Cholesterol Lowering: Bergamot
You know, by now, I’m not too fond of big pharma and will do anything I can to avoid giving them a dime. There is a time and place for medications, but we should do everything we can naturally to avoid the dangerous chemicals provided by the corrupt pharmaceutical industry. I’m a heart attack survivor, and the big pharma-funded doctors are always trying to convince me I need to be on drugs. Even when my cholesterol was extremely low, they tried to convince me I still needed statins. Insanity! (I do take very low dose Crestor for its anti-inflammatory mechanisms-about 5mg three times per week)
I take bergamot daily, which seems to help keep my cholesterol from getting too high.
Multiple studies show that it works. Here are links to some of those studies: Link 1. Link 2. Link 3. Link 4.
Bergamot is rich in flavonoids
and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s not expensive, and there are many options/brands to choose from. I get mine on Amazon (Bergamot on Amazon), but you can also find it at natural food stores.
Please consider that cholesterol is not the villain ‘the system’ portrays it as. Cholesterol is essential to health! All of our hormones are made from cholesterol. The small, dense LDL particles can be harmful, but cholesterol is not bad as a whole. Anyone who has had a heart attack or is at risk of a cardiovascular event should pay attention to their cholesterol levels, primarily LDL and triglycerides. Eating a low-carb, high-fat (good fats-avoid seed oils) diet can also help to keep the bad LDL low.
Hibiscus: Lowering Blood Pressure
I recently discovered the incredible health benefits of hibiscus tea, which also tastes delicious. I drink two strong cups of hot hibiscus tea daily, and it has definitely lowered my blood pressure (BP). I measured my BP prior to starting my hibiscus regime, and it was 132/88, not too bad but a little high. After three weeks of drinking the tea, my BP was consistently 118/78. There is ample evidence to suggest hibiscus tea can lower BP. One study shows that the tea works as well as captopril, a big pharma med (Link). Here are links to various articles and studies. Link 1. Link 2. Link 3.
Potassium to lower BP
Let us not forget how taking potassium can also work very well to reduce blood pressure. Our sodium/potassium balance is more important than sodium alone. We’re often told to avoid salt to lower BP, but having a good sodium/potassium balance is much more essential. When we have too little potassium, more sodium is pulled into the bloodstream, which increases blood pressure. Here are links to studies about potassium and blood pressure. Link 1. Link 2. I take this potassium and mix the powder into my hibiscus tea. I take about 500mg daily, but please do some of your own research to determine the right amount for you.
Omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, magnesium, and regular exercise are other vital ways to lower blood pressure.
As always, this is not medical advice. Everyone should do some research before starting any medication or supplement.
I love taking natural supplements, they have been there in nature forever. Before 'big pharma', before the internet. Thanks for writing about this. I believe nature gave us a wealth of medicine to learn about. I have genetic high cholesterol. Instead of putting me on a prescription, my Dr. told me to take Vitamin. D and Red Yeast Rice. I take both capsules every day. Haven't been back yet for my blood work, but I will now add Bergamot. Happen to also take Potassium every day. Thanks for the research. Much appreciated 👍
Thanks for the info. I have been on Bergamot for 3 months and my total cholesterol dropped 20 points (with improved diet). I am trying to get off my blood pressure meds so the potassium and hibiscus tea are great suggestions- thank you!!