The Statin Alternative Part 1: The Holistic Health Benefits of Red Yeast Rice

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by Dr. Kristina Taylor Lewis, ND
on Thursday, August 06, 2009

You may have heard the recent news coverage of the "Statin Alternative" called red yeast rice extract, an ancient remedy from China that may help to reduce cholesterol. It's been in the news over the past few weeks and many patients have been asking about this supplement.

A Naturopathic Doctor Explains Cholesterol and Statin Medications

Statins are common prescriptions used to lower cholesterol. In 2005 almost 30 million people filled prescriptions for a statin medication (e.g. Crestor, Lipitor, Zocor, etc.), but around 20% of those patients experienced the common side effect of muscle pain. (2) As a naturopathic doctor, I have observed this side effect to be even more common than that.

Enter Red Yeast Rice Extract-A Natural Health Approach

Many patients seek out alternatives to lower their cholesterol so they can avoid side effects. Naturopathic doctors knowledgeable about Chinese medicine have long known about red yeast rice. Red yeast rice is an extract of a fungus that grows on a particular type of rice. It works to decrease cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver.

A June 2009 study from the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that when combined with diet and lifestyle changes, red yeast rice can help lower cholesterol without the side effects of conventional medications. This study took 62 patients with high cholesterol who had stopped their statin medication due to muscle pain. Half of them were given 1800 mg of red yeast rice and the other half a placebo. They were all put on a lifestyle change program as well. After 24 weeks, those who received red yeast rice lowered their "bad" LDL cholesterol by 27 percent without the muscle pain (1,4).

Additional research published last year in the American Journal of Cardiology took 5000 patients that had previously had heart attacks and put half on red yeast rice and the other half on a placebo. Five years later, those taking the supplement were 45 percent less likely to have another attack than those taking the placebo (5).

Exercise Caution: Consult Your Physician or Naturopathic Doctor

As a naturopathic doctor I carry red yeast rice in my practice, and have successfully used it with many patients. However, a supplement like this should only be used under the supervision of an experienced doctor or holistic physician in conjunction with other therapies, based on the needs of each individual patient. It is a natural supplement, but still has some potential side-effects and must be treated with respect. Any supplement, including red yeast rice, always works best within the context of a comprehensive health plan that takes into account individual differences, related factors, and a look at the whole person, including lifestyle, medications, and more. To learn more about Statin alternatives and natural health solutions to help lower cholesterol watch for our article The Statin Alternative Part 2 or visit http://www.lewisnaturalhealth.com.

Sources:

1. http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=7846751

2. http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/16/cholesterol.red.yeast.rice/

3. https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Red_Yeast_Rice_Supplements-.../Red_Yeast_Rice/ (NOTE: We have a subscription to Consumer Lab to see this full report. Please contact us if you have specific questions about what is found in this report)

4: David J. Becker, MD; Ram Y. Gordon, MD; Steven C. Halbert, MD; Benjamin French, PhD; Patti B. Morris, RD; and Daniel J. Rader, MD. Red Yeast Rice for Dyslipidemia in Statin-Intolerant Patients. Annals of Internal Medicine.16 June 2009 | Volume 150 Issue 12 | Pages 830-839

5. Lu Z, Kou W, Du B, Wu Y, Zhao S, Brusco OA, Morgan JM, Capuzzi DM; Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study Group, Li S. Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, Peoples Republic of China. Effect of Xuezhikang, an extract from red yeast Chinese rice, on coronary events in a Chinese population with previous myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 2008 Jun 15;101(12):1689-93.

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About the Author - Dr. Kristina Taylor Lewis, ND

Contact Dr. Kristina Taylor Lewis, ND:
Lewis Family Natural Health
(828) 298-4800
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