If your cholesterol is anywhere near 200 ng/dL in a fasting blood test, your doctor will most likely prescribe a statin drug like Crestor or Lipitor. Unfortunately, this decision is very shortsighted. It comes from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommendations based on a few studies that seem to indicate statins diminish the risk of heart disease.
The problem is that these studies make unclear connections between lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing heart disease risk. In fact, when taking into consideration the importance of HDL and its effect on lowering overall total cholesterol number, it becomes doubtful this decision to treat is based on science.
Certain supplements help lower cholesterol and are safer than statins, which can block production of coenzyme Q10 and cause serious muscle spasms and breakdown.
Red yeast rice (600- 1,200 mg/day) is the supplement the statins are extracted from and then pharmacologically altered.
No-flush niacin (vitamin B3) also decreases bad cholesterol levels and helps increase HDL cholesterol. Taking 500-1,500 mg at night is a good starting dose.
Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are antioxidants that also help.
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