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Niacin to Lower Cholesterol

Q. What do doctors know about niacin?
Taking just one 500 mg niacin tablet daily (time-release type) has worked wonders for me in reducing my total cholesterol from more than 250 to 145 in just four weeks.
Of course, I have also been watching my diet and exercising a little. I’ve lost about 8 pounds (about 5 percent of my original body mass).
Why do doctors prefer costly statins over niacin for people with high cholesterol?

A. Niacin is a time-honored drug for lowering cholesterol, but you have had an exceptionally good response. Not everyone can lower his cholesterol that much with such a low dose.
Doctors sometimes assume that patients will experience flushing and tingling and refuse to take niacin. Your time-release formulation reduces that reaction, but does not protect the liver from possible harm. Make sure your doctor is monitoring your liver enzymes as well as your cholesterol.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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