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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Red Yeast Rice Help In Lowering Cholesterol Levels?

I was wondering, I have had hypothyroidism for over 25 years all under control. Recently my cholesterol has gone up and I really don t want to take a statin. I am 57 in good health, I take levothyroxine and escitalopram 20 mg. I know I need to exercise more but I have been studying for my BSN. So my question is have any more reputable studies been done on red yeast rice to lower cholesterol. Oh I also get chronic Kidney stones and have no idea why.
Fri, 26 Mar 2021
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Even though red yeast rice is supposed to lower the cholesterol levels however it is laden with almost same side effects as the cholesterol reducing drugs. It has shown renal failure in some cases of long term use as per some studies. I would advise you to take statins which have more potential to reduce the cholesterol levels than any other supplement. If you don't want to take medications then exercise and fiber rich fat free diet are the only 2 options with you.

You must reduce your weight also as weight gain and high cholesterol go hand in hand. Take plenty of cereals like oats, barley etc., green leafy vegetables. Introduce more fruits and vegetables in diet and avoid meat, egg, milk, junk food, fried food, snacks etc. Have salad before every meal to reduce the appetite and over eating. Eat small frequent meals and avoid staying hungry for long time in order to reduce craving for food rich in carbohydrates. Replace proper meal with oats for dinner. This will definitely reduce your total cholesterol.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Anoop Kumar, General & Family Physician
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Does Red Yeast Rice Help In Lowering Cholesterol Levels?

Hi, Even though red yeast rice is supposed to lower the cholesterol levels however it is laden with almost same side effects as the cholesterol reducing drugs. It has shown renal failure in some cases of long term use as per some studies. I would advise you to take statins which have more potential to reduce the cholesterol levels than any other supplement. If you don t want to take medications then exercise and fiber rich fat free diet are the only 2 options with you. You must reduce your weight also as weight gain and high cholesterol go hand in hand. Take plenty of cereals like oats, barley etc., green leafy vegetables. Introduce more fruits and vegetables in diet and avoid meat, egg, milk, junk food, fried food, snacks etc. Have salad before every meal to reduce the appetite and over eating. Eat small frequent meals and avoid staying hungry for long time in order to reduce craving for food rich in carbohydrates. Replace proper meal with oats for dinner. This will definitely reduce your total cholesterol. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Anoop Kumar, General & Family Physician