By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
Summary: The benefits of garlic include antibiotic and possible antiviral activity, no resistance shown from bacteria like traditional prescription antibiotics and some antioxidant activity. Using garlic as a way to lower cholesterol appears to be more controversial.
Dear Curtis: People always point out the health benefits of garlic. But, in your opinion, is [...]
Archive for the ‘Cholesterol’ category
Benefits of Garlic
January 27th, 2010Caffeine Side Effects
January 12th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: The evidence surrounding caffeine side effects can be confusing. In my opinion, many studies as well as case studies and anecdotal evidence show moderate caffeine consumption is OK, maybe even beneficial. You should focus more on where your getting your caffeine.
Dear Curtis: I drink a cup or two of [...]
Statin Side Effects
December 31st, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: While statin side effects are rare, one – rhabdomyolysis – can be serious. The only way to know for sure if you are having the side effects of statins is to have your blood labs drawn.
Dear Curtis: I’m taking Pravastatin and got a cold about the same time [...]
The Niacin Cholesterol Connection
December 30th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: The niacin cholesterol connection is a strong one and if you have low HDL cholesterol you’ll want to consider using niacin. Over the counter (OTC) forms are lower cost but may have more flushing. Always consult your doctor before starting niacin due to possible side effects from the high [...]
Is Cholest Off® A Scam?
December 20th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Cholest Off® and Cholest Off Complete® are two patented cholesterol lowering products from Nature Made. At the end of the day both products appear to be safe and effective. However, remember that the ingredients you’re getting in these products are the same ones you’d be getting if you [...]
How to Lower Triglycerides
November 1st, 2009Summary: Mainstream advice on how to lower triglycerides is often a mix of good and bad information. This probably explains why you are either seeing your triglycerides drop agonizingly slow or not at all.
Q: One year ago my triglycerides were over 200 so my doctor enrolled me in a ‘cholesterol’ study where I [...]
What Are Triglycerides?
October 31st, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
Summary: You may be confused about what triglycerides are. You can get triglycerides from many foods. You can also cause your blood levels to rise or drop depending on the foods you eat. Much of the mainstream advice about lowering triglycerides is wrong.
Q: What are high triglycerides? The nurse told me [...]
Red Yeast Rice Extract for High Cholesterol
October 26th, 2009Summary: Red Yeast Rice Extract is a natural supplement that is found in nature that is effective at lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It acts in the body the same way that the potent ’statin cholesterol-lowering medications do’. Getting a standardized dose can be tough though.
Q: I’ve got high cholesterol and I’ve [...]
