Changing the way you eat is the first step doctors recommend, but sometimes, additional interventions are needed for quicker results.
While statins may be necessary, doctors suggest that certain supplements, like red yeast rice supplements, offer a natural alternative with promising effects.
The supplement, which has long been used in Chinese medicine, is derived from yeast grown on white rice and contains compounds that can help reduce cholesterol levels.
While doctors maintain that statins can be necessary, they acknowledge that supplements offer a promising natural intervention when dietary changes alone aren't sufficient.
Naturopathic doctor Stephen Cabral, drawing from his clinical practice experience, has reported significant success using natural supplements for cholesterol management.
Dr Cabral recommends supplements to his patients
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"We've helped thousands of people in our private practice to naturally lower cholesterol levels", Dr Cabral stated.
"From a clinical perspective, I can tell you that it absolutely works", Cabral explained, noting that he typically recommends a combination of red yeast rice and kyolic garlic supplements.
He suggested the supplements may only be needed for "three to six months" while addressing root causes.
The science behind red yeast rice's effectiveness lies in its active compound, monacolin K, which is structurally identical to the statin drug lovastatin.
This compound works by inhibiting the liver's production of cholesterol.
However, monacolin K is present in lower concentrations in red yeast rice supplements compared to prescription statins, which affects its overall potency.
Harvard Health experts acknowledge that while red yeast rice supplements containing high amounts of monacolin K may help lower cholesterol, their effectiveness is limited compared to prescription statins.
In addition, due to the lower concentration of active ingredients, these supplements may not achieve the same cholesterol-reducing effects as prescription medications.
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Cholesterol levels can be measured by drawing blood
PARecent research supports the use of garlic supplements as another natural option for cholesterol management.
A 2023 review by the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health found that garlic supplements consistently reduced total cholesterol levels.
The benefits were observed in individuals who took the supplements for more than two months.
Medical professionals emphasise that patients should therefore always consult their doctor before using red yeast rice as a statin alternative.
