Guggul Supplement: Benefits & Uses
Updated Apr. 26th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of Guggul
- Understanding How A Guggul Supplement Supports Cholesterol
- Guggul Supplement Varieties
- Potential Cautions & Side Effects of Guggul
Guggulipids are a remedy that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In India, they are now considered a lipid-lowering drug. Another traditional use for guggulipids is as an anti-inflammatory agent. A guggul supplement works most effectively on types of high cholesterol where there is too much of the harmful cholesterol, called LDL, VLDL and triglycerides. They do not raise levels of beneficial, HDL, cholesterol.
Key Health Benefits of Guggul
Understanding How A Guggul Supplement Supports Cholesterol
The mechanism by which guggulipids alter cholesterol is four-fold:
- Firstly, they block the production of cholesterol by the liver
- Secondly, they increase the excretion of cholesterol through the bile
- Thirdly, they increase the uptake of LDL by the liver
- Lastly, they increase thyroid activity, thus stimulating the metabolism of LDL cholesterol
Guggul supplements have been shown to decrease the severity and formation of cholesterol plaques and protect the body by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Guggul Supplement Varieties
Guggulipids supplements are found as encapsulated herbs or liquid extracts. Guggulipid products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of guggulsterones they contain. Guggulipids can be found in combination products for cholesterol control.
Potential Cautions & Side Effects of Guggul
Guggulipids should not be used in pregnancy, during lactation or by individuals with thyroid disease, active bleeding, or blood disorders. Guggulipids should not be used with blood thinning medications, NSAIDs or aspirin and should be discontinued 2 weeks before surgery or dental work. Guggulipids can alter the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized in the liver such as anti-hypertensives, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Guggulipid consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals.