Red Yeast Rice vs. Statin Drugs Like Lipitor
Since I know have to do a better job of managing my own cholesterol, but was a little concerned about making a lifetime commitment to a high priced statin drug (i.e. Lipitor), I was relieved when my doctor actually prescriibed and distributed a natural supplement to prevent atherosclerosis. I was also happy because, even with my health insurance, the supplement would cost me about a third of the brand name prescription drug. I don’t like to admit being a cheapskate when it comes to my health, but I certainly do not have any strong feelings about overpaying either.
The first ingredient was something called Red Yeast, and it also contained other things like plant sterols, Q10, etc. I did some research to find out what red yeast is for, if it works, and if it has any side effects that could be dangerous. I wanted to compare red yeast to statin drugs.
Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is A Statin, and it must be used with care. In fact, these days, the FDA has declared that you must get it from a doctor just like I did. This is the first thing I wanted to mention. Just because something is natural does not mean it has no side effects, or that is is safe for everybody. In fact, doctors know that this supplement has the same potenital benefits and possibly the same side effects of other statin drugs.
If you finish this article and want to find out if a red yeast rice supplement is for you, call your doctor.
Red Yeast Rice Side Effects
But on the whole, studies have demonstrated that this natural supplement does the job of reducing cholesterol without as many side effects. Some people who experience muscle pain with prescription statins have found they do not suffer if they take red yeast rice.
History of Red Yeast Rice
This product has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese. One of the first documented uses was to ferment rice into rice wine. It was also used as a preservative and a spice. But hundreds of years ago, during the Ming Dynasty, the therapeutic benefits of promoting blood circulation and digestive circulation were documented. I guess that the pharmaceutical companies did not mention that when they applied for a patent on their own statin medications.
Will Doctors Prescribe Red Yeast?
Well, my doctor prescribes it. In fact, she even has bottles with her own labels and sells it in her office.
Note that her supplement contains other ingredients too. For one thing, RYR has been shown to deplete tissue coenzyme Q10. Her supplement is fortified with extra Q10. It also contains phytosterol (plant sterols) for extra lipid reducing benefits.
Benefits of Red Yeast Rice Supplements
- It will be cheaper than a brand name medication for most of us.
- Some big prescription companies like to brag about how well tested their products are. The Chinese have been testing red yeast for thousands of years.
- Some people who cannot tolerate the side effects of statin drugs do better with RYR supplemetnts. Again, that is not to say that everybody should take it or there are no side effects. Please consult your doctor.
Do you have any experience with red yeast rice, or other natural supplements that reduce cholesterol? We’d love to hear about it. Just register for free and comment.
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