Home Remedies and Herbs for High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat that has its organic genesis in the liver. Despite its bad reputation, this soft and fatty substance is a normally existing element in a person’s bloodstream. Though the body is well able to produce all needed Cholesterol, it can also be sourced from meals, especially by eating certain foods in a high Cholesterol diet. Cholesterol is only one specific type of substance, but it can be distributed within the body via two separate transporters. The first, HDL (high density lipoproteins), is identifiable as a ‘good’ transporter that removes excess Cholesterol from the bloodstream via the liver. The second, LDL (low density lipoproteins), is identifiable as a harmful transporter that deposits Cholesterol into the walls of the arteries¹. A healthy and balancing benchmark between the two types of Cholesterol transporters would be to maintain total Cholesterol levels under 4 mmol/l, as well as HDL levels above 1 mmol/l and LDL levels below 2 mmol/l2. If you find yourself experiencing high Cholesterol levels you may want to immediately consider abstaining from a high Cholesterol diet.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Having high Cholesterol levels is determined by evaluating the ratio between your total Cholesterol count and the levels of your HDL (good) Cholesterol¹. People who suffer from high Cholesterol levels have too much Cholesterol circulating in their bloodstreams. High Cholesterol causes include an overproduction of Cholesterol in the liver or a compromised LDL blood removal process. High Cholesterol causes also include overindulgence of certain high Cholesterol foods (high in saturated fat) and high Cholesterol causes can even be linked to unhealthy habits like a sedentary lifestyle or smoking. Individuals who suffer from a family history of heart disease, or who have high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and individuals who are overweight also may be more susceptible to being diagnosed with high Cholesterol. In some cases high Cholesterol may also be inherited³.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

A very important fact to know about high Cholesterol symptoms is that there oftentimes are no warning signs. It is important to know that an individual’s high Cholesterol status can only be ascertained via blood test. After inaugural tests, doctors suggest retesting every five years⁴. Even if you don’t have high Cholesterol, it is still always wise to limit high Cholesterol foods in order to maintain excellent health.

Natural Remedies And Herbs for High Cholesterol

Eliminating high Cholesterol diets is a powerful natural remedy for those who face high Cholesterol symptoms. Supplements also contribute strongly to high Cholesterol treatment regimens.

• Garlic- Professionals recommend garlic as a solid nutritional addition to any high Cholesterol treatment regimen. Taken once a day, as recommended, garlic dilates the blood vessels and effectively lowers Cholesterol levels. Adding garlic to meals also may serve as an excellent counter measure for the occasional high Cholesterol food indulgence.
• Amla - Amla, is a therapeutic herb that is used in Ayurvedic practices. In human trials, a trademarked version of Amla resulted in resulted in significant baseline Cholesterol level reductions. ‘Good’ LDL Cholesterol levels also increased⁵.
• Onion - Onion is a blood detoxifier that reduces blood Cholesterol levels. It is widely cited as an excellent addition to any high Cholesterol treatment regimen.

References

1. http://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/know-the-facts/conditions/high-Cholesterol
2. https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-Cholesterol
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/hyperCholesterolemia
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-Cholesterol/symptoms-causes/dxc-20181874
5. http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/beauty/Cholesterol-control-bergamot-berberine-and-amla-may-help