Supplements Can Reduce Need for Statin Drugs
If you feel compelled to take a statin drug to keep your cholesterol within a reasonable range, you can still use natural products to keep your statin dosage as low as possible, so you can avoid the potentially dangerous side effects associated with statin drug therapy.
Sterols, for instance, also called phytosterols, work well with statins. These are plant compounds, found in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. They’re similar to cholesterol, and compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines. When you take concentrated phytosterols, like those found in supplements, you absorb less cholesterol, and your blood levels drop. One study found that taking daily supplementation with phytosterols lowered LDL by about 9%. If you’re taking a statin drug and your doctor wants to increase your dosage, you might want to try adding phytosterols instead.
And while you’re at it, take 1,400-2,800 mg of omega-3-rich fish oil a day. New research shows that pairing fish oil with phytosterols made both work better, causing greater drops in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while boosting HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Add a soluble fiber, such as psyllium, to lower cholesterol even more. Aim for 10-12 grams of fiber a day.
Want to avoid statin drugs altogether? Consider taking red yeast rice, a natural product used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It contains compounds called monacolins, which inhibit cholesterol synthesis in a way that is identical to the way statins work. Preliminary studies have also shown that red yeast rice may have additional cardiovascular benefits and improve blood flow. Make sure you select a premium grade red yeast rice so you get a standardized dose of the active ingredients and no toxins. We recommend taking 1,200 mg daily.
In conjunction with either statin drugs or red yeast rice, we also recommend CoQ10, 100-300 mg a day, to minimize side effects.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you’re concerned about the side effects of statin drugs, try taking a natural approach to cholesterol control. These supplements, combined with a diet lower in saturated fats, may be all you need to keep your cholesterol within a healthy range.
