Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Elevated Cholesterol Levels Be Managed Without Statin Drugs?
Oh, my goodness. I am unable to take statins because I have every single side effect possible. So I waited a while and then my doc sent me to a cholesterol clinic because my numbers are so high. So they tried me on Zetia. Within 5 days I had all of the major side effects but I decided to try again, so I waited a week and tried again. Oh, my goodness, I have intense abdominal pain along with many of the other side effects. I work very hard to keep my diet clean and healthy and exercise regularly. What else may I try to reduce my cholesterol?
Wed, 25 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' Services,
I have reviewed your query and hear your concern.
Yes, there are other ways to lower cholesterol but the probability of them working on you with a possible genetic history is questionable and would need monitoring by an attentive Clinical Dietitian.
Of the non-pharmacological things that you could try there is high dose nicotinic acid, the kind that gives you the niacin flush. Liver enzymes would have to be periodically checked but it works in a completely different manner than the statins.
Then, you can lower your saturated fat in your diet as low as possible (technically less than 10% of your calories), increase your intake of water soluble fibers (Metamucil supplements, starchy beans, skin from fresh fruits/vegetables) and increase your aerobic exercise to 30 minutes per day, lose weight if overweight. That is where I would start my plan, monitor the plan, re-evaluate and add additional cholesterol lowering tips per the monitoring.
Also, knowing the lipid profile would help. For example, is it just the cholesterol or is your triglycerides elevated as well?
To get a lifestyle plan to lower your cholesterol without drugs you may wish to engage the services of a trained and credentialed clinical nutritionist to guide you along the way.
I hope this has helped.
Warm Regards,
Kathy Shattler, BS, MS, RDN
I have reviewed your query and hear your concern.
Yes, there are other ways to lower cholesterol but the probability of them working on you with a possible genetic history is questionable and would need monitoring by an attentive Clinical Dietitian.
Of the non-pharmacological things that you could try there is high dose nicotinic acid, the kind that gives you the niacin flush. Liver enzymes would have to be periodically checked but it works in a completely different manner than the statins.
Then, you can lower your saturated fat in your diet as low as possible (technically less than 10% of your calories), increase your intake of water soluble fibers (Metamucil supplements, starchy beans, skin from fresh fruits/vegetables) and increase your aerobic exercise to 30 minutes per day, lose weight if overweight. That is where I would start my plan, monitor the plan, re-evaluate and add additional cholesterol lowering tips per the monitoring.
Also, knowing the lipid profile would help. For example, is it just the cholesterol or is your triglycerides elevated as well?
To get a lifestyle plan to lower your cholesterol without drugs you may wish to engage the services of a trained and credentialed clinical nutritionist to guide you along the way.
I hope this has helped.
Warm Regards,
Kathy Shattler, BS, MS, RDN
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....