NOW Foods Acidophilus & Bifidus is a best-selling probiotic supplement.

Probiotic supplements help to restore a healthy population of beneficial bacteria in your intestines.   Probiotics are most commonly used for digestive disorders, less often (but very effectively) for immune system support.  They’re among the safest supplements you can use since they never enter the bloodstream and are essentially non-toxic.  Recent research suggests that probiotics can lower cholesterol, too. (more…)

OK, but does anyone actually rely on a breakfast cereal for health information? Could this be more about protecting Big Pharma?

The FDA is going after General Mills for the health claims associated with Cheerios cereal (read the warning letter here).  (more…)

Lentils and beans are good sources of cholesterol-lowering plant sterols.

Among nutrients used for cholesterol support fiber, Co Q-10, niacin, and red yeast rice get most of the attention.  But plant sterols are not only effective, they’re extremely affordable, safe…and isn’t that what everyone starts out looking for in the first place? A recent study agrees, calling sterols “an important but underused dietary component in the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol”. (more…)

Statin drugs lower cholesterol, but also lower your body's production of valuable Co Q-10. And that's not the only reason you should be taking Co Q-10 for elevated LDL cholsterol.

Dear AllStarHealth,

Why is it recommended that people who have high-cholesterol take Co Q-10? Co Q-10 doesn’t lower cholesterol.  Or does it?

Thank you,

Heather B.

Boulder, CO

Dear Heather,

It’s true that Co Q-10 isn’t a dependable way to lower cholesterol, but if you have high LDL cholesterol levels, it’s probably still a good idea for you to take it anyway. Here’s why. (more…)