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Alternatives to Statins

Statins are a group of medications designed to inhibit the production of HMG CoA-reductase, one of the major components of cholesterol. For many people with high cholesterol, statins can dramatically reduce the risk of stroke, peripheral artery disease, or heart attack. Unfortunately, statins do not work well for everyone and some patients suffer from side effects. Consider statin alternatives in these situations.

  1. Red Yeast Rice

    • This is a fermented rice product that develops its distinct color by being grown with mold. Popular in Asian dishes, it has also been an important component of Chinese medicine for centuries. Red yeast rice has only recently made the jump into the Western mainstream, where it is being used as an alternative to statin medications. Sold over the counter in health food stores, red yeast rice works similar to prescription medications -- it inhibits the amount of HMG CoA-reductase, reducing cholesterol. According to a study by Dr. David J. Becker at the University of Pennsylvania, regular doses of red yeast rice can reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol 20% to 45%.

    Policosanol

    • Policosanol offers a potentially sweet solution to cholesterol problems. This sugar cane extract is technically a waxy form of alcohol which seems reduce LDL levels, or "bad" cholesterol, while increasing "good" cholesterol, or HDL. Our bodies need a certain amount of cholesterol to function. It is an essential component in cell structures and is required for the production of hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. In addition to helping people achieve healthier cholesterol levels, policosanol also helps improve circulation by discouraging platelet collection along the blood vessels. This leads to lower blood pressure and a drastic reduction in the risk of blood clots.

    Lifestyle

    • Make lifestyle changes to bolster the effects of these remedies. To lower your cholesterol levels without pills, eat a low-fat/high fiber diet, reduce your dietary cholesterol intake and get more exercise. Soluble dietary fiber attaches itself to cholesterol while passing through the digestive tract, removing it from your system as a waste product. Exercise burns fat. When fat is converted into energy, the liver makes more HDL (good cholesterol). HDL collects LDL and carries it back to the liver, effectively removing it from your system.

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