Natural Alternatives to Lipitor – Treat High Cholesterol Naturally

People who suffer from high cholesterol problems often seem to seek out the easiest and quickest solutions and go to consult their doctor about taking prescription drugs such as Lipitor to solve their problems. The trouble is, not only is taking Lipitor easy, but it is expensive. In the last year, Americans had spent over $300 billion on prescription drugs, and 7% of that was spent on statin drugs such as Lipitor. For serious medical conditions statin drugs may be neccesary so you need to speak with your doctor before undertaking an self medicating plan, however when it comes to lowering cholesterol the following options can all help lower your LDL (the bad cholesterol) and increase your HDL (the good cholesterol.)

What is Lipitor?

Atorvastatin is the true name of the product marketed under Lipitor and various other similar producers. Lipitor is part of a group of drugs called statins that that target the liver to stop producing an enzyme called HMG CoA reductase. Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol and reduces the levels of “bad” cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, LDL) and raise the levels of “good” cholesterol (high density lipoprotein, HDL). This prescription drug lowers the risk of heart problems/ complications such as heart attacks or strokes in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease.

Some side effects of Lipitor include:

• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fever
• muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• diarrhea
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Lipitor Natural Remedies & Cures

Cayenne

Cayenne is that ever so popular type of chili pepper that is more commonly known as being a spice for foods than as a medicinal herb but it will still help reduce that “bad” cholesterol. The pepper contains capsaicin, which is a chemical compound that reduces your cholesterol and enlarges your arteries. The dilation of the arteries allows blood flow to become improved and lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. While consuming this pepper may be a rather hot as it clocks in at around 40,000 scovilles the results will be worth it. Just make sure to have some milk at the ready if the heat becomes a bit much.

Garlic

Another remedy commonly used as a cooking spice while still working to reduce “bad” cholesterol. Garlic is helpful because of the property Allicin within it. No we aren’t talking about that girl Alison that showed up at the house yesterday, she’s more attractive. Allicin is a chemical that lowers the levels of the “bad” cholesterol and thins your blood to prevent clotting and increases “good” cholesterol.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant which was commonly used in south Asia from an extremely long time. Some cases even date back to 4000 BC as the plant was used to feed cattle at the time.by The Chinese used fenugreek as a remedy for gallbladder disorders, fever, and muscle aches. This herb can also be ingested, preferably by the leaves in a form of tea, in order to lower the “bad” cholesterol in your body.

Turmeric

Curcumin is a chemical that will help with high cholesterol, and Turmeric has this chemical. Known for being one of the world’s all time healthiest foods, Turmeric is an herb used to cure liver disease and chest congestion. The plant is most commonly used India where it is cooked with cuisine and used a dye. Since the plant’s properties consist of curcumin, it may also be ingested in order to lower “bad” cholesterol levels. The plant is known for tasting either bitter or somewhat spicy depending on how it is prepared.

Portfolio Diet

A diet consisting of foods that lower cholesterol is a natural remedy to high cholesterol and is proven effective by professors at the University of Toronto. What you will need to eat are soy proteins like tofu or soy milk, oats and barley for the sticky soluble fiber, plant sterol ester-enriched margarine, and almonds and walnuts. This diet will drop your “bad” cholesterol levels by 13%.

The Mediterranean diet also is an alternative diet that works to lower cholesterol. This diet is high in lean protein and healthy fats such as fish and olive oil, along with six vegetable and four fruit servings a day. Either diet may be employed to achieve a highly focused eating solution towards cholesterol balance but there are other less intense options depending on your desired food pallet.

Exercise

Exercise is always great for the body and the case of cholesterol management is no different. High cholesterol affects the heart, and strengthening the heart through cardio exercises will raise the levels of “good” cholesterol and lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol. A good warm up is 20 minutes of walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Then follow up with 40 minutes of resistance training. Continue these exercises four days a week until you can last longer on each. A strong heart will lead to a strong and healthy body and any form of exercise in repetition will leave the body feeling fresh and improved.

“Bad” Fats

“Bad” fats are trans-fat. These fats lower the level of your “good” cholesterol and raise the levels of your “bad” cholesterol. Trans fat are found in processed foods, baked foods, and foods labeled “No Trans Fats”. Saturated fats also can affect your cholesterol levels negatively. They are found in many of the animal products such as red meat and butter. A change in diet to avoid these trans fats will greatly assist the balancing of your cholesterol. This can be taken even further by incorporating foods such as raspberries and pears which are fiber-rich, the majority of whole grain foods are great too these are things like almonds and various other nuts. These kinds of foods are great for boosting good cholesterol levels.

Shun simple carbs and sugars.

Avoid foods like white potatoes, candies, and white rice/bread. These will increase those bad cholesterol levels. Sugar is usually not too great for consumption and when it comes to managing cholesterol it’s no different. While it may be tempting to feast on cake every once in a while table sugar, brown sugar, and that corn syrup that seems to be marked onto every food you buy are all things that should be avoided. Soda can also take a hike because those fifteen tablespoons of sugar are not something you need. Not all sugary treats are a problem though, for example dark chocolate is just fine.

Lipitor is just the fast way out of a problem you can easily fix through healthy and safe ways. Dieting and exercising is the best method of reducing high cholesterol. Stick with a good healthy lifestyle and you can live a Lipitor-free life while keeping to your safe, natural roots.