18 Proven Natural Solutions For High Cholesterol

There are millions of people that are currently struggling with high cholesterol. Many are taking prescription statin drugs, while others are choosing to take a more proactive stance by tackling the problem head on through fundamental lifestyle changes. There is no question that increasing physical activity and improving diet are the most important steps to take when cholesterol is high. In addition to those two things, I am going to provide you with 18 proven natural solutions for high cholesterol that will surely give you a jump start to help you reach your cholesterol goals without having to surrender to dangerous statin drugs.

Natural Solutions for High Cholesterol

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant and plays a fundamental role in the mitochondria, the parts of the cell that produce energy from food. CoQ10 improves circulation and is highly beneficial for those with hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and many more.

Chromium Picolinate's most important function is to help control the amount of sugar in the blood. Insulin plays an integral role in this process by managing the movement of glucose out of the blood and into cells. Chromium lowers total cholesterol levels and improves HDL-to-LDL levels.

Apple pectin lowers cholesterol by binding fats and heavy metals.

Spirulina is an extremely nutrient rich blue-green algae. This superfood is abundant in B vitamins, calcium, beta-carotene, potassium, zinc, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), magnesium, protein, and much more. Spirulina is highly effective for lowering cholesterol levels by decreasing oxidation that is most harmful to LDL cholesterol.

Essential fatty acids thin the blood and lowers LDL levels. You can take EFA's in supplement form and can be found online or in any natural store.

Garlic and Vitamin E improve circulation; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels; and is great for overall heart health.

Cayenne, Hawthorn Berries, and Goldenseal are especially useful for lowering cholesterol.

B6, B12, and Folic Acid helps to lower damaging homocysteine levels. When the body's stores of B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid and B12 are depleted, homocysteine can rise to abnormal levels and lead to a much greater risk of heart attack.

Niacin (B3), guggul, artichoke leaf, fiber, and red yeast rice are also excellent natural solutions for those with high cholesterol. Red yeast rice is a supplement thought to work like the popular "statin" drugs, so it should be taken alongside CoQ10.

Ultimately, the best natural solution for those with high cholesterol is to make positive lifestyle changes. Get regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, eat low cholesterol foods, quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation (if at all), manage stress, consume plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of fresh organic juices.

Robin Reichert is a natural health writer, an AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, and is currently a graduate student of natural health at Clayton College. Lifelong learning and educating others about natural health is her passion.

For more natural health and wellness information, please go to Robin's Wellness Resource Center at wellness-bee.com wellness-bee.com