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Your Questions: Lowering LDL Cholesterol |
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Wednesday, 09 September 2009 16:10 |
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Your Questions: I cannot take any statin drugs...would flaxseed be an alternative? What other supplements can I use?
Great question. For purposes of lowering your LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) naturally, my motto is always food first! Flaxseeds will indeed help in lowering LDL cholesterol by action of the soluble fiber it is providing your body. Studies suggest 10 grams of soluble fiber a day can lower LDL-C up to 5%.
What's the difference in soluble fiber vs. insoluble fiber? Both soluble and insoluble fiber are undigested and not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead of being used for energy, fiber is excreted from our bodies. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber passes through our intestines largely intact.
Other foods providing you soluble fiber include: grains such as oats, barley, and rye; legumes such as peas and beans; fruits such as apples, prunes, and berries; and vegetables such as carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and yams.
Additional supplmentation can always be explored after consulting your physician. The popular supplements include red rice yeast and garlic for cholesterol lowering purposes. Be sure to check here: http://sfmarkets.com/wellness.html under "interactions by supplement/herb" to be sure there are no additional contraindications with other meds or supplements you may currently be on!
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