Bergamot
Has anyone tried Bergamot supplements to lower lipids? I have been reading about it and Bergamot is a citrus fruit from Italy. It is included in the Mediterranean diet but it is very difficult to find in USA as a fruit unless you get supplements. Studies have found it lowers the lipid levels drastically without the side effects that statins and non-statins lipid lowering drugs do. I live in Virginia and there is a Naturopathic physician who lives in Washington DC who is using it and his patients with high lipid levels have been using it with great results. I don’t go to naturopathic physicians but it seems Bergamot works. I am not a pill person and try to avoid them as necessary. I have been doing the Mediterranean diet for quite some time now and it is lowering my cholesterol, triglycerides, increasing my HDL but my LDL is stuck in 137 which is high and Bergamot works with LDL very well. I just wanted to know if anyone is being trying Bergamot supplements and if it is truly working. Let me know. Thank you.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
@naiviv Hello, I too read about the benefits of bergamot and tried it for a year, along with modifying my diet - it had zero effect on my LDL, which continued to rise.
Now I have tried 3 different statins, and had unacceptable side effects with each, so awaiting a referral to cardiology for further testing to see what my actual risks are, and whether I might be a candidate for one of the newer, non-statin drugs.
Yes. Thank you. My cardiologist mentioned 3 non statins to me but I am checking on these meds.
What are considered non statins ? I too am trying to fight my cholesterol with diet , but still struggling. I had leg cramps after taking statins. Thank you
Zetia, Bempedoic acid are the non statins that my cardiologist mentioned since I had a reaction with a statin and decided not to take them. Even my lipid levels are going down by following very strict the Mediterranean diet, no sugar, exercising every day and not eating red meat or processed food at all. He noticed these levels are decreasing but still he mentioned the non statins because my parents had heart issues later in their lives starting at the age of 80 yrs old. I read everything about these non statins and I didn’t like their side effects, these are worse than taking statins. I am keeping an eye on my lipid levels and I need to analyze what is the best way to go. I have heard about Bergamot supplements which lower all lipid levels. I am supposed to have my blood work done again in about one more month to see how my strict Mediterranean diet which is recommended by the cardiologist in Mayo Clinic, keeps working with my lipids.
Hope this helps but always consult your cardiologist before any changes in your lifestyle.
Stay safe and healthy. Vivian N
Bergamot did not work for me after taking it 1-2 months. However, diluted Apple Cider Vinegar has nearly immediate and remarkable effect on reducing all my lipid numbers. Also cutting out red meats helps greatly. Lastly, natto (either in whole food or supplement form) works well for me as well. However, ACV and not eating red meats were the most effective way for me.
I have used Bergamot for 3 months. My lipid numbers went up:(
I will give the apple cider vinegar a try. Thank you!
How and when do you drink Cider Vinegar? Do you Use it in salads?
I do 1:1 dilution. 30 mins before meal. 1-3 times per day.
Do you use a particular tyoe/brand of acv?