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.
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