Dr. BT's Blog
Leading authorities are advocating red yeast rice as an effective way to lower cholesterol (e.g., this article on WebMD), despite the fact that the primary ingredient in these red yeast rice supplements, lovastatin, is also the active pharmaceutical ingredient in prescription drugs for high cholesterol such as Mevacor, Lipitor, Zocor, and Statins. In fact, lovastatin was originally derived from another type of red yeast called Monascus ruber (read this article). For these prescription drugs, there have been many known side effects such as liver damage during long term use. For extensive drug side effect, review this article. Therefore, 1. Don't take "expert" advice for granted. Make your own research because in the end, it's your body which takes these drug or natural supplements in, not the experts'. 2. "Natural" does not mean "food". 3. Always take the lifestyle change approach to fix your issues if you can. Go to drugs or potent natural supplements when you have to, knowing the side effects.
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