When it comes to lowering cholesterol, there is a wide range of medications that are prescribed for 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 such as indigestion, poor circulation, and diarrhea.

The supplement It is created by fermenting special yeast over rice. This yeast not only gives rice its red color, it also causes natural substances called statins to develop. The statin is used in many cholesterol-lowering medications because of its ability to stop the production of cholesterol. Because it is found naturally in the supplement, many people opt for this product, especially if they have negative side effects related to cholesterol-lowering medications.

Grape juice

People who are taking or plan to take the supplement and who also enjoy eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, should take extra precautions. Grapefruit has been shown to enhance the overall effects of statins (found in red yeast rice). It has also been shown to increase the concentration of HM-CoA reduction inhibitors in the blood by 15 times normal levels. When this occurs, it greatly increases the chance of possible liver damage and negative side effects. Because supplements have been shown to act similarly to statins, it is very important that people taking the supplement avoid grapefruit-based products.

People should take the time to speak with their healthcare professional for more information regarding red yeast rice and grapefruit. The amount of grapefruit in an individual’s diet should not be increased or decreased without first consulting with the physician. There could be serious side effects that could occur if it is done.

Red yeast rice is a great supplement for treating cholesterol. Many people have had great success with it. It is important for people to be careful when taking this product along with grapefruit. Some serious side effects can occur and they can be potentially dangerous.