Dr. Andrew Weil's 5 Holistic Health Secrets

Niacin (vitamin B3) is less controversial than red yeast rice extract and is shown to raise HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Plus, it’s much cheaper than a prescription drug and has similar effects.

• Red Yeast Rice Extract - 600mg twice daily
• Niacin 500 mg Extended Release - Every night at bedtime

Be sure if you take either of these to do so under your doctor’s direction.

3. Secret for Your Digestive Tract: Keep It Clean

Fiber plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. In fact, countries such as New Zealand that have a low-fiber diet have higher incidences of colon cancer. Dr. Weil recommends eating 40 grams of fiber each day, almost twice the normal recommended amount.

Use this as a rule of thumb to obtain 40 grams of fiber:

• 4 fruits (such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches)
• 3 veggies (such as kale, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, asparagus, corn, broccoli)
• 3 whole grains or beans (such as oatmeal, all-bran cereal, shredded wheat, lima beans, black beans)

If you are unable to eat this much fiber, take a supplement such as psyllium husk fiber, available at pharmacies and natural food stores. Be sure to drink it with plenty of water to avoid constipation.

Click here for a printable version of Andrew Weil’s Fiber Shopping List.