HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Natural Treatment And Support Strategies

High cholesterol levels (above 200mg/dl) are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and other circulatory disorders. Fortunately, since most cases of high cholesterol are caused by diet and lifestyle, they can be reversed by self-care measures. If cholesterol levels do not improve in 12 weeks of self-care, consult an holistic physician for further guidance.

It is also important to note that cardiovascular disease can occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. In fact, half of the people who have a heart attack have a cholesterol level under 200. Total cholesterol levels are important, but they are far from being the entire story of what causes atherosclerosis and heart disease. Other risk factors, such as elevated homocysteine and CReactive Protein (hs-CRP), are independent risk factors. To truly determine your risk for heart disease, consult a holistic physician who can evaluate each of your risk factors, not just cholesterol. Many people with cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dl still suffer heart attacks and stroke.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Maintain a normal body weight.
  • Eat “Super Foods,” especially garlic and soy products. Fiber in food and/or supplements helps bind cholesterol and carry it out of the body. Be sure your diet is high in fiber.
  • Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily. Water detoxifies the liver, which is the organ responsible for managing cholesterol in the body.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This daily “multiple” contains high potency antioxidants. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), calcium, magnesium, selenium, chromium, bioflavonoids and B complex vitamins are particularly important for normal cholesterol levels.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids:
     Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
    OR
    Flax seed capsules    : 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
    OR
    Flax seed oil    : 1 tablespoon per day
    OR
    Max EPA     (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
  • CoQ10 (50-100mg): 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals (target dose range: 150-400mg per day).
  • Flush-Free Niacin: Begin with 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. After two weeks, increase dose to 2 caps, 3 times per day or as directed by a physician (target dose range: 1,500-3,000mg per day). Liver enzymes should be monitored by a physician every 3 months for the first six months of treatment. [NOTE: In the Coronary Drug Project Study, niacin was compared to cholesterol-lowering drugs. It was found that niacin was the ONLY “drug” that lowered mortality. It compared favorably to cholesterol-lowering drugs in effect but with a much better safety profile.]
    AND/OR
  • Red Rice Yeast (600mg): 2 caps, 2 times per day with meals (target dose: minimum 2,000mg per day).

Take Red Rice Yeast in addition to niacin if 8 weeks of niacin therapy does not lower cholesterol to <220mg/dl cholesterol. Take instead of niacin if niacin is not well tolerated.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Oral ChelatoRx: 4 capsules, 2 times per day between meals. This formula contains garlic, gugulipid, EDTA (chelating agent), chlorella, magnesium, potassium, and more. It is a comprehensive formula for lowering cholesterol levels and clearing the arteries.
  • Garlic (Garlitrin): 1 tab per day (target dose: minimum 4,000 allicin per day).

TESTS

  • Thyroid function tests should be performed to rule out low thyroid function. These are conventional medical tests that most medical doctors will order as part of a physical. (It should be included in a physical work-up for high cholesterol). Conventional doctors usually only do a TSH test for screening, but T3 and T4 should also be evaluated.

Dr. MYATT’S COMMENTS

  • If you are overweight, a ketogenic diet, particularly The Super Fast Diet, will help you easily lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and correct high blood sugar levels if they exist.
  • There are so many natural treatments for high cholesterol, and cholesterol-lowering drugs have so many negative side effects, that it is worthwhile to work with an holistic physician if your self-help measures fail to improve cholesterol levels in three to six months.
  • Be SURE to supplement CoQ10 if you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) or Red Rice Yeast, as these drugs deplete CoQ10. Adequate CoQ10 levels are necessary for normal heart function.