Q&A: Can particular foods lower bad cholesterol?
Can particular foods or dietary strategies lower "bad" LDL cholesterol? —A.S., via e-mail
Yes, several. Foods that can help lower LDL include those high in fiber (particularly oat bran, psyllium, and barley) and foods containing added or natural stanols or sterols—plant substances that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol—such as Benecol and Take Control margarines, Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise orange juice, and certain nuts and seeds. Eating two to three servings of soy foods each day may also help. Researchers have found that combining those foods increases their benefits: A diet high in soy protein, fiber, and plant sterols can reduce LDL levels as much as a low-dose statin drug. Other LDL-cutting dietary strategies include reducing saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of calories, minimizing trans fat, and losing excess weight.
Posted by: David Schwartz, Ph.D. | Nov 6, 2009 8:22:40 PM
Niacin has problematic side-effects and levels that high should never be consumed without a doctor's supervision
Posted by: Dr. Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN | Nov 5, 2009 10:19:50 PM
Not mentioned in the article is that niacin (vitamin B3) has a significant effect on lowering LDL.
Niacin's effects on dyslipidemia were first published in 1955 (1). Since that time numerous clinical trials, peer-reviewed published research, and clinical practice have shown the efficacy of niacin for beneficial effects on dyslipidemia.
Typical effects of niacin on dyslipidemia shows that between 1500 to 2000 mg/day of niacin gives the following results:
***lowers total cholesterol by between 13.3 and 18.4%
***lowers LDL by 19 to 26%
***lowers triglycerides by 20 to 50%
***lowers Lp(a) by 15 to 25%
***raises the beneficial HDL by 15 to 35%(***Associated references: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
Also, one of the most effective ways of decreasing triglycerides is not mentioned in the article: Increasing intake of the essential fatty acids (EFA's), specifically supplementing with DHA and EPA.
References:
1. Altschul R, Hoffer A, Stephen J. Influence of nicotinic acid on serum cholesterol in man. Arch Biochem 1955;54:558-9.
2. Alderman J, Pasternak R, Sacks F, et.al. Effect of a modified, well-tolerated niacin regimen on serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and the cholesterol to high density lipoprotein ratio. Amer J Cardiol 1989;64:725-9.
3. Keenan J, Fontaine P, Wenz J, et. al. Niacin revisited. A randomized, controlled trial of wax-matrix sustained release niacin in hypercholesterolemia. Arch Intern Med 1999;151424-32.
4. Elam M, Hunninghake D, Davis K, et.al. Effect of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the ADMIT study: A randomized trial. Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial. JAMA 2000;284:1263-70.
5. Pan J, Lin M, Kesala R, et. al. Niacin treatment of the atherogenic profile and Lp(a) in diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 2002;4:255-61.
6. Capuzzi D, Morgan J, Brusco O, et.al. Niacin dosing: relationship to benefits and adverse effects. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2000;2:64-71.
Dr. Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN
www.drhusbands.com