Things You'll Need:
- Artichoke extract
- Physician
- Lipid panel blood work
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Step 1
Plan to take 320 mg of artichoke leaf extract five times a day. This dosage is recommended for those wishing to lower their cholesterol as well as aid in digestion.
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Step 2
Understand that artichoke leaf extract works with the body to help limit the absorption of cholesterol. Like many natural supplements, it allows cholesterol to be safely eliminated from the body.
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Step 3
Know that artichoke leaf extract contains cynarin compound, which may also increase the production of bile in the liver. This increase may then speed up the flow of bile from the liver through the gall bladder, allowing for more speedy excretion of cholesterol.
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Step 4
Find that most patients will not see results from taking artichoke extract unless it is taken for more than 45 days.
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Step 5
Expect that artichoke extract achieves the greatest results in those patients with a high level of cholesterol. A study published by a German research group showed that patients with cholesterol levels over 230 mg/dL saw the greatest benefit from taking artichoke extract.
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Step 1
Use a healthier diet along with artichoke leaf extract to help lower your cholesterol by eating the right foods and eliminating others from your diet.
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Step 2
Use moderate amounts of saturated fats in your diet. Saturated fats have been shown to increase cholesterol as well as triglycerides, a condition that also results in a lower level of HDL, or "good," cholesterol.
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Step 3
Add to the cholesterol elimination power of artichoke extract by consuming soluble fiber, such as oatmeal. This food binds with cholesterol, preventing it from being absorbed.
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Step 4
Use daily aerobic exercise such as riding a stationary bike or running to help lower your cholesterol, in conjunction with taking artichoke extract. Increased levels of cardiovascular exercise have been shown to decrease triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol.
