Red Yeast Rice and Grapefruit Products

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When it comes to lowering cholesterol, there are a wide range of medications that are prescribed to people. Many times people shy away from these drugs and go for 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 if it is safe to be used with grapefruit.

What is Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice is a natural supplement that many people use to help reduce their cholesterol levels. It has been used for hundreds of years in China as a food coloring, preservative and spice. Aside from being used in food, it has also been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for various health issues such as indigestion, poor circulation and diarrhea.

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

Grapefruit juice

People who are taking or plan to take the supplement and 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 boost the concentration of blood HM-CoA reducaste inhibitors by 15 times the normal levels. When this occurs, this greatly increases the chance of possible liver damage and negative side effects. Because the supplements have been shown to act similar to statins, it is very important that people who are taking the supplement should avoid grapefruit based products.

Individuals should take the time to speak with 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 talking to the doctor first. There could be serious side effects that could occur if done.

Red Yeast Rice is a great supplement for the treatment of cholesterol. Many people have had great success with it. It is important that people be careful in taking this product along with grapefruit. Some serious side effects can occur and it can be potentially dangerous.