Do Niacin And Cholesterol Go Hand In Hand?
Being told you have high cholesterol does not mean that you are going to be bogged down with a bunch of doctor prescribed medications. Yes, in some people, their levels are so high that it highly recommended to be on prescription medication; however, if your levels are not dangerously high, your doctor may ask if you would be interested in taking Vitamin B supplements containing Niacin. Niacin and cholesterol act very well together.
Niacin, when taken in nicotinic acid form can lower the bad cholesterol in your body called LDL, or low density lipoproteins. Low density lipoproteins are the fatty, waxy substances of cholesterol that slowly builds up alongside the walls of your arteries leading up to your heart and brain. When you have high cholesterol and a high LDL reading, the build up becomes larger and larger, which increases your risk drastically of being diagnosed with several different types of heart disease, which is the number 1 killer of American’s today. Not only does Niacin help to lower your LDL levels, but it helps increase your HDL levels. HDL, or high density lipoproteins are the “good” cholesterol cells which act as a protector against the bad cholesterol, diligently carrying the bad cholesterol away from your arteries and depositing them into your liver where it is broken down and expelled from your body.
The normal recommended dose of Vitamin B Niacin for those who suffer from high cholesterol is approximately 1500 to 3000 milligrams a day. Normal people (who do not have high cholesterol) are recommended to take about 14 milligrams of Niacin a day, but because those who have high cholesterol must take Niacin in therapeutic doses, the milligram number is highly increased. Normally, your physician will not recommend over the counter Vitamin B Niacin as the supplements are not regulated and could possibly contain more Niacin than is stated on the label. Rather, your physician will most likely prescribe your Niacin in nicotinic form which is easier to monitor. You should always take a large dose of Niacin under a doctor’s care and never on your own. Taking an elevated level of Niacin can cause many negative reactions to your body. Such things include gout, high blood sugar, and problems with your liver and other digestive issues. If you are experiencing any of these problems, consult with your physician immediately. Niacin and cholesterol do go hand in hand. With the consumption of Niacin, your cholesterol level should be reduced to a normal level.
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