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Alternatives to Cholesterol-lowering Statin Medications

Cholesterol-lowering statin medications are among the most commonly prescribed medications by physicians. However, they come with a risk of myopathy (muscle fatigue, pain, and damage), fatigue, liver and also kidney damage, memory loss or confusion, and type 2 diabetes. As a result, patients and their doctors are choosing natural therapies to balance lipid levels. And as I covered in a previous article, The Cholesterol Study You Never Heard About, the efficiency of statin drugs can be misleading.

There has been much research showing that the Mediterranean Diet, low carbohydrate diet, and plant-based diets work in balancing lipid levels. This is particularly true when regular exercise is followed, hormones are balanced, and body weight and fat percentage are reduced.

Using targeted dietary supplements is beneficial in achieving better lipid balance. A lot of my patients see good improvement in their lipid worths with our Cholesterol Wellness formula. The formula consists of:

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice (RYR) is frequently suggested by holistic doctors for lipid balancing as an alternative to cholesterol-lowering statin medications. This dietary supplement has been recommended by the European Cardiology Society as well as European Atherosclerosis Society since 2011 for the management of high cholesterol. In addition, the International Lipid Expert Panel recognizes support for RYR for reducing moderately elevated LDL-cholesterol. The panel reports that RYR is well tolerated, and side effects are usually minimal. There have been multiple studies performed with RYR for lowering cholesterol. A review of studies in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that large meta-analyses of randomized trials show the benefit of RYR for people with high cholesterol. A decrease of LDL cholesterol from 15% to 25% can be reached within 8 weeks. Cholesterol Wellness has a citrinin-free extract, the same type as suggested by the expert panels, as high doses of citrinin may have toxic effects on the kidneys.

Flush Free Niacin

Niacin has long been used in nutritional medicine and cardiology for boosting lipid levels. Niacin can improve good HDL cholesterol while decreasing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. However, niacin is notorious for causing flushing of the skin as well as other side effects associated with the dilation of blood vessels. Cholesterol Health contains a flush-free version to avoid these side effects.

Chromium

Chromium is frequently utilized in nutritional medicine for blood glucose balancing. Nevertheless, it also has benefits on lipid levels. For example, a recent review of studies found that it reduced triglycerides and total cholesterol, and also increased HDL cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Garlic Powder

Garlic, as a food and as a supplement, is used to maintain lipid balance. A review of garlic studies published in the journal Medicine found that garlic lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Consuming garlic as a good and also taking it in the form of a dietary supplement is a nutritional approach recommended by a lot of holistic physicians.

Coenzyme Q10

Regarded as a cardiovascular super-nutrient, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ0) has multiple benefits for the heart and blood vessels. CoQ10 works as an antioxidant to protect against LDL cholesterol oxidation. The oxidized form of LDL cholesterol is the most harmful form of LDL cholesterol. In addition, CoQ10 supports healthy heart function and blood vessel health. Cholesterol Wellness includes CoQ10 for its numerous cardiovascular benefits.

Raw Whole Food Blend

Just like a lot of my formulas, the Cholesterol Wellness contains a blend of raw, whole foods to promote digestive function, absorption, and provide phytonutrient support to the body.

A Multifaceted Approach to Lipid Balancing

Cholesterol Wellness provides targeted nutritional therapy for lipid balancing. While red yeast rice is the top ingredient, the other ingredients target essential aspects of cardiovascular health to provide synergistic support. For patients that have raised LDL particles, Cholesterol Wellness can also be beneficial. Some patients also take our Bergamot Wellness for extra cholesterol and LDL particle improvements.