Lowering blood cholesterol with fish oil and red yeast rice instead of statins
Jul 11th, 2008 | By acca | Category: Allternative TherapiesResearchers have examined whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both the statin group and the fish oil alternative treatment group. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
, Lowering blood cholesterol with fish oil and red yeast rice instead of statins, http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/331388831/080708122441.htm, http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalfeeds/therapies/Allternative-and-Complementary-Therapies.xml, MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies,
Allternative Therapies, 7, allternative-therapies
Natural cholesterol management through diet and supplementation is certainly proven, but the tools go well beyond this discussion of red yeast rice and fish oil. Top on the list are plant sterols (2g-2.5g/day), soluble fiber from oats, barley, psylium, beans and high-pectin fruits, and monounsaturated fats instead of trans and saturated fats. Research indicates that a diet that emphasizes these tools can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 30% (see http://www.kardeanutrition.com/resources for links to clinical studies).
Fish oils high in Omega-3s do not specifically lower LDL cholesterol, but they can be very effective at 2-4g/day in lowering triglycerides. Further, these fish oils appear to minimize the potential hazard of LDLs (that’s right: certain types of LDL cholesterol–smaller, denser LDLs–are thought to be more harmful than the larger LDLs).
And what about red yeast rice supplements? Effectiveness certainly has been proven — in ways similar to statins. Why? Because the active ingredient is a naturally-occuring statin–it is the same chemical compound in Mevacor — the statin drug that Merck has solicted the FDA to sell as an over-the counter drug with no prescription. The FDA has denied Merck’s request on repeated occassions.
So, when considering red yeast rice and a prescription statin medication, you need to recognize that you are not choosing whether to take a statin. In either case, you will be. Rather, it is a choice between a synthetic or a natural statin.
But give some thought to a comprehensive approach to natural cholesterol management. http://www.kardeanutrition.com.