Cholesterol is a fatty substance (lipid) found in the cell membranes of all body tissues. About three-quarters of it is synthesized by the body, with the rest being of dietary origin. Cholesterol is necessary for proper body function, and plays a central role in many biochemical proceses. However, high levels of it poses a threat to good health.

Causes of High Cholesterol

The following are contributors to high cholesterol:

  • Alcoholism
  • Amino acid deficiency
  • Biotin deficiency
  • Carnitine deficiency
  • Deficiency of the following hormones:

    • DHEA
    • Estrogen
    • Testosterone
  • Deficiency of natural antioxidants such as beta-carotene or selenium
  • Essential fatty acid deficiency
  • Excess dietary starch
  • Excess dietary sugar
  • Fiber deficiency
  • Food allergies
  • Hydrogenated,partially hydrogenated, or processed fats such as:

    • Lard
    • Margarine
    • Palm oil
    • Shortening

Supplements That Can Lower Your Cholesterol

The following vitamins and supplements are used to treat high cholesterol:

Supplement Dosage Precautions
Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg once a day Improved blood sugar levels so diabetics may be able to take less medication.
Arginine 5,000 mg once a day If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or herpes, only take under your doctor’s supervision.
B-Complex Vitamins 50 to 70 mg once a day

Calcium as (Calcium Citrate)
 500 mg once a day. Do not ingest more than 1,000 to 2,000 mg of calcium a day as to not overdose.
Carnitine 1,000 to 2,000 mg once a day The most efficient form is Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Celery Seed Powder 500 mg once a day Taking for more tan six months can cause an imbalance of arginine. Do not take if you have diabetes or are allergic to eggs, milk, or wheat.

Coenzyme Q10
 60 to 120mg once a day May reduce the effects of blood thinners. May cause diarrhea in dosages over 100mg.
EPA/DHA (fish oil) 2,000mg once a day Make sure to choose the source with Vitamin E to prevent oxidation.

Garlic
 10,000 mcg once a day
Hawthorn Berry 160 to 900 mg once a day

Lycopene 20 mg
 10 to 20 mg once a day

Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate)
 600 mg to 800mg once a day Talk to your doctor for dosage if you have kidney disease. Stop using and see your doctor
if you experience abdominal pain. Take a lower dose if it causes diarrhea.

Avoid Magnesium Oxide because it is not absorbed by the body well.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 1,000 mcg once a day When taking NAC supplements, also take extra Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc.
Taurine 1,000 to 1,500 mg once a day Take between meals. Discontinue use if you have chest or throat tightness or if you greak out in hives. DO NOT TAKE WITH ASPIRIN.

Vitamin C
500 mg twice a day Do not take high doses if you are prone to kidney stones or gout. Take Vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate. Never take Ascorbic Acid because it causes the body to become acidic and Vitamin C is not stored in the body as Ascorbic Acid.
Vitamin D You should have your blood levels measured by a healthcare provider to determine the correct
dosage.
Vitamin E 400 to 800 IU once a day Take mixed tocopherols, which is the more active type of Vitamin E. If you are taking a blood thinner, consult your doctor first.
Zinc 25 mg once a day Take Zinc Picolinate or Zinc Citrate as they are better absorbed by the body.