Alternatives to Lower Cholesterol Without Side Effects
Welchol side effects are mainly related to the gastrointestinal systems such as gas and constipation or headaches. Within this article first, you will understand the essentials of how Welchol works to lower cholesterol.
Then you will find a list of 10 common side effects welchol. However, there are 13 dangerous side effects that you must be aware of (outlined later). Finally, take comfort since there’s hope. At the end you will get the answer to the two most asked questions:
Should I stop Welchol now, because of the side effects?
What else can I do to lower cholesterol without side effects?
What is Welchol & How Does it Work to Lower Cholesterol?
The drug company, Daiichi Sankyo, markets Welchol, which is a type of drug known as a bile acid sequestrant. The medication is taken orally and your doctor will prescribe it if your blood tests reveal elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. (1)
A bile acid sequestrant works by interfering with the reabsorption of bile acids, which are made of cholesterol. Cholesterol is typically given a bad reputation because high levels increase your risk of heart disease. However, your body uses cholesterol for many important functions.
For instance, your body uses cholesterol to make a necessary digestive enzyme called bile. When you eat foods that contain fat, your liver sends bile acids into your digestive tract to help break down the fat so it can be easily absorbed.
Bile acid sequestrants, such as Welchol, bind to the bile acids in your digestive tract and form a mass that is eliminated through your stool.
Without Welchol, your body would reabsorb many of the bile salts and reuse them. However, because Welchol disposes of the bile salts, your liver is forced to make new bile salts from cholesterol. The result is less cholesterol in your bloodstream. (1).
Common & Dangerous Welchol Side Effects
Everyone reacts differently to medications. Some people will take Welchol and experience little or no side effects. However, others will experience severe side effects.
10 Common Welchol Side Effects
1. Gas
2. Constipation
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain and cramps
5. Nausea
6. General weakness
7. Muscular Aches and pains
8. Indigestion and heartburn
9. Bloating
10. Headaches
Other potentially severe Welchol side effects can occur. If you experience any of these Welchol side effects you should call your doctor immediately.
13 Dangerous & Severe Welchol Side
These may include:
1. Allergic skin reactions such as a rash, itching, hives
2. Trouble breathing
3. A sensation of a tight chest
4. Swelling noticed in the facial area (i.e. lips, tongue, mouth)
5. Trouble swallowing
6. A sensation of choking
7. Diarrhea or constipation that is severe
8. Recurrent or non-stop dizziness
9. Severe headaches
10. Severe back or abdominal pain
11. Vomiting
12. Rapid heartbeat
13. Severe sore throat or throat pain
What To Do Instead if You Experience Welchol Side Effects?
If you have any concerns about taking Welchol for cholesterol reduction or you note any of the above Welchol side effects, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
At this part, you will usually hear the advice not to discontinue the use of Welchol without first consulting with your medical doctor. While I should say that, I can’t, because you need to ask yourself this:
Is it really worth all your side effects?
High cholesterol while dangerous, does not cause a heart attack or stroke overnight. It takes years and years of cholesterol build-up to block an artery.
As such the better way is to look at how you feel after having Welchol side effects and answer 2 questions:
- Should I stop Welchol now, because of the side effects?
- What else can I do to lower cholesterol?
I can’t answer the first question for you, but I can answer the second.
To lower cholesterol naturally you can do a few things:
at lower cholesterol, like oats, olive oil, or vegetables (onion, watercress, leeks, spinach, carrots, artichokes, avocado, broccoli, etc)
Second, find an effective & proven supplement that lowers cholesterol. I used an effective supplement (after trying 2 others) and finally lowered my cholesterol without side effects by 58 points. The supplement is called Lipi-Rite, and you can find out more about it here..
Thirdly you can reduce risk factors that may be present such as losing excess weight or quitting smoking, exercising, etc. I know, it’s easier said than done, but the first step is knowing what you should do.
All the Best
