Cholesterol-lowering supplements: Lower your numbers without prescription medication

If you're worried about your cholesterol and have already started exercising and eating healthier foods, you might wonder if adding a cholesterol-lowering supplement to your diet can help reduce your numbers. Although few natural products have been proven to reduce cholesterol, some might be helpful. With your doctor's OK, consider these cholesterol-lowering supplements and products: Artichoke extract:May reduce total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, but may cause gas or an allergic reaction Barley: May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol without any adverse reactions. Garlic extract: May reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but may cause bad breath, body odor, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Mayo Clinic Staff, Oct 5, 2010