Watch the video from ABCNews TV: how to lower your cholesterol with red yeast rice natural supplement…
Red Yeast Rice – Lower Cholesterol FAQ:
Another Cholesterol FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) as seen in Joy Bauer’s book: Food Cures.
I have high cholesterol, and I’ve heard red yeast rice works the same as some of the statin drugs. I’ll do anything to avoid taking medication. Does red yeast rice work? Is it safe?
Joy Bauer says:
Does Red Rice Yeast Work to Lower Cholesterol?
Red yeast rice does work to lower cholesterol, but only because it contains naturally occurring chemicals that are identical to medicinal statins.
Red Yeast Rice Risk and Dangers
They work the same, and they have the same risks and side effects—including possible liver toxicity and muscle pain or weakness.
The difference is that prescription medications are standardized, regulated, and produced in a sterile environment. The amount of active ingredient in each dose of red yeast rice can vary from package to package or even from capsule to capsule in the same package.
Worse, red yeast rice may contain contaminants, some of which may cause serious illness. This is one of those cases when natural doesn’t mean better.
If you want the benefits of red yeast rice, talk with your doctor about whether you should start taking a statin medication.
Source: Joy Bauer, Food Cures, p.129
Red Yeast Side Effects and Safety – From WebMD
According to WebMD:
Red yeast is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 months. There isn’t enough information to know if taking it for longer periods is safe. It can cause stomach discomfort, heartburn, intestinal gas, and dizziness.
Red yeast contains chemicals similar to the prescription drugs called “statins.” Therefore, red yeast might also cause side effects similar to statin drugs, such as liver damage and severe muscle pain and muscle damage.
There is also concern about product quality. Many red yeast rice products have been found to contain varying amounts of the statin-like chemicals. Some products may contain none and others may contain high amounts, which are more likely to cause serious side effects.
Serious allergic reactions can occur after breathing in red yeast.
Red yeast that is not fermented correctly may contain citrinin. Citrinin is a poison that may cause kidney damage.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Red yeast is LIKELY UNSAFE during pregnancy. It has caused birth defects in animals. Not enough is known about the safety of using red yeast during breast-feeding. Don’t use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.Liver disease: Red yeast contains chemicals that are the same as the statin drug lovastatin. Like statin drugs, red yeast should be avoided in people with liver problems.
Chinese Medicine – Fermented Red Yeast Rice
Earl Mindell, author of BottomLine’s Prescription Alternatives, writes the following information about red yeast rice:
Red yeast rice is an ancient Chinese condiment made from specially fermented rice. The reaction between the rice and the yeasts used for fermentation yields natural statin substances.
Red yeast rice has been used safely to strengthen circulation and help digestion in Chinese medicine for hundred years.
Red Yeast Rice Cholestin to Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels
In 2 studies presented at the American Heart Association’s conference in 1999, red yeast rice — sold under the brand name Cholestin — was found to lower blood cholesterol levels.
In another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, red yeast rice was found to lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (another type of blood fat that has been linked with heart disease).
Its benefits can be had for $20 or $30 monthly, instead of the average price of $190 paid monthly for statin drugs.
FDA Action Against Red Yeast Rice Cholestin
When the company that makes the Cholestin put their product through rigorous scientific testing to prove its efficacy and safety…..the FDA called Cholestin a drug and ban supplement manufacturers from selling it at all.
Afraid of competition against expensive, best-selling cholesterol drugs, the FDA told federal judges that allowing Cholestin to be sold would reduce the incentive of the pharmaceutical industry to develop new medicines…..
Red Yeast Rice – Alternative to Statin Cholesterol Drugs
Fortunately, the judges ruled in favor of the supplement makers, and red yeast rice is still a widely available alternative to statin drugs.
Source: Earl Mindell, Prescription Alternatives, pp. 159-160
Red Yeast Rice – Cholesterol
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