Did you know red yeast rice is good for cholesterol? It’s true! I only recently learned about red yeast rice being good for cholesterol thanks to my doctor. But did you know it has other benefits? However, you also need to be aware of the side effects of red yeast rice as well.
Red Yeast Rice
Recently, my husband was diagnosed with high cholesterol and his allopathic doctor wanted him to go onto statins. We were very hesitant has statins are a drug that once you’re on it you usually don’t get off of it.
And we’re not big fans of long term medication. I regularly see a homeopathic doctor who has helped me with a lot of my problems and I was talking to him about my husband and his cholesterol. He suggested a number of supplements that would help my husband’s cholesterol and read yeast rice was one of them.
We of course talked to his doctor who agreed to allow us to try to lower his cholesterol naturally and do another blood test in 3 months to see where we are at. And if you haven’t guessed it, red yeast rice is one of the main supplements my doctor suggested.
Since my husband only has high LDL and no diabetes, heart disease, or any other disease, we realized supplements, diet, and lifestyle could make a big impact. We also have conflicting views of cholesterol too, so we wanted to avoid medication if possible because of this as well.
What Is Red Yeast Rice?
Red yeast rice is actually the product of yeast! The name of the yeast is Monascus purpureus and it grows on white rice. Turns out, this powdered yeast and rice mixture is actually a staple in the Asian diet and is actually part of traditional Chinese medicine.
How Does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol?
The yeast has compounds called monacolin K and that is the compound that lowers cholesterol. It’s actually one of the same ingredients in Altoprev which is a lovastatin used to lower cholesterol. Cool huh?
Research shows that monacolin K can lower your total blood cholesterol as well as your low-density lipoprotein and even your triglycerides.
What Are The Benefits Of Red Yeast Rice?
It isn’t just for cholesterol! Did you know there are other benefits too? Let’s explore them.
1. Red Yeast To Lower Cholesterol
Some research, which has been well documented, shows that red yeast rice does lower cholesterol. And it doesn’t just lower LDL cholesterol, but also triglycerides and total cholesterol.
2. Can Improve Heart Health
Since red yeast rice lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, helps with metabolic syndrome, it helps keep the heart healthy and helps prevent heart disease. (There are some arguments whether or not cholesterol actually causes heart disease, but that’s for a different post.)
3. Decrease Inflammation
Inflammation is actually an immune response that is supposed to protect your body from infections. However, too much inflammation can cause chronic illnesses. However, studies show that taking red yeast rice can help reduce chronic inflammation by 20%.
4. Reduce Cancer Risk
Though research is limited, there has been some evidence showing that red yeast rice has a chance to help reduce, not only the growth, but the spread of cancer as well! Another study found that in mice with cancer, that red yeast rice lowered the tumor volume.
Unfortunately all this research has been done on animals.
5. Control High Blood Pressure
Did you know red yeast rice can also reduce high blood pressure as well? This is because red yeast rice help improve circulation in the body.
6. Help Lower Blood Sugar
There was an 18 week study done and it was found that red yeast rice indeed reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
7. Aiding Bone Formation
Recent studies show that red yeast rice enhance bone formation. What does that bean? It means it helps promote bone growth. This means it can help with fractures and breaks heal faster.
What Are The Side Effects Of Red Yeast Rice?
Like all herbs and medicine there are also side effects. Most of the side effects are rare, but still can happen. The side effects are:
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Bloating/Gas
- Heartburn
- Muscle Ache/Weakness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
The most dangerous of all the side effects are the muscle aches/weakness. It can cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis.
What is rhabdomyolysis? It is a condition that can result in permanent damage or death. Rhabdomyolysis happens when the muscle tissue is damaged. When this happens it releases electrolytes and protein into the blood. When proteins and electrolytes enter the blood it can damage the kidneys and even the heart.
If you are experiencing this you need to stop taking the supplement and call your doctor immediately.
Who Should Avoid Red Yeast Rice?
There are some people who should not take red yeast rice. Definitely talk to your doctor before you start a new supplement. Supplements are medicine. Those who should avoid red yeast rice are:
- Pregnant/Breast Feeding Women
- People With Liver Disease
- Those Who Are At Risk For Liver Disease
- Anyone Suffering From Kidney Disease
- Or Have Thyroid Disease
- Those Who Have High Risks Of Cancer
- As Well As Those Who Have Muscoskeletal Diseases
- Anyone Who Drinks More Than Two Boozy Beverages A Day
- Had An Organ Transplant
- Or Have A Serious Infection
- Children
Red Yeast Rice Drug Interactions
Just like most medications there are red yeast rice interactions with other drugs and herbs. Some of the medications you should avoid while taking red yeast rice are:
- Statins
- Blood Thinners
- Azathioprine
- Valproic Acid
- Cimetidine
- Cyclosporine
- Erythromycin
- Diclofenac
- Clarithromycin
- Rosiglitazone
- Methotrexate
- Gemfibrozil
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
You should also avoid grapefruit juice which can increase the amount of red yeast rice in your blood. It can give you a higher chance of liver damage and other side effects.
Also, you will want to avoid these herbs and minerals while taking red yeast rice:
- Niacin
- St. John’s Wort
Last Red Yeast Rice Notes: Depletion of CoQ10
Red Yeast Rice can deplete the levels of CoQ10 in the body. What is CoQ10? CoQ10 is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. It is also found in fish like salmon and tuna. If you are taking red yeast rice or any statin it can affect how your body produces it so you may need a supplement or more fish to help you keep normal CoQ10 levels in the body.
This is something a doctor will need to look at and keep an eye on. So always ask your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Looking For More Home Remedies? We Have Many More At Homemaking For God
- Learn about the wonderful benefits of clove.
- Did you know a hot toddy can sooth a cold?
- Check out the amazing health benefits and side effects of hibiscus tea.
- Here is a list of old home remedies that actually work!
- These are the best books on natural healing and herbal remedies.
- Take a look at the health benefits of garlic!
- Turns out ginger also has health benefits as well.
Well, we now know that red yeast rice is good for lowering cholesterol… what do you think about this supplement?
