Cases of high cholesterol can sometimes be multifactorial meaning there could be several drivers causing the condition. Some people can have an increased sensitivity to dietary cholesterol, or a lack of LDL receptor sites for example.
High cholesterol is classified as either primary hypercholesterolemia which means the cholesterol levels have elevated independently of other health conditions or secondary hypercholesterolemia which is driven by poor lifestyle habits and other underlying conditions.
Risks to your health from having high cholesterol include:
Atherosclerosis – LDL (bad) cholesterol building up and causing a hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart
Heart Attack
Stroke
Peripheral Vascular Disease – fatty deposit build up in the arteries
High Blood Pressure
Statins are the typical treatment advised by your GP to reduce blood cholesterol levels, however there is an alternative that can be used if you aren’t currently on any statins.
RED YEAST RICE EXTRACT
The compound Monocolin K found in red yeast rice extract is the same ingredient that is used in the prescription cholesterol lowering drug called Lovastatin.
Research has shown that with adequate therapeutic levels of Monocolin K may lower your total cholesterol levels, LDL (low density lipoproteins), or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.
So how do I know which one to take? There are a number of different red yeast rice products on the market, however they are not all created equal. Each product provides different levels of Monocolin K, which can be confusing when you are trying to determine how much you need to be consuming daily.
It is best to seek advice from a health professional so a full health history can be taken and the the practitioner can determine if this product is the right fit for you.
Please note that this product must be used with caution, it cannot be taken along with prescription statins as it will have an additive effect and could cause side effects.
If you have high cholesterol and would like to speak to me about lowering your levels naturally, please book a consultation through AMV Nutrition’s website or contact the gold coast based clinic directly on 0451056489.