Red Yeast Rice and Grapefruit Products
When it comes to lowering cholesterol, there is a wide range of medications that are prescribed to people. Many times people avoid these medications and seek more natural ways to control their cholesterol levels. One product that people use is red yeast rice. This article will look at red yeast rice and whether it is safe to use with grapefruit.
What is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a natural supplement that many people use to help lower their cholesterol levels. It has been used for hundreds of years in China as a food coloring, preservative, and spice. In addition to being used in food, it has also been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for various health problems, including indigestion, poor circulation, and diarrhea.
the supplement it is created by fermenting special yeast in rice. This yeast not only gives rice its red color, but also causes natural substances called statins to develop. Statins are used in many cholesterol-lowering drugs because of their ability to stop cholesterol production. Because it occurs naturally in the supplement, many people opt for this product, especially if they have negative side effects related to cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Grape juice
People who take or plan to take the supplement and also like to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice should take extra precautions. Grapefruit has been shown to improve the overall effects of statins (found in red yeast rice). It has also been shown to increase the concentration of HM-CoA reductase inhibitors in the blood 15 times higher than normal levels. When this occurs, the chance of liver damage and negative side effects is greatly increased. Because the supplements have been shown to act in a similar way to statins, it is very important that people taking the supplement avoid grapefruit-based products.
People should take the time to talk to their healthcare professional if they want more information related to red yeast rice and grapefruit. The amount of grapefruit in an individual’s diet should not be increased or decreased without first talking to the doctor. There could be serious side effects that could occur if it is done.
Red Yeast Rice is a great supplement for cholesterol treatment. Many people have had great success with it. It is important for people to be careful when taking this product together with grapefruit. Some serious side effects can occur and it can be potentially dangerous.