5 tips for lowering high cholesterol naturally

In Chinese Medicine, high cholesterol is viewed as an indication of an underlying imbalance in the body. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are commonly used to restore balance and enhance overall health and can be effective for lowering high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver, and is essential for normal bodily functions. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can accumulate in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden, impeding blood flow.

High cholesterol can be caused by genetic factors or/and linked to lifestyle factors, including a diet rich in saturated fats, lack of exercise, and smoking.

According to Chinese medicine, cholesterol is understood via the function of Spleen Qi and the metabolism of the sweet flavour. Cholesterol is made from the breakdown of glucose, and high levels can represent Spleen deficiency due to an impaired ability to properly process the sweet flavour. Yang deficiency is the most common underlying pattern in patients with high cholesterol and common patterns present as either Spleen or Kidney Yang deficiency with a build up of phlegm, dampness and Qi stagnation.

High cholesterol levels can also be associated with adrenal exhaustion. The body is making more cholesterol as a precursor for adrenal hormone synthesis. Low Vitamin D levels can also prompt increased cholesterol production which is why it’s always important to have your Vitamin D levels tested with each blood test.

5 Tips for lowering cholesterol naturally

1)Garclic, niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D and fish oil can all be used to support a reduction in cholesterol levels (always speak to a practitioner to see which supplements would be best for you).

2) Anti-inflammatory diets with whole foods and plant fibre are also important, and particularly paying attention to avoid trans fats (commercial baked goods, such as cakes, cookies and pies, fried foods, including french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken, margarine)

3) Herbs rich in antioxidants, such as green tea, goji berries, and garlic, can help protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. By neutralising free radicals, these herbs can reduce cholesterol oxidation, which contributes to arterial plaque formation. Green tea in particular contains catechins and other antioxidant compounds that are said to help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.

4) A personalised Chinese herbal formulas. I have seen brilliant results from patients taking Chinese herbs to lower their cholesterol in my clinical experience. It’s always best to speak to a practitioner before taking any supplements or herbs.

5) Acupuncture can help with supporting the underlying deficient or excess patterns at play as well as regulating the expression of genes which are involved in the cholesterol metabolism in the liver https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17334637/