AboutEric Brandt Expertise I will answer questions regarding prescripion and non prescription drugs as well as commonly used mdicinal herbs. I will also answer questions on various medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, thyroid problems, diabets, menopause, parkinson`s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression etc.
Experience I am a practicing hospital pharmacist with 10 years experience in hospital and 10 years retail pharmacy experience prior to that.
I have my own drug information web site at http://www.druginformation.bc.ca
I also publish an online newsletter. Subscription is free. To learn more go to
http://www.topica.com/lists/thecaplet
Publications Contributed to an article in CNS Drugs. Currently publishing a free monthly nwletter. To learn more go to http://www.topica.com/lists/thecaplet
Question I am a 55 year old women, been very active all my life, 125 lbs, no health issues except cholesterol. Since menopause my cholesterol has been climbing. It is 7.3, shouldn't be higher than 6 (Canadian #). I understand my cholesterol is high not because of my eating habits as I am very cautious about eating healthy, but because my body seems to make more than necessary. My doctor wants to put me on medication, is there any herbs or minerals that would help lower cholesterol? I really dont want to be taking cholesterol lowering drugs if at all possible. Thanks
Answer Hi Elizabeth,
Niacin which is one of the B vitamins is known to reduce cholesterol. You need quite a high dose, about 2g a day. If you are going to try this you need to start at a low dose and buld up as it causes skin flushing and you need to build up a tolerance to it before you reach the dose. Also there is a non-flush version of niacin marketed but it is not as effective as plain niacin for this purpose. You may want to try it nevertheless as it is better tolerated. Do not confuse niacinamide with niacin. Niacinamide does not lower cholesterol.
Another supplement to try is called policosanol. There is some evidence that it too can lower cholesterol.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
