Niacin to lower Cholesterol

[Analog6]

I picked up The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure, by Robert E. Kowalski in the op shop today. It is, of course, low fat but I thought there might be something of interest in it (I paid 10cents for a hardback!). Well, there was. Apparently niacin is very beneficial to lowering cholestereol, and the link belwo is for a slow release version which does not cause the 'hot f;ush' plain tablets cause. Anyone with cholesterol problems might like to investigate this option. I have even emailed the company to see if they will post them to me in Oz as they are not available here.

http://www.endur.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.displayproduct&id=25

[2big4mysize]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Niacin has been known for yrs to lower cholesterol. BUT the issue is not only the hot flush but at the effective dose for control, actually needs an Rx in the states it is so high, liver damage can occur so your doc needs to be aware you are using this and monitor your liver function.

[LC_Dave]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

And of course there is the issue of whether cholesterol needs to be worried about or not!

[ttdriver]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

I've taken flush-free niacin (available at Walmart) for the past few years. No side effects and my liver enzymes are perfect. I take 2 500mg capsules a day. My HDL went from 91 to 106 and my LDL went from 177 to 119. DH had his cholesterol checked and his LDL was fine, but the doctor wanted him to raise his HDL and told him to TAKE NIACIN.

BTW, the statin drugs prescribed by doctors can ALSO cause liver damage plus a host of other side effects and most will NOT raise your HDL (good cholesterol) like the niacin does.

Betty

[bjs1976]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Many strengths of Niacin are available without RX. It is jsut behind the counter at the pharmacy. If you ask they can get it for you. The only time our office wrote RX's is if the person was able to get assistance from their health in surance in paying for it. Otherwise, we sent to Pharmacy to get niacin by asking, as it is kept behind counter.

I have seen some horrific cases of flushing....

[ttdriver]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Just be sure to get the FLUSH-FREE NIACIN. No problem.

Betty

[2big4mysize]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Niacin actually lowers the production of VLDL the dangerous LDL and decreasing the degradation (destruction) of HDL molecules. which lowers LDL and increases HDL counts in your lopid profile. it also does other things so your doc should be aware you are taking it.
Also if you arre diabetic or prediabetic concult your doc before you start this as it can interfer with blood sugar control.

you can take aspirin 30 min before you take the niacin to avoid the flushing too andaccording to the studies the flushing will decrease with time too.

it is interesting Betty that the dose you take is below the theraputic range from the medical use of NIACIN cholesterol studies. thier range is 1500-3000 mgs

[ttdriver]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Wow, that is interesting, 2big. I guess the lesson learned is to take the lower dose and see if your totals improve with that. No sense taking more than your body needs!


Betty

[wendita38]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

An excellent plant sterol for lowering cholesterol is called Beta-sitosterol.

Wendy

[2big4mysize]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

yep that is the chemical in almonds and walnuts

[bjs1976]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Betty,
If I recall you weigh 99ish or so pounds. That is a prfect example of why the lower dose may work. Most med amounts are attributed to weight. I would say that is much lower then the average adult.

My 9 yo Boy weighs 82 pounds, so you would be more in the range of him on the medicine charts. I am sure there are not many children in the niacin studies.

I also weighed 99 ish most of my teens and part of my adult life, and often adult doses of meds were too high for me.

So, I say the less amount of med you can take and still get positive effects the best.

[ttdriver]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

You're so right!

Betty

[staziaw]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

I'm taking 250 mg of Niacin and a Fish Oil capsule twice a day, per my doctor's orders. Every three months I have my lipids tested. Just Tuesday, I got the latest results. My LDL went down 10 points and my HDL went up 10 points! Over the past 9 months, my LDL has decreased close to 30 points so far. I have another 30 points to go, but my doctor is very happy with the results AND thinks that my way of eating is helping my progress!

Oh, and the Niacin I take is flush-free and I buy it at the local drug store.

Stacy

[ttdriver]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

Great news, Stazia!


Betty

[MidnightJulliett]

Re: Niacin to lower Cholesterol

My grandmother stopped taking Lipitor against her doctors advice (which I DO NOT RECOMMEND) however, had great results with flush free niacin.

My step-father has cholesterol that is through the roof. I have helped him start a low carb regimen, however, one that is high in fiber. Certain types of fiber have been proven to lower cholesterol by binding to it in the intestine. Along with niacin, and high doses of garlic, he has lowered his bad cholesterol 23 points in 6 months.