Use Niacin to Treat Cholesterol
When diet and exercise fail to lower cholesterol to healthy levels, some individuals turn to medication. A more natural approach to treat high cholesterol is to use niacin, or vitamin B3, supplements. Niacin can both lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels. Unlike most cholesterol-lowering drugs, niacin is available without a prescription.
Instructions
Use Niacin to Treat Cholesterol
1. Let your doctor know that you would like to treat your with niacin. Be frank about any medical conditions you have that could rule out using niacin as a treatment option. Some medications, including certain statin drugs, cannot be used with high doses of niacin.
2. Incorporate natural forms of niacin, also called nicotinic acid, into your diet. Foods that are rich in vitamin B3 are most lean meats, eggs, nuts, potatoes, whole grains and green vegetables.
3. Purchase niacin in the form and dosage recommended by your doctor. Niacin comes in extended release capsules as well as immediate release tablets. They are available over the counter at most drugstores and pharmacies.
4. Take 325 mg of aspirin a half-hour before taking your niacin. This will help prevent a common side effect of sudden flushing.
5. Take niacin with food 2 to 3 times a day to prevent an upset stomach. Avoid hot or alcoholic beverages around the time that you take your medication. This can reduce the likelihood of flushing.
6. Have labwork done every 6 to 12 weeks after you begin to use niacin. Regular blood tests will check your cholesterol levels and monitor liver function. Liver function can sometimes be affected by long term use of nicotinic acid.
7. Increase your niacin dosage slowly and always with your doctor's consent. Side effects are less likely to occur when dosages are increased slowly.
8. Monitor your blood glucose levels very carefully if you are diabetic and take niacin for high cholesterol. The niacin may cause glucose readings to be high. Your doctor can help you make adjustments to your medications.
Tags: high cholesterol, Niacin Treat, Niacin Treat Cholesterol, Treat Cholesterol, your doctor