There are many types of foods, vitamins, supplements and herbs that can help lower cholesterol. Some work by stopping the oxidation of LDL cholesterol--the process that can lead to heart disease--while other remedies look to lower overall levels of LDL in the body. Combine these two home remedy approaches to lower cholesterol levels effectively without the use of conventional prescription drugs.

Prevent Oxidation

In the book, "Alternative Cures," Dr. Philip Lee Miller, founder of the Los Gatos Longevity Institute in California, recommends a combination of supplements to attack the oxidation process in the body. He believes that lowering LDL cholesterol levels plays a major role in preventing hardening of the arteries. This form of cholesterol is made in the liver, then carried to the arteries, where it does the damage. This in turn starts an inflammatory reaction that can hurt the heart. Vitamins such as C, E and something called NAC, or n-acetylcysteine, are a line of defense against this inflammatory response. Miller suggests you take between 1,000 and 4,000mg a day of vitamin C to help prevent heart disease. Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Miller recommends 800 international units daily to help the heart. Look for NAC supplements in health food stores or specialty vitamin stores and take 3,000mg a day.

Supplements to Reduce LDL

Niacin is a B vitamin that works wonders in lowering LDL cholesterol. Take 1,500mg of niacin daily. This vitamin is as effective as any cholesterol-lowering drug, with fewer side effects, according to Dr. Mark Stengler, a naturopathic physician in San Diego in the book "Alternative Cures." Selenium is also a useful supplement to improve cholesterol levels. Look for at least 200 micrograms in your daily vitamin supplement for a convenient way to take this. Zinc and copper reduce LDL levels while increasing HDL, or good, cholesterol levels. Look for zinc and copper in your vitamin supplement as well and take it according to package directions.

Herbs

Guggul has dramatic LDL cholesterol-lowering properties, along with the ability to raise levels of HDL. Dr. Virender Sodhi, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician and director of the American School of Ayurvedic Sciences, states that this one herb can have a dramatic effect on cholesterol levels. In the book "Alternative Cures," he recommends that you take three doses of the herb daily to equal 900mg a day. Look for it in health food stores.

Foods to Lower Cholesterol

Stengler recommends eating oat bran on a daily basis to lower cholesterol. Many cereals contain oat bran, or you can eat a bran muffin. Oat bran is rich in soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol in the intestine and flushes it out of the body. Garlic and onions offer pungent protection against high cholesterol levels. Simply cook with garlic and onions as often as possible or take a garlic supplement, says Stengler. Soy foods contain compounds called isoflavones, which can lower cholesterol. Add soy to your diet with soy protein powder shakes, tofu or tempeh. Miso is another popular soy food that is easy to add to your diet. All forms of soy will lower your cholesterol, according to Stengler.

Source:

"Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; Rodale Press, 2000

Natural Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Cholesterol