Natural Alternatives To Statins
Having a healthy heart and good cholesterol levels matters – but are statin drugs worth their side effects? This article will discuss natural alternatives to statins.
What are natural alternatives to statins? Apart from a good diet and moderate to high intensity exercise, nature offers potent, heart-healthy substances that may be safer and more effective.
Remember, cholesterol is a vitally important substance to the body. Our goal is not to eliminate cholesterol entirely, but rather, to bring it to the right levels and to improve cardiovascular health. Good, healthy levels of cholesterol are required to produce vitamin D and hormones, as well as bile, which helps to digest food and break down fat from our diet. Statin drugs, when they reached the market, were purported to decrease the body’s production of cholesterol, and increase the liver’s capacity to remove so-called “bad” cholesterol. Unfortunately, statins have been proven to be quite ineffective, and they carry a slew of side effects, including permanent muscle weakness – a big problem, when one considers that the heart itself is a muscle. Ironic, isn’t it? Statins can also cause sore muscles, skin rashes, liver damage and digestive problems.
So, is it worth seeking out natural alternatives to statins? Yes. Let’s discuss them.
Red yeast rice extract. This is a byproduct of cooked and fermented rice. It contains s monacolin K. This compound helps to prevent cholesterol from being synthesized in the body. While studies show it to be effective, there is some controversy – a study from 2001, conducted at the University of California, concluded that the quantity of active ingredients found in red yeast rice extracts can vary. In addition, some brands contained trace levels of the toxin citrinin. This is not to say that the product should be avoided; merely that reputable manufacturers and retailers should be chosen. Red yeast rice extract is taken in 1800 mg doses, divided thrice daily – 600 mg, three times every day. Those who have problems with their kidneys or their liver should talk to their qualified healthcare provider before using this product.
Niacin. Niacin belongs to the vitamin B family. It has the ability to “collect” LDL cholesterol and transported to the liver to be excreted. Some studies have found numerically significant reductions in total cholesterol levels in those using supplemental niacin.
Soy protein isolate. Some studies have shown that increasing the intake of soy products can decrease levels of bad cholesterol by as much as 12%, and total triglycerides by as much as 10%. (Please note, we consider these findings – or at least the suggestion to use soy on a regular basis – controversial. Consumption of soy has been linked to a number of problematic events that can affect the thyroid and hormone balance. To get the most out of soy, and to potentially avoid these downfalls, always choose soy which is certified organic and fermented – such as miso, tempeh and natto.)
Psyllium. Psyllium is rich in soluble fiber; it is typically used to treat constipation – however, psyllium is also able to reduce how much cholesterol the intestines absorb. Between 5 to 10 g of psyllium fiber every day can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol by as much as 5%. Psyllium is taken by mixing approximately 1 teaspoon in a glass of water twice a day. Since fiber supplements can affect how other medications are absorbed, it is best to take psyllium at least two hours apart from any other medication.
Artichoke extract. Artichoke several long-standing history as a digestive remedy. The extract simply takes their innate ability to increase bile production to another level, due to increasing the potency of the active compounds. When bile production in the liver is increased, more cholesterol is excreted – rather than being absorbed by the body.
Essential fatty acids. The intake of Omega-3 essential fatty acids has been shown to regulates cholesterol. Using fish oils can decrease total triglycerides, increase HDL – the so-called “good” cholesterol – and decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, partly by inhibiting the liver’s production and the release of very low density lipoprotein, which is one of the three primary types of lipoproteins.
Before beginning a new regime containing natural products, or new medications, speak with your healthcare provider. Supplements such as the ones mentioned in this article have an excellent safety record, and the promise of a healthy heart, without the risk of prescription drugs. Consider using these natural alternatives to statins.