Take These To Lower Cholesterol! (Statin Alternatives)

Summary

This video explores natural alternatives to statins for managing cholesterol levels, including Bergamot and Berberine, which can lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol differently from statins. It also discusses potential side effects and the importance of supplement regulation. Other alternatives like simarine, phytosterols, and red yeast rice are covered, with a focus on their cholesterol-lowering effects and safety concerns. The video concludes with a teaser on addressing the root cause of high cholesterol through tackling insulin resistance in a follow-up video.

Takeaways

• 💊 Statins are the most prescribed drugs globally, but some people cannot tolerate them due to side effects like muscle pain and weakness.
• 🍊 Bergamot, a citrus fruit from Italy, can lower LDL cholesterol by about 30% and increase HDL cholesterol, offering a milder side effect profile compared to statins.
• 🌿 Berberine, extracted from plants like European barberry, can reduce cholesterol absorption and promote fat burning, but may cause side effects like nausea and stomach pain.
• 🌿 Silymarin, derived from milk thistle, can lower cholesterol, especially in people with type 2 diabetes, and protect the liver, which can be affected by statins.
• 🌾 Phytosterols, found in seed oils and olive oil, can lower cholesterol by about 10% but have minimal effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol.
• 🍚 Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which acts like a statin drug, but its use is illegal in the United States due to its classification as a drug, and it may cause liver and kidney damage.
• 🚫 Some supplements may not contain the advertised amount of active ingredients or may be contaminated, so it's crucial to be cautious with their use.
• 🔄 Combining natural alternatives with statins might allow for lower doses and fewer side effects, but it's important to monitor for potential interactions.
• 🌱 The video suggests that addressing insulin resistance naturally can lead to a reduction in cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure without the need for medication.
• ⏭ The next video will provide insights on how to naturally and permanently lower cholesterol by tackling insulin resistance.

Q & A

What are some alternatives to statins for lowering cholesterol?

Some alternatives to statins mentioned in the script include Bergamot, berberine, simarine, phytosterols, and red yeast rice.

How does Bergamot help in lowering cholesterol?

Bergamot can lower LDL cholesterol by about 30% and increase HDL cholesterol. It works differently from statins, making it a potential alternative for those who cannot tolerate statins.

What are the potential side effects of using Bergamot for cholesterol management?

Side effects from Bergamot are usually mild, such as nausea or stomach discomfort. However, it can also lower blood sugar, which is important for those already taking blood sugar-lowering medication.

How does berberine work in relation to cholesterol?

Berberine works by stopping the body from absorbing fats in food and helping the body burn stored fat. It can be used as an alternative to statins and may even be combined with them to reduce the required dose and side effects.

What are the common side effects of berberine?

Common side effects of berberine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, stomach pain, and drowsiness.

What is simarine and how is it related to berberine?

Siramine is closely related to berberine and is extracted from milk thistle. It is commonly used for liver problems and can also lower cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. It is connected to berberine because when taken together, they provide better results in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar.

What are phytosterols and how do they help with cholesterol?

Phytosterols are plant-based substances similar to cholesterol found in seed oils and olive oil. They can help lower cholesterol by about 10%, but they don't significantly affect triglycerides or HDL cholesterol levels.

What is red yeast rice and how does it affect cholesterol?

Red yeast rice is produced by fermenting white rice with a particular yeast that produces beneficial chemicals, including monacolin K, which works like the statin drug Lovastatin. It can lower LDL cholesterol by about 25%.

What are the potential risks associated with red yeast rice supplements?

Red yeast rice supplements may contain insufficient active ingredients due to legal restrictions in some countries, and they may produce a poison called citrinin during fermentation, which can damage the liver and kidneys.

What is the natural and permanent way to lower cholesterol mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that addressing insulin resistance can naturally and permanently lower cholesterol, along with improving other health markers like blood sugar and blood pressure.

What are the signs that indicate a bigger problem in the body related to cholesterol?

High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and excess fat around the middle are signs of insulin resistance, which is a bigger underlying issue.