search-bar, so you can find all the items in one place, at a good price, and maybe free shipping.
Vit-C w/ Rose Hips 1 or 2 grms per day (outside meals) and Lysine 1 grm day (with meal). Grapeseed Extract 50-100mg per day or maybe less if incorporate also other antioxidants like Selenium + Vit-E (broad spectrum) + CoQ10. The Sel, E, CoQ10 combo is very important at reducing the bad side effects of statin meds.
500 or 1000mg Methionine per day and must purchase & take B-12/Folic Acid separately. Non-gmo Sun Lecithin is best if can find in triple strength. Lecithin is a natural form of Choline so you can take a supplement of Choline/Inositol, although the Methionine will convert to choline so it's an issue of options.
Also, and must back up a few steps and consider a Gallbladder Cleanse. Cholesterol Gallstones cause Fatty Liver cause chronic high cholesterol. Lots of info here on E.C.
Do these suggestion and slowly tapper off the toxic meds and get health back.
Bergamot Juice
Posted by Adriano (Italy, Calabria) on 10/28/2016
★★★★★
Cholesterol is reduced with the bergamot juice, international studies attest to its effectiveness. The Calabria, in Italy, is the only manufacturer in the world.
The bergamot juice should be natural, no preservatives and sulfites. The bergamot juice contains natural statins.
Earl Grey Tea
Posted by Js (Anony) on 01/16/2015
I just read that the bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea can help with cholesterol. Does anyone have experience with that? I'll drink it if that would work.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Gertie (Va, US) on 12/17/2014
Per advice on EC, I have reduced my added sugar to practically nil. I don't eat food other than what I prepare, so that base is covered. I have started taking green tea extract + lemon oil + lysine in addition to my Apple Cider Vinegar and lecithin twice daily. I eat mainly vegetables w/ no added fats. Fats I do eat are coconut oil and maybe some olive oil (infrequently). I have been waiting to start the niacin till the weekend, in case I have unexpected side effects of these things. Will start w/ 50 mg for several days and work my way up (it lowers my bp too much and I faint if it's too high a dose). I lift weights several times/week, do qi gong daily and walk 2 mi/day. Anything else I should do? I want to get my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers in a good range by my next test mid-January. I don't have far to go, but want to do all I can (esp w/ holidays coming up, will be eating foods I don't usually eat, prepared by others so out of my control somewhat). Thanks.
General Feedback
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 12/13/2014
If your total cholesterol(tc) is below 300 and all ratios are normal why do you take medication? Total cholesterol is useless number by itself. here is online calculator
www.hughcalc.org/chol.php
General Feedback
Posted by Sam (Miami) on 12/13/2014
Cholesterol is not an enemy. Inflamation is. Google about PLAC test which is a new test for inflamation doctors know nothing about. Get tested via privatemdlab (all paperwork done online), it is under $100, they also offer monthly coupons.No need for a doctors requisition (except few states). I would also recommend you know your calcium serum and ferritin serum numbers by heart. It should be below 10.2 for calcium and 40-60 for ferritin. Anything above these numbers MUST be investigated. Remember, doctors go by lab.ranges, not functional ranges.Do not listen to doctors about ferritin normal ranges and do not wait and see if your calcium is above 10.1, have PTH blood test done. So cholesterol should be the last of your worries if calculated ratios are normal (as I recommended already)
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sam (Miami, Florida) on 12/13/2014
The article is dated 2006, and a lot changed since. The cause of heart disease is inflammation, not cholesterol. Cholesterol is like firefighters, inflammation is a fire. Possibly the supplements regime the article proposes reduced inflammation and as a consequence the liver sends less firefighters to fight diminished fire.
