Why you should avoid red yeast rice?
“Like statins, red yeast rice can cause exactly the same side effects as statins, and that includes muscle, liver, and kidney problems,” Lipman says. “And, even more important, red yeast rice supplements, like most supplements, aren’t standardized, so there’s no way to know the quantity or quality of the ingredients you are taking,” Lipman says.
What you should know about red yeast rice side effects?
Yet, like a statin, it can cause several unwanted side effects, including:
- Liver damage
- Muscle damage and pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gas and bloating
Does red yeast rice help weight loss?
Several studies show that red yeast rice can help control your weight. We know that obesity is one of the risk factors for getting heart disease. Red yeast rice offers the best natural way to control your cholesterol levels. However, more studies need to be carried out before we can say with 100 percent surety that it can help you fight weight loss.
Is red yeast rice bad for You?
Red yeast rice might contain monacolin K, which can cause liver damage in some people. Taking red yeast rice with these types of drugs, herbs and supplements could increase the risk of liver damage. Niacin. Taking red yeast rice with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of myopathy.
What are the side effects of taking red yeast rice?
Side effects of red yeast rice are rare but can include:Headache.Stomachache or bloating.Gas.Dizziness.Heartburn.Muscle aches and weakness. This can lead to a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Stop taking red yeast rice immediately and call your doctor.
How long should you take red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice has most often been used by adults in doses of 600 mg by mouth twice daily, for up to 4.5 years. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
How long does it take for red rice yeast to lower cholesterol?
In particular, its effectiveness is directly related to the amount of monacolin K within the extract (up to 10 mg/day). Consuming monacolin K on a daily basis reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol plasma levels between 15% and 25% within 6 to 8 weeks.
What are the cons of red yeast rice?
Additionally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that red yeast rice products may contain citrinin, a toxin that can lead to kidney failure. It adds that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking statins should avoid red yeast rice.
What supplements should not be taken with red yeast rice?
Avoid using red yeast rice together with other herbal/health supplements that can harm your liver, such androstenedione, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, germander, kava, niacin, pennyroyal oil, and others. Grapefruit may interact with red yeast rice and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
When should I take red yeast rice morning or night?
Take the red yeast rice supplement before you go to bed, whether your belly is full or not. Because the body naturally produces more cholesterol at night, you'll wind up benefiting more from the supplement this way.
Is red rice yeast safer than statins?
While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs. Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin. However, with a supplement, there's less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product.
What is the best natural supplement to lower cholesterol?
What are the best supplements for lowering cholesterol?Phytosterols.Red yeast rice.Beta-glucans.Flaxseed.Omega-3 fatty acids.Psyllium.Green tea.Risks and side effects.More items...•
Can red yeast rice raise blood pressure?
May promote heart health One review of 21 studies found that red yeast rice was effective at reducing levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and blood pressure, when combined with statin drugs ( 6 ).
What can I take instead of statins to lower cholesterol?
7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statinsFibrates. Mostly used for lowering triglyceride levels in patients whose levels are very high and could cause pancreatitis. ... Plant stanols and sterols. ... Cholestyramine and other bile acid-binding resins. ... Niacin. ... Policosanol. ... Red yeast rice extract (RYRE) ... Natural products.
Does red yeast rice make you pee more?
A recent study of a dozen red yeast rice supplements found that four were laced with high levels of citrinin, a fungus toxin that acts like a diuretic, so you will pee a lot.
Do you need to take CoQ10 with red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice also may deplete CoQ10 from the body. It is important to supplement your diet with CoQ10, 150 - 200 mg at night, while you are taking red yeast rice products, and for 4 weeks after you stop taking red yeast rice.
Do you need to take CoQ10 with red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice also may deplete CoQ10 from the body. It is important to supplement your diet with CoQ10, 150 - 200 mg at night, while you are taking red yeast rice products, and for 4 weeks after you stop taking red yeast rice.
How long does it take to lower cholesterol?
There is no set period in which cholesterol is guaranteed to drop. Cholesterol-lowering drugs usually produce a change in LDL within 6 to 8 weeks. It is possible for lifestyle changes to change cholesterol levels within weeks. However, it may take longer, usually about 3 months — sometimes more.
Does red yeast rice cause weight gain?
Helps You Lose Weight and Controls Obesity Studies show that red yeast rice helps to control your weight. Red yeast rice is one of the best natural ways to control your cholesterol levels.
How can I lower my cholesterol in 30 days?
5 Easy Steps to Reduce Cholesterol in 30 DaysSwitch to a Mediterranean Diet. ... Increase Exercise. ... Supplement Fiber. ... Lose Weight. ... Drink Alcohol in Moderation.