Many people have adverse attitudes towards taking formulated drugs. Side effects have always been the most feared consequence of taking medicines. Today, food supplements containing vitamins and minerals with known curative properties have become popular alternative remedies. Using Vitamin B3 or niacin for cholesterol control is one example of a means to avoid costly and side-effect prone drugs.
Mega doses of niacin prevent the breakdown of fats, resulting in the alteration of blood lipid levels. This condition lowers the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, otherwise called “bad” cholesterol. Also, Niacin increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or “good” cholesterol which is known to prevent the occurrence of a heart attack. Removing toxic chemicals from the body and enhancing the production of sex hormones and stress-related hormones by the adrenal gland are some of the other functions of this vitamin.
Creating a niacin-rich diet, one of the natural ways to lower cholesterol, includes consumption of animal products, such as lean meats, liver, eggs and milk. Canned salmon and green leafy vegetables form part of recommended diets that lower cholesterol. Fish oil is also a rich source of niacin, thus, it also helps lower cholesterol level. Since niacin is found in commonly served food, cholesterol control may not be an extra cost at all. When cooking food or dining out, all you need to do is to select meals that contain the above mentioned types of food. All of the above are examples of food that promotes healthy cholesterol levels.
Many people take artificial medicines to lower their cholesterol levels. However, a study revealed that certain pharmaceutical drugs formulated to lower cholesterol can cause stomach upsets and muscle pains. Taking such drugs along with other cholesterol lowering medication increases the risk further. One brand was withdrawn from the market in 2001 due to risk of serious side effects. Studies also showed that some other drugs formulated to lower cholesterol may lead to acute renal failure. Prolonged use of these drugs has also been associated with the inflammation of the pancreas. Niacin does not have these kinds of risky side effects.
To cope with the danger of high cholesterol level, physicians prescribe pharmacological dose of niacin (1.5 to 6 grams per day) to their patients. But high dosages have been found to cause some known side effects, too, such as dermatological complaints (itching, dry skin and rashes) and gastrointestinal complaints (indigestion or dyspepsia, liver toxicity and hyperglycemia). However, the side effects of niacin are not comparable to the risk of serious side effects found in drugs manufactured as a treatment for high cholesterol. As a precautionary measure, it is important for pregnant mothers to avoid taking heavy doses of niacin because it was found that it may cause birth defects.
The niacin solution is probably one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol. As people have grown aware of the many risks in taking manufactured drugs that often have serious side effects, many have sought herbs to lower cholesterol levels. Aside from herbs, flax seeds, olive oil and fish oil are potent alternative remedies to lower blood cholesterol. Vitamins like niacin are found in natural sources that people commonly trust. Niacin is affordable, relatively safe and widely available.
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