Numerous supplements are advertised as ways to lower cholesterol.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine whether they are effective and worth the investment. In most cases, if a supplement makes a claim that looks unbelievable, it usually is.
Making dietary and exercise adjustments is both significantly more beneficial and maybe safer than using supplements.
Countless nutrients included in food interact with one another in your body to boost general health, including decreasing cholesterol.
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, and they are also quite pricey.
Some supplements might be harmful to use, especially if they conflict with your prescriptions or have negative side effects.
When you have “high cholesterol,” it often means that your blood is circulating with too much ‘bad’ cholesterol and not enough ‘good’ cholesterol, which might raise your risk of heart disease.
Risk factors include genetic predisposition, a diet rich in saturated and trans fats, sedentarism, gender, age, smoking, and obesity.
Treatment options for high cholesterol may include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, quitting smoking, and, in some cases, prescription drugs.
That being said, if you struggle with high cholesterol, there are actually some supplements you should avoid.
Because the ingredients in these supplements might vary greatly or mix with other medications, it is impossible to predict the effects they may have.
Combination Supplements
Some commercial supplements promise to maintain normal cholesterol levels and come in a variety of component combinations.
Niacin, magnesium, and oil extracts may be found in these supplements but such supplements are intended for those with good cholesterol levels.
These kinds of supplements are not designed to be a replacement for prescription drugs and should not be taken by anybody who has a history of increased cholesterol.
Potassium
It is frequently advised to eat meals high in potassium to decrease blood pressure.
Specifically for individuals who consume a high sodium diet, potassium can help reduce blood pressure by assisting in the removal of salt from your body through urine.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure frequently coexist.
However, if you have been prescribed drugs to assist in decreasing your blood pressure, potassium supplements might not be the safest choice.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use decreases potassium excretion in the urine and increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Heart palpitations, chest discomfort, nausea, and vomiting may be brought on by sudden hyperkalemia.
It may even be fatal in extreme circumstances.
Focus on obtaining potassium via healthy meals like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and low fat dairy products rather than taking a supplement.
Garlic supplements
Garlic is a prebiotic, which means it helps feed the healthy bacteria in the gut. It may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Studies on the effectiveness of raw garlic and garlic supplements in decreasing cholesterol have been conducted.
A bioactive substance called allicin is believed to cause this. In a meta-analysis, researchers discovered that garlic helped lower total and LDL cholesterol.
So while it’s mostly safe and even has some health benefits, garlic has anticoagulant properties.
Heartburn, stomach distress, and body odor are other adverse effects of garlic supplements.