Hyperlipidemia Treatment   Conventional treatment for hyperlipidemia speaks to dietary manipulation and exercise, and when this isn't enough to lower blood levels to a ‘safe' level, drug treatment is often initiated.  Common drugs known as statins are employed to block cholesterol production in the liver.  Side effects of these drugs include nutrient depleting effects, such as Co-Q10, which can have negative ramifications on the heart.   Other medications target cholesterol breakdown, which is another mechanism that assists the liver in the removal of cholesterol from the blood. However, these therapies are often only given a limited time to work, and at times, patients are fast tracked for surgical procedures which remove plaques.  These individuals are, however, often marked by an underlying disability and typically have a fast return to pre-surgical blockages within a few months.     Supplements helpful for Hyperlipidemia   Flaxseeds Flax seeds are a source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, soluble fiber, and lignans,  which help to balance out estrogen levels.  The role of flax seeds in atherosclerosis is related to its ability to reduce platelet aggregation, lower blood cholesterol, and process excess bile acids via its fiber component.   In a study utilizing laboratory animals, supplementation with flax seeds seemed to decrease hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis without decreasing serum cholesterol, implicating flax seeds as beneficial supplement for lowering heart attack and stroke risk related to hypercholesterolemia. [4]   Other research also validates the lipid lowering effects of flax seeds.  In a study with 15 subjects with high blood cholesterol levels, supplementation with flax seeds decreased total and LDL- cholesterol by approximately 10%, as well as significantly reducing platelet aggregation.  In addition, participants maintained positive HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. [5]   Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) Essential fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are beneficial for a number of reasons. They play a critical role in body function and structure, such as regulating steroid production and hormone synthesis, dilation and constriction of blood vessels, preventing blood cells from clumping together (clotting), and are primary constituents of cellular membranes. [6]   Many studies implicate the cholesterol lowering effects of fish oils.  Questions arise as to whether one should supplement with fish oil or just consume more fish in the diet.  Research suggests that increasing fish in the diet may not have a similar protective effect to that oil supplementation, but both showed a positive response in preventing atherosclerotic plaque.  A study involving 25 men over a five-week period of time showed that both fish oil and the same amount of oil ingested in whole fish form,  lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol levels. [7]   Vitamin E Vitamin E is well known for is antioxidant capacity and plays a major role in the prevention of heart disease and strokes.  It has the ability to reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, decrease excessive amounts of platelet aggregation, and provide an increase in HDL cholesterol and fibrinolytic activity. [8]   A study involving 156 men, ages 40 to 59 with a previous history of coronary bypass graft surgery, exhibited less adverse symptoms of coronary artery progression when supplementing with 100 IU or more of vitamin E.  This finding was compared to the another test group which was supplemented with less than 100 IE of vitamin E. [9]   Fiber Water-soluble gels and mucilaginous fibers, such as oat bran, can decrease lipid content in the blood by increasing its removal through the bowel, and preventing its manufacture in the liver.  Whole oat products are more beneficial in decreasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels than consuming products with oat bran and beta-glucan fiber combined. [10]   Psyllium Blond psyllium also shows effectiveness in reducing cholesterol levels in those with high cholesterol levels.  With supplementation, it can reduce total cholesterol levels between 3-14%, LDL cholesterol by 5-10%, and apolipoprotein B by 8.8%.  After extended treatment, if may also significantly reduce the LDL: HDL ratios. [11, 12]   Niacin Niacin, or vitamin B3, functions in the body as a component of the compounds NAD and NADP, both of which are involved in over 50 chemical reactions throughout the body.  Niacin plays an important role in fat, cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, hormone production, and energy production.   Niacin's lipid lowering ability translates into a reduction of LDL and VLDL cholesterol blood triglycerides and lipoprotein A.  In addition, it has also been shown to increase HDL cholesterol. [13]  The benefit of this supplement seems to be dose dependent; higher doses have more of a profound effect, but low dose has shown to be of some value as well.  It is well known that niacin is not without side effects.  The most well known reactions being skin flushing, gastric irritation, nausea, and possible liver damage.    Inositol hexaniacinate is the safest form of niacin available, and greatly reduces the ill effects of niacin; but because it is metabolized to niacin, there is still the risk of mild side effects. [14]  Before supplementing with niacin, one should consult with their physician due to the probability of developing serious side effects with an elevated dosage.   Guggul (Commiphora mukul) Guggul is an Ayurvedic remedy made from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree native to India.  Within the extracts, compounds such as the ketonic steroids, Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone are found.  These compounds are suspected to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and also provide for an antioxidant effect on lipids. [15, 16]   Studies involving both animals and humans have validated the theory that guggul has a lipid lowering effect.  This effect is thought to be related to its ability to influence cholesterol balance by acting as a bile acid receptor agonist. [17]  Although some research is contradictory to the positive effects of guggul, this herb has been used for over 2000 years for hyperlipidemia. [18]   Garlic (Allium Sativum) Garlic has been used effectively for its purported medicinal properties for centuries around the world.  The active compound in garlic, allicin, is released from the cloves when crushed.  Garlic has been touted for its cardiovascular protective effects, and has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease and stoke, by lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, without adversely affecting HDL Cholesterol. [19, 20]  Garlic also increases fibrolytic activity and platelet aggregation through the breakdown products of allicin.  This is extremely important in preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. [21]   Red Yeast Rice Red Rice Yeast is produced by the fermentation process of rice with Monascus purpureus yeast.  The product is produced in a controlled environment to increase the amount of mevinic acids, which in essence, block the metabolism of cholesterol.  The principle active constituent of red yeast is mevinic acid, in which lovastatin is found. These compounds act as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; or in other words, they act to block the biosynthesis of cholesterol. [22]   In a study involving 83 subjects with hyperlipidemia, supplementation with red yeast rice significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total triacylglycerol concentrations without significantly altering HDL cholesterol levels.  Researchers concluded that due to these results, red rice yeast provides a food-based approach to treating hyperlipidemia. [23]     Learn More About Hyperlipidemia Introduction to Hyperlipidemia Hyperlipidemia Treatment Products helpful for Hyperlipidemia Go Back Learn More

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