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Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance in your blood. Your body uses it to form cell membranes, tissues and some hormones. Higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease. If you have higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, you're at lower risk for heart problems. A cholesterol reading of 200 or less is best. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising, eating a low-fat diet and losing weight, if necessary.
High cholesterol that isn't controlled is dangerous. Be sure to talk to your doctor first before trying any supplement or herb.
Symptoms
High cholesterol does not have symptoms. The only way to know if you have a problem is through blood work. Your doctor will help you understand your results.
A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition you have or a medication you take. You do not know about the purity or quality of a supplement, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.
| Supplement |
Claims
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Potential Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the Experts Say |
| Soy supplements and soy foods |
Lowers cholesterol when replacing animal protein with soy |
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take soy supplements. No one knows the long-term effects of supplements or what high amounts can do. Soy foods in moderate amounts - 25 grams a day - are considered safe. |
The FDA allows foods containing 6.25 grams or more of soy protein to carry the claim that the product can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association also suggests people with high cholesterol add soy foods to their diet. Skip the soy supplements, though. You don't know what you are getting. |
Conventional treatments
There are a number of medications that can help you control your cholesterol. Your doctor may have you try these along with diet and exercise.
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External Sources
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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