Cholesterol is something everyone has heard a thing or two about and one out of three has only a vague concept of what lipid level is or what it means to them. There are so many people today on prescriptions to lower lipids, along with other medication for conditions such as high blood pressure.

With so many drugs on the market from acne to birth control, people need to learn how these drugs interact in combination with each other. There are several drugs that can actually raise lipid levels. The diuretic hydrochlorothiazide can increase cholesterol levels more than five percent and even more in those with already high cholesterol levels.

Beta blockers, widely used in the treatment of high blood pressure, have been known to raise triglycerides along with reducing the body's good cholesterol (HDL). Even isoretinoids, commonly used in treating acne, can dramatically raise lipids.

Certain immunosuppressants commonly used in transplants, can raise your lipid levels overall. This is a serious concern for someone facing these types of procedures whose cholesterol level is high or even borderline. Anticonvulsants used in the treatment of epilepsy and many other seizure-related illness, can lower the liver's capability to eliminate cholesterol.

Certain oral contraceptives can increase lipid levels. Many oral contraceptives were taken off the market for this reason. If your cholesterol is high or borderline and you're on oral contraceptives, perhaps you should ask your doctor about alternative methods of birth control.

Serious caution should be urged when it comes to drugs that can raise lipids. It is naive to assume that your doctor is fully aware of the side effects your different prescriptions may have on you. Do some research on the current medications you are taking and see if they can raise lipid levels. If you learn that your medication does indeed raise lipids, you should talk it over with your doctor.

However, certain dietary changes can go a long way in reducing the amount of medications taken daily. Cutting back on saturated fats can lower your cholesterol significantly and thereby, reducing the need for medication. Even a small cut back on fats can at least reduce the daily dosage of certain medications.

Avoid red meat and pork, or better yet, abstain from them and choose healthier meats such as turkey, chicken and fish. To further reduce your fat intake, choose to bake, boil or broil the meat rather than frying. Practicing healthier eating habits can reduce your medication significantly within just a few weeks.

Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/cho lesterol
http://www.medicalnewstoday.co m

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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