Homeopathic Remedies For High Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Before we get into the details about different homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol and triglycerides, it is important to know exactly what cholesterol is, different types of cholesterol, and its importance in the human body.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood, nerve fibers, and also in organs of the body. Cholesterol is formed by the liver and is also derived from the food that we eat, especially those foods which contain saturated fats such as meat.

Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol within the circulation. These are;

1. Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

This is also called "bad cholesterol" This type constitutes the majority of cholesterol within the body. High levels of LDL increase the risk of coronary artery diseases.

2. High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

This is also called "good cholesterol" These lipoproteins absorb cholesterol and carry it back to the liver.

[Also Read Diet To Lower High Cholesterol Levels]

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fats (lipids) in the blood which is formed by a combination of three molecules of fatty acids and one molecule of alcohol glycerol.

When we eat food, the body converts excess calories into triglycerides which are then stored in fat cells. These are later released into circulation to provide energy. Excess calories, especially from food rich in carbohydrates, may cause high triglycerides.

The Normal Reference Range For Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Lipid Profile	Desirable	Borderline	High Risk
Total Cholesterol	Less than 200 mg/dl	200- 239 mg/dl	240 mg/dl
Triglycerides	Less than 150 mg/dl	150- 199 mg/dl	200- 499 mg/dl
HDL	60 mg/dl	35- 45 mg/dl	Less than 35 mg/dl
LDL	60- 130 mg/dl	130- 159 mg/d	160- 189 mg/dl

Any lipid profile parameters above or below the normal reference range is considered to be abnormal and must receive immediate medical attention and appropriate treatment.

Who Is At Risk?

Genetic, familial, acquired as well as environmental factors can contribute to putting persons at risk for having high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, such as;

1. Type II diabetes mellitus
2. Obesity
3. Familial Hypercholesterolemia- This condition causes an increase in LDL and often begins at a young age
4. Family history of high cholesterol
5. Although high cholesterol and triglycerides can be detected in any age group, however, it is more common above 55 years of age.
6. People consuming a diet rich in trans fats and saturated fats
7. Sedentary lifestyle
8. Cigarette smoking causes the accumulation of fats within the blood vessels and also lowers "good cholesterol".

Disease outcomes related to high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood are a result of long-term abuse of offending agents such as alcohol and cigarette smoking, faulty dietary and lifestyle factors, and unavoidable factors like illnesses and family history.

Effects Of Having High Blood Cholesterol And Triglycerides Are;

• Ischemic heart disease
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Peripheral artery disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Homeopathic Remedies For High Cholesterol And Triglycerides

With increasing awareness among the general population about treating illnesses with medications having least or no side effects, homeopathy has gained popularity owing to its visible results in the treatment and management of various illnesses. Homeopathic treatment for high cholesterol and triglycerides has many amazing benefits

Homeopathy works on the principle of "like cures like" which means that the disease-producing powers of any remedy is its disease curing powers. Also, the remedies are prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity.

Some commonly used homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol and triglycerides are given in the table below along with their indications;

Sr. No	Homoeopathic Medicine	Indication For Use
1	Cholesterinum (Cholesterine)	This medicine can be prescribed to people who have enlarged livers, not responding to any treatment. The patient has an enlarged liver with burning pain on the right side of the abdomen, worse on walking
2	Allium Sativum (Garlic)	Indicated for the treatment of high cholesterol in patients who consume a lot of meat and alcohol and have enlarged livers due to the same. The patient complains of dyspepsia from the slightest change in diet. The patient has a voracious appetite with dyspeptic complaints and constipation.
3	Aurum Metallicum (Metallic Gold)	This remedy is suited to patients with high triglycerides and cholesterol having liver disorders associated with heart complaints. Also in patients who have developed arteriosclerosis, valvular affections of the heart and high blood pressure due to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.
4	Nux Vomica (Poison nut)	This remedy is the first choice to counteract chronic effects of sedentary life, prolonged mental exertion, stimulants, coffee, wine, tobacco, and highly spiced or seasoned food. This remedy is adapted to persons who are extremely irritable and of a fiery temperament having high cholesterol and triglycerides due to the above-mentioned conditions.
5	Strophanthus (Kombe seed)	This remedy is useful for people suffering from arteriosclerosis due to tobacco smoking. It is especially useful in elderly patients having heart affections due to weak and debilitated cardiac muscles resulting in weak and irregular heart action.
6	Baryta Muriatica (Barium Chloride)	This remedy is suited to elderly individuals who have hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and degeneration of blood vessels due to high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High systolic and low diastolic blood pressure associated with cerebral or cardiac affections are marked.
7	Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn berries)	This is a wonderful remedy for heart affections due to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. The patient has fatty degenerative changes of the heart, cardiac edema, and aortic disease resulting in low pulse and low blood pressure.

The above-mentioned homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol and triglycerides are just a glimpse of what homeopathy has to offer to patients who have complaints arising due to high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is important to visit a qualified homeopathic doctor to get a tailor-made prescription as regards dosage and repetition of the remedy.

In cases of high cholesterol and triglycerides, remedies are selected based upon the constitution of each patient. Likewise, medicines prescribed for two different cases of high triglycerides and cholesterol cannot be the same as each patient will have different characteristic features and a unique constitution.

Diet Tips For High Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Management of high cholesterol and triglycerides is not possible by only consuming medications. Along with homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol and triglycerides, alterations in the diet and lifestyle play a key role in normalizing these levels.

• Eliminate foods containing trans fats and saturated fats
• Reduce consumption of meat, especially red meat.
• Cut out alcohol and cigarette smoking
• Consume foods rich in proteins such as lean meat, eggs (without yellow), sprouts, lentils, and beans.
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables as they provide the necessary antioxidants as well as dietary fiber.
• Regular exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributing factor to high cholesterol and triglycerides. Exercising regularly helps in burning excess calories.