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Niacin, or Nicotinic acid, is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. When given in doses above what is required for the daily vitamin intake it can lower the total cholesterol in your body, as well as the LDL-cholesterol which is considered the bad cholesterol. It also lowers triglyceride levels while it raises the good cholesterol known as the HDL cholesterol level. It is a quick and natural alternative to many of the drugs prescribed by doctors to help with your high cholesterol. Niacin can be found in many foods such as meat, dairy products, and beans. You can usually get a full supply of Vitamin B in the foods that you eat, but if you have poor eating habits or are a vegetarian then you may find yourself lacking when it comes to Vitamin B. In this case you should consider taking a niacin supplement as well as other vitamins and minerals to make sure your body is getting what it needs on a daily basis.

Niacin is inexpensive and very accessible without a prescription but shouldn’t be used for cholesterol lowering reasons without the advice and guidance of a physician because of the side effects it may cause. When taking niacin you should usually start on lower daily doses and then gradually increasing to an average of 1.5 to 3 grams of niacin per day. Through the gradually adding of niacin to your daily routine you can expect to see your LDL cholesterol levels rise by 10% to 20%, and your HDL cholesterol can rise as much as 15% to 35%. It also is shown to reduce triglycerides by 20% to 50%.

One of the most common side effects of taking niacin for cholesterol lowering purposes is what is called flushing, or hot flashes. It is the result of the blood vessels widening although most patients do develop a tolerance for the hot flashes. It can also be decreased by taking the drug at different times of the day, or during and after meals. Other side effects include:

• - Nausea

• - Indigestion

• - Gas

• - Vomiting

• - Diarrhea

• - Peptic ulcers

Other problems can be seen with in patients with high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and with liver or kidney problems. This is why it is extremely important that you consult your doctor, especially if you have any of these medical conditions.

Niacin has been a subject of much research over the past few decades and has been clearly established as a way to lower cholesterol. Another benefit, is that it may also reduce your chances of developing heart disease. It can also help to treat an existing heart condition. The all-around benefit of taking Niacin has been proven and it is something that you should discuss with your doctor if you are interested in learning more about it.

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