MAILBAG: 6 Natural Hacks to Lower Cholesterol
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 2, 2023
“I can never seem to get my cholesterol under control for very long. I try to eat pretty healthy (though I don’t deprive myself of what I enjoy eating at times).
I have never been on prescription meds for it. Instead, I put myself on a strict diet whenever my doctor starts talking about cholesterol medication.
However, my cholesterol problems continue. What can I take that is natural to help keep my cholesterol levels normal?”
– Joan, from Houston, TX
Hi Joan,
When we talk about “high” cholesterol, we need to establish what that means exactly. Because mainstream medicine keeps moving the goalposts on us.
“High” cholesterol used to be defined by mainstream medicine as 260, then 240, and it’s now down to 200. Who knows what it will be in the future.
In the 1980s, “high” cholesterol was considered anything above 260 mg/dL. By the end of the 80s, that had dropped to 240 mg/dL.
But then, in 1990, under pressure from drug manufacturers, the FDA moved the goalpost AGAIN. “High” cholesterol plummeted from 240 mg/dL down to 200 mg/dL.
Suddenly hundreds of thousands of folks who were considered to have HEALTHY cholesterol levels one day were now suffering from “HIGH” cholesterol and now overnight needed medication.
It was a clear win for Big Pharma but a loss for the rest of us. In MY opinion, 240 to 260 is a far better and more realistic goal than 200.
If your cholesterol numbers are higher than 240 (or if you just want them lower), here’s what I typically suggest folks try:
- Start with diet: Eat plenty of good proteins (grass-fed beef, fish, chicken, nuts, and seeds) and low-starch veggies. Avoid sugar and inflammatory vegetable oils. Use only olive oil instead.
- Fish oil: EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. They’re proven to be heart-healthy and can help manage cholesterol levels. They work by reducing inflammation and softening up arteries so they stay flexible. In one study, omega-3s were linked to a 52 percent drop in heart disease.
- CoQ10: This antioxidant enzyme is found throughout our bodies and is used for energy production. The heart is one of the most energy-hungry organs in our bodies and needs CoQ10 to function. CoQ10 also reduces blood clots and lowers inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Niacin: Vitamin B3 (niacin) has been used for decades to lower cholesterol. It’s also been shown to reduce triglycerides and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Garlic: Garlic is fantastic for your heart and can lower cholesterol levels. Add more garlic to your meals, and consider taking a supplement.
- Red Yeast Rice: is a natural product that acts almost identically as a statin drug in the body. If nothing else is working to reduce your cholesterol and you really want to reduce your numbers, you can give it a try.
As always, check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...