Niacin for Cholesterol
How to Use Niacin for Cholesterol Levels Niacin is a member of the B vitamin family. There are many names for niacin and some of these indicate different types of niacin. For example, nicotinic acid and niacinamide are two types. Nicotinic acid helps the cholesterol levels. Niacinamide has limited if any effect.
While using niacin for cholesterol may not be as effective in decreasing the bad cholesterol, the LDL and triglyceride, as some prescription drugs, it still lowers the levels significantly. However, its true value lies in its ability to increase the HDL levels, the good cholesterol. In this case, it outshined the prescription drugs by increasing the levels by fifteen to thirty-five percent. The significance of higher HDL levels is important. HDL is the scrubbing bubbles of cholesterol. It sweeps up the excess LDL cholesterol and gives it back to the liver that disposes it. If you have a high level of HDL in your blood, you'll have a lower level of bad cholesterol. Studies show that people are at risk for coronaries based on the amount of HDL cholesterol in their blood. The results vary by sex of the individual. For men, their requirements are actually lower than they are for women. If a man has HDL levels below 40 milligrams per deciliter, they increase the potential for heart disease. In women, the increase occurs if their levels drop below 50 milligrams per deciliter. However, this is just one factor or potential cause of heart disease and taken by itself, cannot predict you'll be safe from suffering the effects of coronary disease or you'll definitely have a problem. There are other factors such as your level of LDL. Combining niacin with some drugs increased the benefits of the drugs but might have no increase in effectiveness or a slight increase of potential problems when taken with other drugs. One trial that combined niacin with statin drugs discontinued early when it showed no improvement and the clinicians found a potential increase in the risk for a stroke. Side Effects of Niacin for Cholesterol One of the most common side effects of niacin is flushing, a prickly feeling of the skin and sometimes a rash. The flushing lasts for a half hour to an hour after taking it, particularly with high doses over 1,000 milligrams, and then disappears. While the flushing or hot feeling may disappear after a few weeks, the skin rash normally doesn't. Nor does it disappear after an hour but lasts until the patient ceases to take prescription strength niacin. You can counteract the flushing in many cases by taking aspirin, avoiding hot drinks or alcohol, taking the niacin with food or using a version of niacin with a reduced flushing effect.
Some other side effects of using niacin for cholesterol can be increased blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for diabetics. You also might find increased gas, vomiting, upset stomach or diarrhea. Sometimes people notice they develop a headache when taking niacin. Others may have a drop in blood pressure. Another side effect of niacin is dizziness.
If you experience any of the severe side effects, either discontinue the use of niacin if you're using an over the counter drug or talk to your doctor about switching the type of niacin you're taking if you're using a prescription drug. Because niacin has several side effects and interacts with other drugs, you should always discuss the use of it with your physician before you take it.
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