Red Yeast Rice: A Natural Approach to Cholesterol Management
Red yeast rice is a fermented rice that has several therapeutic uses. Therefore, it has been part of traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. In today’s times, it is available in the markets as a supplement across the world. This is because the use of red yeast rice for cholesterol management is quite popular in many countries. Moreover, multiple studies have also indicated the benefits of red yeast rice for heart health. Apart from these benefits, it may cause certain side effects. This write-up offers an in-depth insight into the use of red yeast rice for therapeutic purposes. Here, we will also shed light on the debate around red yeast rice versus prescription statins and natural statins in red yeast rice.
What is Red Yeast Rice?
Red yeast rice is the output of white rice fermentation using a yeast known as Monascus Purpureus. One of the main compounds found in red yeast rice is monacolin K. This compound has cholesterol-lowering properties. Therefore, monacolin K is also an important ingredient of the prescription cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin (Altoprev). To cure high cholesterol and heart diseases, people take this supplement orally.
Benefits of Red Yeast Rice for Heart Health and Additional Advantages: -
There are several health benefits of consuming red yeast rice supplements. Its benefits are not limited to being a natural cholesterol-reducer. Most health and fitness enthusiasts are scarcely informed of these benefits. To get knowledge about the advantages of red yeast rice consumption, go through the list mentioned below.
Red Yeast Rice Versus Prescription Statins: -
Due to its serum cholesterol-reducing property, red yeast rice is often suggested as an alternative therapy to cure hypercholesterolemia for patients who are averse to statins. The reason behind this suggestion is the presence of natural statins in red yeast rice. It contains a cholesterol-reducing compound, monacolin K. This substance is also found in a statin drug, lovastatin. However, red yeast rice can not supplant the satin. This is because of the restrictions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the sale of red yeast rice that has a high concentration of monacolin K.
While the lowest dose of lovastatin has 20mg content of monacolin K, for red yeast rice products available in the market, this value varied between 0.1mg to 10.9mg. Therefore, statins are much more effective in curing high-cholesterol conditions than red yeast rice. In addition, as a supplement, they are sold without getting tested for effectiveness and quality, unlike FDI-approved statin drugs. Hence, most medical experts do not suggest the use of red yeast rice as an alternative to statins.
Red Yeast Rice Side Effects and Safety Measures: -
Yes, one should use red yeast to get the benefits it offers. On the flip side, they also keep in mind its potential side effects and measures to prevent it. Below, we have discussed these side effects and safety measures against it at great length.
- Potential Liver Problems
Side Effect: Red yeast rice may lead to liver damage and dysfunction.
Safety Measure: Regular liver function tests should be conducted when taking red yeast rice supplements. If symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine production, abdominal discomfort or other discomfort arise while using them, discontinue use immediately and seek healthcare advice immediately.
- Excruciating Muscle Pain
Side Effect: Some users may experience excruciating muscle pain or weakness as one of their side effects from taking statin drugs.
Safety Measure: Be wary of any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness after taking red yeast rice; if this occurs consult your healthcare provider immediately and discontinue use immediately. Those who are susceptible to muscle problems should use red yeast rice with caution or opt out altogether.
- Headache
Side Effect: - Red yeast rice may cause headaches in some individuals.
Safety Measure: - As a precautionary measure, reduce or discontinue use if headaches continue or worsen and ensure adequate hydration and consulting a healthcare provider for treatment are recommended if headaches become persistent or intense.
- Gasoline
Side Effect: - Digestive issues such as gas or bloating may arise.
Safety Measure: - For maximum comfort, try taking red yeast rice supplements with meals to minimize discomfort. Begin at a lower dosage level and gradually increase as your body adjusts; if gas persists consult your physician about probiotic supplements as an option.
- Dizziness
Side Effect: As with any medication, red yeast rice may cause dizziness in some individuals who take it.
Safety measure: If dizziness occurs, avoid activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Take your supplement at bedtime in order to potentially minimize this side effect and if symptoms persist or worsen consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion: -
To conclude this write-up, we can state that the use of red yeast rice for cholesterol management has other health benefits, too. This list includes the benefits of red yeast rice for heart health, improved blood circulation, low inflammation, less risk of cancer, etc. Moreover, monacolin K is a natural statin found in red yeast rice. That’s why it often raises the debate around red yeast rice vs prescription statins.
