When your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol, you may be wondering, "What else can I do besides take medication?" There are many natural products and supplements on the market today that claim to lower cholesterol. But before using any of these products, it's important to talk to your doctor. While some products may be helpful, others may not be right for you. Also, if you're already taking medication for another condition, there's a chance that they might interact with the new products you're taking.
Can I get cholesterol medication without a prescription?
Simply put, no. You can't buy drugs to lower cholesterol from pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. However, you can sometimes buy herbal and nutritional supplements that claim to help lower cholesterol levels.
Here we need to understand the exact difference between "supplements" and "drugs."
- Supplements: These are things you add to your diet, like vitamins and minerals. Although they come in pill or capsule form, they are not specifically approved to cure or control a disease. They are designed to help supplement nutrients that are missing from our diet.
- Drugs: These are made to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent disease. They change the way our bodies work. They must undergo rigorous testing for quality, safety, and efficacy before they can be approved for sale.
So remember, a supplement is never a substitute for medication prescribed by a doctor.
Supplements that claim to help lower cholesterol
Below are some of the most talked about supplements. But we also need to be aware of the scientific evidence and safety of these.
| Supplement | Things to know |
|---|---|
| Garlic | Some short-term studies have shown that it can slightly lower total cholesterol levels. But new research suggests that the effect is not as great as previously thought. The most important thing: Garlic can slow blood clotting. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it before surgery and with blood thinners (such as Coumadin). |
| Fiber | Fiber (especially soluble fiber) is a good thing that helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). You can use fiber supplements like psyllium. But when starting these, you need to increase the dosage gradually. Otherwise, things like bloating and pain can happen. You also need to drink plenty of water. |
| Whey Protein | This protein, derived from milk, can be taken as a supplement in powder form. Some studies show that it can lower LDL and total cholesterol. If your doctor approves, choose a product that contains only whey protein, without added ingredients (especially sugar). |
| Red Yeast Rice | Research has shown that it lowers cholesterol. The reason is that it naturally contains a chemical called lovastatin. This is also found in cholesterol medications. For this reason, some countries have restricted its sale as a supplement. You should definitely ask a doctor before using it. |
| Other herbs | Research is also being conducted on things like fenugreek, artichoke leaf extract, and holy basil. Spices like ginger, turmeric, and rosemary are also being investigated for their heart-healthy effects, but no firm conclusions have been reached yet. |
How to control cholesterol through food and drink?
More than supplements, changing your diet is the most important thing in controlling cholesterol. Here are some key food groups that can help you.
Foods rich in fiber
Only plant foods contain fiber. Soluble fiber, especially found in oats, barley, lentils, beans, apples, and oranges, is very helpful in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans can help lower cholesterol. Eating a handful of these nuts a day is said to reduce the risk of heart disease. They are a good source of fiber.
Soybeans
Adding foods made from soybeans and soy, such as tofu and soy milk, to your diet can help reduce LDL cholesterol and another type of fat called triglycerides.
Phytosterols
These are compounds that are naturally found in plants, similar to cholesterol. They reduce the absorption of cholesterol from our intestines. They are found in small amounts in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They are also added to some margarines and salad dressings. You can find out if they are present by looking at the label.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These help a lot in reducing the risk of heart disease. It is very good to eat oily fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna at least two days a week. These control the formation of triglycerides in the liver. They also help reduce the accumulation of fat (plaque) in the blood vessels and control blood clotting. Flaxseed and walnuts are also foods rich in omega-3.
Important: If you are considering taking an omega-3 supplement (e.g. fish oil capsules), especially if you are taking blood thinners , ask your doctor first.
Something you should definitely avoid: Trans Fats
Stay away from foods labeled as "partially hydrogenated" and "hydrogenated vegetable oils." These are artificially produced oils. They are made from:
- Increases bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Reduces good cholesterol (HDL).
- Causes inflammation in the body.
These can be found in things like biscuits, cakes, and packaged snacks. Therefore, it is very important to read the label before buying a food.
Exercise for the mind: Another help in controlling cholesterol
Along with a good diet and exercise, activities like yoga, tai chi, and meditation can also help reduce your stress levels and indirectly help control your cholesterol. However, if you have any other health conditions, it's wise to check with your doctor before starting something like yoga.
If you're still having trouble controlling your cholesterol levels despite doing all of this, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it and take the medication he or she prescribes.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to consult your doctor before using any supplement or herb that claims to lower cholesterol.
- Supplements are not a substitute for medication, and results may vary from person to person.
- The most important and powerful thing in controlling cholesterol is a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Get into the habit of reading labels. Especially avoid foods containing "Trans Fats" completely.
- If you are taking medication for other conditions, it is very important to seek medical advice as anything new you take may interact with that medication.
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