Various factors can cause an increase in blood cholesterol. As a rule, the main cause of high cholesterol is heredity, excess body weight, diabetes, bad habits and an unbalanced diet.
To normalize cholesterol levels in the blood, you should make changes to your diet and use herbs that help reduce the level of organic compounds. Herbal treatment will improve immunity, improve blood circulation, and reduce high levels of low-density lipoproteins in a short period of time. Below are the most effective herbs for lowering blood cholesterol.
What is cholesterol for?
It is important to note that it is vital for a living organism. This substance is included as a material for building the cell wall. The higher its content, the denser the wall and the more capable of survival, which generally has a beneficial effect on the human body. It also protects against cell destruction by free oxygen radicals. Contained in the skin, and under the influence of solar ultraviolet rays it is converted into vitamin D, which, in turn, is necessary for calcium metabolism.
In the liver, bile acids are formed from cholesterol, which are used for the absorption and breakdown of fats in the small intestine. More than 80% of this substance is formed daily in the body, the remaining percentage comes with food.
With a decrease in dietary intake, men experience a decrease in sexual activity, and women experience amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). In addition, with a strict hypocholesterol diet in women of reproductive age, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced.
Cholesterol is an essential component for myelinated fibers in the brain and is also required for serotonin receptors. Serotonin is responsible for a good mood and ensuring favorable conditions for the functioning of the brain.
Cholesterol is necessary for favorable conditions for brain function.
Olive oil
The benefits of olive oil
Another good source of MUFA is olive oil.
To benefit your heart, try to consume 2 tablespoons (23 g) of olive oil daily, replacing other fats. You can sauté vegetables in olive oil, add it to marinades, or mix it with vinegar for salad dressings. When frying meat, use olive oil instead of butter.
Both avocados and olive oil are high-calorie foods, so don't eat more than the recommended amount.
What drugs lower cholesterol?
Only a doctor can correctly assess the content of this substance and lipoproteins when prescribing laboratory tests. Blood is taken from a peripheral vein to determine the level of low and high density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The drugs described in the article can only be prescribed by a specialist. The information is provided for informational purposes only.
Statins
The first group is for lowering cholesterol levels. The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver by suppressing the activity of HMG-CoA reductase. With a decrease in cholesterol concentration, the number of receptors for low-density lipoproteins on the surface of liver cells increases, which affects the decrease in the amount of the cholesterol-LDL complex. Statins have a strong evidence base, with many clinical studies showing greater benefits from taking these drugs than the risk of complications with constant use. This group of drugs is the first line in the fight against atherosclerosis. They are also prescribed to prevent unfavorable vascular situations - myocardial infarction, thrombosis, stroke.
Statins are prescribed to prevent vascular pathologies.
Examples of such drugs are:
- Crestor;
- Atoris;
- Livazo;
- Mertenil;
- Liprimar.
Bile acid sequestrants
The mechanism of action is to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestinal lumen. The earliest drugs are cholestyramine and colestipol, resins that bind bile acids to cholesterol in the intestine. These drugs are not absorbed into the systemic circulation and their effect is indirect.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
The essence of the interaction of these drugs with cholesterol is to block its absorption in the intestine. However, the drugs do not affect the absorption of other fat-soluble substances.
An example of this group is Ezetrol.
Omega 3 fatty acids
These drugs reduce the concentration of low-density lipoproteins, but the mechanism of their action is poorly understood.
A representative of this group of drugs is Omacor.
A nicotinic acid
This drug is associated with an increase in the level of “good” cholesterol by partially breaking down through an increase in the specific substance apoA1 in liver tissue. The drug has shown its effectiveness in clinical studies (Nicotinic acid tablets).
TOP-effective medicinal plants
Herbs such as:
- Caucasian Dioscorea;
- hawthorn and golden mustache;
- Japanese sophora and linden;
- seed alfalfa;
- dandelions and flax seeds.
Herbs that lower cholesterol and cleanse blood vessels can be purchased at any pharmacy chain.
Dioscorea caucasica
Caucasian dioscorea, which contains saponins, has a therapeutic effect. Saponins contribute to the destruction of circulating protein-fat complexes, which take part in the formation and deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on vascular walls. A significant part of the plant is the rhizome, on the basis of which healing infusions are prepared that promote:
- cleansing the vascular bed;
- improvement of ion-metabolic processes;
- lowering blood pressure levels;
- decrease in heart rate.
Preparing a solution of Caucasian dioscorea is a fairly simple process. Pour 20 g of dried root into 1000 ml of vodka. The thoroughly mixed composition is placed in a cool place for 5–7 days. After this, before each meal you should consume the solution, which can first be added to a coffee or tea drink. A single dose of Dioscorea tincture should not exceed 10 ml.
You can purchase Caucasian dioscorea at any pharmacy chain. It is unacceptable to take decoctions and infusions from this component during the period:
- carrying a baby;
- lactation;
- low heart rate;
- arterial hypotension.
Herbal treatment is quite effective, but it is very important to follow the dosage
Herbal teas are no less effective in dealing with cholesterol. To prepare it you will need the root of the Caucasian dioscorea, which was collected in early September. Several articles l. Mix the chopped root in a convenient enamel container with 3 tbsp. l. sage, hawthorn and sweet clover. Pour the herbal collection into 700 ml of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. After this, you can strain the infusion through cheesecloth and take 2 tbsp several times a day. l. within 3 months.
Golden mustache
Golden mustache is often called fragrant callisia. The houseplant is used to treat cardiovascular diseases and reduce cholesterol in the blood. The plant contains flavonoids that have a beneficial effect on cholesterol synthesis and slow down this process. Fragrant callisia has antimicrobial, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Decoctions and infusions prepared on the basis of golden mustache can improve the functioning of the immune system, liver, and increase the degree of stress resistance. To prepare the infusion, add 600 ml of boiling water to 30 g of crushed fragrant callisia herb. The healing liquid is infused for 2–3 days; after straining, the infusion should be taken every 3 hours for 60 days.
During herbal therapy, it is important to adhere to a special diet developed by specialists. During treatment you must avoid:
- salt;
- dairy products;
- alcoholic and carbonated drinks;
- canned food and flour.
Infusions based on golden mustache are not recommended for use by persons under 15 years of age and by women carrying a baby.
Sophora japonica
Sophora belongs to the legume class. Using Sophora you can quickly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, lower blood pressure and restore normal blood circulation. The plant should be collected at the end of June. Before preparing Sophora for drying, you should rid its buds of debris and dust. To prepare, you will need a mixture of white mistletoe and Japanese sophora (2 tablespoons of each component) and pour 1200 ml of vodka.
The liquid is infused for at least 21 days in a cool place. It is recommended to take the composition every 3-4 hours for 90 days. It is contraindicated to use the product to treat people driving a car. And it is also not recommended to take Sophora tincture during pregnancy and in the presence of diseases of the liver and urinary system.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn has healing properties and is used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Flavonoids, which are part of hawthorn, help effectively fight many diseases. To prepare infusions, you should use the flowers and inflorescences of the plant.
To prepare a healing drink, pour 20 g of hawthorn flowers into 600 ml of boiling water. Let it sit for a day and after straining, take 50 ml after each meal for 3 months. Before cooking, the flowers of the plant should be crushed! It is contraindicated to use hawthorn for medicinal purposes if you have:
- low blood pressure;
- peptic ulcer;
- arrhythmias;
- tachycardia and stroke.
Herbal treatment of children is unacceptable!
Herbal treatment for high cholesterol should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor
Alfalfa
Alfalfa contains a large amount of nutrients and antioxidant complexes, so the plant can not only reduce cholesterol, but also help get rid of heartburn, diabetes and ailments of the urinary system. To normalize biochemical cholesterol levels, it is best to use alfalfa juice. Experts recommend drinking the healing drink several times a day, 50 ml at a time.
The duration of therapy is 60 days. The juice of the plant can be used during breastfeeding, as the drink can stimulate lactation. It is unacceptable to use alfalfa if an autoimmune disease, stomach ulcer or adrenal cortex disorder is detected.
Dandelion root
30 g of dandelion root should be ground to a powdery consistency. The powder should be taken 1 tsp. 2 times a day. You need to drink the dry mixture with plenty of water. The duration of treatment is 7 weeks.
Clover flowers
Red clover can cope with high cholesterol in the blood. Experts recommend brewing the herb instead of tea or making tinctures based on it. To reduce the level of organic compounds, 25 g of clover flowers should be added to 500 ml of boiling water.
The mixture is infused for about 9–10 hours; after straining, the tincture can be taken every morning immediately after waking up in the morning. Experts recommend drinking the tincture several times a day, 100 ml at a time. The course of therapy lasts 3 months. The healing drink can quickly reduce blood cholesterol levels and have a positive effect on the functions of the cardiovascular system.
Linden
Linden is an antioxidant that helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. The inflorescences are collected in July. The inflorescences are ground into powder, from which tea should be brewed and drunk throughout the day instead of other drinks for 4 months. There are no contraindications, so even children can perform linden therapy.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a homeopathic remedy that has an enveloping effect and helps eliminate excess bad cholesterol. The seeds can be added to food or a healing tincture can be prepared from them. Treatment with flax seeds is unacceptable in case of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
It is better to collect herbs yourself or purchase them at a pharmacy.
Oats
Oats, which contain beta-glucan, have many positive properties. Oats help eliminate excess cholesterol and normalize cholesterol metabolism. The beneficial elements present in the composition can effectively combat obesity and eliminate fatigue.
It is unacceptable to consume oats in cases of impaired phosphorus metabolism, chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis, liver or kidney failure. To prepare, you will need to prepare 180 g of grains pre-washed in warm water. Pour 1800 ml of hot water over the grains and leave for 90 minutes.
After filtering, you should take the healing liquid every 2-3 hours, 200 ml at a time. The duration of treatment is 90 days.
It is worth remembering that the use of this or that herbal mixture is possible only after consultation with the attending physician, who will help you choose the most appropriate method of therapy, taking into account the presence of chronic pathologies. Self-treatment can harm the body, provoke the development of chronic ailments and cause complications!
blue cyanosis
Blue cyanosis roots (200 g) are thoroughly crushed and poured with 700 ml of boiling water. Place the enamel container on low heat and cook the broth for 20 minutes after boiling. After cooling, filter the liquid and take 180 ml before each meal. The decoction helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, eliminate the effects of stress and improve sleep. The duration of therapy should not exceed 60 days.
Prevention of excess cholesterol
For modern people, it is important to know that there is no specific prevention for reducing this substance. Therefore it is necessary:
- change your lifestyle;
- give up bad habits (smoking, reducing alcohol consumption);
- eat rationally. Among the diets that doctors prescribe, the Mediterranean diet should be noted. It includes eating plenty of greens, vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean turkey and chicken, and eating lean fish;
- engage in physical exercise. Nordic walking, swimming or walking for more than 2 hours a day helps improve your health.
Exercise helps in lowering cholesterol.
This is what has a positive effect on health and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, and as a result, such severe socially significant diseases as myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident and other vascular accidents. It is not for nothing that it is said that doctors treat diseases, but you need to achieve health yourself.
Walnuts, almonds and other nuts
Benefits of nuts
Walnuts, almonds and other nuts can improve your cholesterol levels. Rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help support vascular health.
Eating a handful of almost any type of nut (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts) daily can reduce your risk of heart disease. When choosing nuts, make sure that they are without added salt or sugar.
All nuts are high in calories, so a handful (40-45 g) will be enough. To avoid overeating and weight gain, replace foods rich in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of cheese, meat or croutons, add a handful of walnuts or almonds to your salad.
Other dietary changes
For these products to really be beneficial, you will have to reconsider your diet and adjust your lifestyle.
Although the benefits of some types of fats were discussed above, the consumption of others - saturated fats and trans fats - should be limited. Saturated fats, found in meats, butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy products, as well as some vegetable oils, raise total cholesterol levels. Trans fats, often used in margarines or store-bought cookies, crackers or cakes, are especially unhealthy. They increase LDL and decrease HDL - the so-called. “good” cholesterol. If a product label says “partially hydrogenated oils,” the product contains trans fats and is best avoided.
In addition to changing your diet, you should also adjust your overall lifestyle - this is the key to improving your cholesterol levels. Exercise, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight will help you normalize your cholesterol levels.
Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.
