Natural Remedies to Lower Cholesterol

Although holistic MDs debate the degree to which cholesterol is the main determinant in heart health, a lower level is better. To lower the level the LDL the 'bad cholesterol', Michael Traub N.D. and director of the Lokahi Health center in Hawaii suggests these natural remedies:

1) Red yeast rice, which contains monacolins, can lower LDL levels 30% . He suggests getting a pharmaceutical-grade extract which is prescribed by a doctor. Use CoQ10 as red yeast lowers the CoQQ10 count.

2) Nuts - walnuts and almonds especially can reduce heart disease risk factors by 30-40%

3) Plant Sterols - found in orange juice, yogurt, cheese, salad dressing, granola bars

4) Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 3 or more servings a fish per week . It stabilizes heart rhythm and inhibits the ability of platelets to clot. Can take 1,000 mg -3,000 mg supplement

5) Magnesium - 400 mg dose daily.

6) Anti-inflammatory foods - garlic,fish, ginger, turmeric

A full text of this article can be found in the March 2008 edition of Bottom Line Personal