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Niacin Does More Than Lower Cholesterol
Don't forget niacin!
There are a number of specific
natural medicines that effectively lower cholesterol levels. Since new ones
come along all the time it is easy to forget just how impressive the results
are with with this heart supplement.
Lp(a). A little known problem.
Another important lipoprotein
to be aware of is a form of LDL called lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a). This form of
LDL has an additional molecule of an adhesive protein called apolipoprotein.
That protein makes the molecule much more likely to stick to the artery walls
and cause damage.
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New research suggests that high
Lp(a) levels constitute a
separate risk factor for heart attack. For example, it appears that high Lp(a)
levels are ten times more likely to cause heart disease than high LDL levels.
Lp(a) levels lower than 20 mg/dl are associated with low risk of heart disease;
levels between 20 and 40 mg/dl pose a moderate risk, and levels higher than 40
mg/dl are considered extremely risky.
Niacin does more than lower cholesterol! The cholesterol lowering activity of niacin was first described in the 1950s. It is now known that
it does much more than lower total cholesterol.
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Specifically, this
heart supplement has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) lipoprotein, triglyceride, and fibrinogen levels while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol levels.
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To reduce flushing -
Inositol hexaniacinate Inositol hexaniacinate is a form of niacin that has long been used in Europe
to lower cholesterol levels. It is much better tolerated, in terms of both flushing and, more
importantly, long-term side-effects.
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HDLs increased 33% The percentage increase in HDL cholesterol, a more significant indicator for coronary heart disease, was
dramatically in favor of niacin (33% vs. 7%).
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Lp(a) lipoprotein levels
dropped 35% While niacin produced a 35% reduction in Lp(a) lipoprotein levels,
lovastatin did not produce any effect. Other studies have shown that niacin can lower Lp(a) levels by an average of 38%.2,3
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It Works Well With
Diabetics
Because taking this supplement at higher dosages (e.g., 3,000 mg or more) can impair glucose tolerance, many physicians have avoided niacin therapy in diabetics, but newer studies with slightly lower dosages (1,000 to 2000 mg) of niacin have not shown it to adversely effect blood sugar regulation.7
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Diabetic cholesterol
profiles If you take a look at the most common blood lipid abnormality in type 2 diabetic patients it is elevated
triglyceride levels, decreased HDL cholesterol levels, and a preponderance of smaller, denser LDL particles.
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Other occasional side-effects of niacin
in higher doses include gastric irritation, nausea, and liver damage.
To reduce the side effect of skin flushing you can use some of the newer time-released formulas including the prescription version Niaspan
or take it just before going to bed.
I'm Gene Millen. In 1990 a skilled heart surgeon
sawed open my chest and stitched in bypasses to six
of my favorite arteries.
That got my attention...and kindled a passion for
helping others avoid a heart attack or stroke. I've
provided health and wellness programs for hundreds
of people during the 11 years that my wife and I
owned and operated the
Vital Life Center, an award
winning health and wellness club for the over 50
crowd.

Currently, as Fitness/Wellness Director of a
residential retirement community in the San Joaquin
Valley of California, my responsibility is to
provide the
information, motivation and programming to keep our
residents vital, active and mentally sharp.
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