Vitamin supplements are a common solution to help control and lower cholesterol levels. However, before you opt for these health supplements, it is important to discuss with your doctor to find and use the right medication. Not all cholesterol supplements have the same effect, making it more important to assess your cholesterol levels and find the proper medication with beneficial effects. It is important to know that these supplements will not nullify a diet high on fat or your smoking habits. Cholesterol lowering supplements should only be used as a part of healthy diet, complete with exercise.
An important nutrient that fights cholesterol is vitamin B3 or niacin and is mainly found in vegetables, milk, fish and eggs. However, this concentration of niacin is barely adequate to fight cholesterol and that’s where cholesterol lowering supplements prove handy. As the daily need for niacin is roughly 2,000 mg – 3,000 mg, it can only be fulfilled with medication. However, you want to comsume niacin carefully as excess of it can cause nausea, hot flashes, indigestion, gout and gastric distress. For this reason, you should only consume with a doctor’s prescription.
Soluble fiber is another essential ingredient to keep cholesterol in check. Natural foods like apples, barley, oat bran, beans, lentils and citrus fruits are known for their rich fiber content that eases digestion and controls cholesterol. By binding with the existing cholesterol content, fiber leaves the body and minimizes the absorption performed in the intestines. Additionally, you can also opt for other digestive supplements to make cholesterol absorption quicker and more effective.
Garlic extract is another essential to control cholesterol levels in the body. However, when consumed in excess, fiber and garlic extract can cause bloating, gas, nausea, body odor, heartburn and vomiting. It will absorb mega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil from fish and health supplements. Known for their HDL boosting properties, omega-3 fatty acids are effective in controlling cholesterol levels in your body. If you are consuming blood thinning medication, you should consult a doctor before including garlic and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
If you are looking for all-natural food supplements to control your cholesterol levels, flax seeds are an excellent option. These whole grains are known to increase levels of HDL i.e. good cholesterol and prevent it from getting absorbed in the intestines. Flaxseed is a versatile ingredient that you can eat with cereal, yoghurt or baked with bread or muffins. Be careful of consuming higher quantities of flaxseed if you are on blood thinning medication.