What Can I Take Instead of Statins to Lower Cholesterol?

Statins are a group of drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Statins are widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. However, statins are not suitable for everyone and may cause some unwanted side effects, such as muscle pain, fatigue, and increased risk of diabetes.

In this article, you will learn about:

The Dual Nature of Statins
Why Do Statins Consume Energy?
What Can I Use Instead of Statins to Lower Cholesterol?
What Can Naturally and Quickly Lower Cholesterol?

The Dual Nature of Statins
Why Do Statins Consume Energy?
What Can I Use Instead of Statins to Lower Cholesterol?
What Can Naturally and Quickly Lower Cholesterol?
Frequently Asked Questions

The Dual Nature of Statins

Statins have long been recognized as a savior for heart disease patients. They can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, that can clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins can also reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and improve the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessels, that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and blood flow.

Despite the positive impact of statins on heart health, some studies reveal lesser-known issues: energy depletion, increased diabetes risk, and muscle pain for many individuals. According to a systematic review of 11 epidemiological studies (involving nearly 47 million participants) published in the journal “Diabetes Care” in 2019, statin use was associated with a 9% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the research indicated that statins weaken blood sugar control and elevate fasting blood sugar levels.

The perplexity arises as many advantages of statins, such as reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress, and enhancing endothelial function, all contribute to improving rather than lowering insulin sensitivity. The exact mechanism by which statins affect insulin resistance remains uncertain. A study published in the journal “Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology” in 2021 also discovered an increased risk of type 2 diabetes associated with statin use, although the specific mechanism remains unclear. Despite these risks, most researchers and healthcare professionals still consider the benefits of statins outweighing the harms.

Why Do Statins Consume Energy?

Fatigue and muscle pain seem prevalent when using statins. A study of over 350 statin users found that 93% reported muscle pain and fatigue, while 85% reported feeling weak. These symptoms can affect the quality of life and adherence to the treatment, leading to poor outcomes.

The impact of statins on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) seems to be a contributing factor. CoQ10 is a crucial co-factor for mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of cells responsible for generating energy at the cellular level. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant that protects the cells from oxidative damage. However, statins can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body, as they block the same enzyme that produces both cholesterol and CoQ10. Therefore, depleting CoQ10 can lead to the consumption of cellular energy by statins.

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (involving 575 participants) published in the journal “Pharmacological Research” in 2015 showed that statin therapy significantly reduced the serum levels of CoQ10 by 0.43 μmol/L compared with placebo. The reduction was greater in those taking higher doses of statins and for longer periods of time. The authors suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial for statin users to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of statins on muscle and energy metabolism.

What Can I Use Instead of Statins to Lower Cholesterol?

If you are looking for alternatives to statins, you may want to consider some natural or herbal remedies that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. However, before taking any supplements, you should consult your doctor to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking any other medications. Here are some of the most common and effective alternative treatments to statins:

Niacin: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. Niacin can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raise HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Niacin can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve endothelial function. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials (involving 2,798 participants) published in the journal “The American Journal of Cardiology” in 2010 found that niacin therapy reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, by 25% compared with placebo. However, niacin can also cause some side effects, such as flushing, itching, nausea, and liver damage. Therefore, niacin should be used under medical supervision and with caution.
Red yeast rice: Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese food and medicine that is made by fermenting rice with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice contains a natural substance called monacolin K, which is identical to the active ingredient of a statin drug called lovastatin. Therefore, red yeast rice can lower cholesterol levels by the same mechanism as statins. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials (involving 6,759 participants) published in the journal “Annals of Internal Medicine” in 2016 found that red yeast rice reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol, compared with placebo. However, red yeast rice can also cause the same side effects as statins, such as muscle pain, liver damage, and kidney damage. Moreover, the quality and potency of red yeast rice products can vary widely, and some may contain contaminants or additives that can be harmful. Therefore, red yeast rice should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Plant stanols and sterols: Plant stanols and sterols are naturally occurring substances found in small amounts in many plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetable oils. Plant stanols and sterols have a similar structure to cholesterol and can block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the bloodstream. Plant stanols and sterols can lower LDL cholesterol by 10% to 15% without affecting HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. A meta-analysis of 124 randomized controlled trials (involving 18,144 participants) published in the journal “Nutrients” in 2018 found that plant stanols and sterols reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 8% to 9% Plant stanols and sterols are generally safe and well-tolerated and can be found in some fortified foods, such as margarines, spreads, yogurts, and juices.

Natural and Fast Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in the blood and helps the body to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. However, too much cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, there are some natural and fast ways to lower cholesterol levels, such as:

Eating oats, oat bran, and high-fiber foods. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines. This substance can bind to cholesterol and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. According to a meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials, consuming 5 to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber daily can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, by 5% to 11%. Oats, oat bran, beans, lentils, apples, pears, and psyllium are some of the foods that are rich in soluble fiber.
Using healthy oils and fats. Not all fats are bad for cholesterol. In fact, some fats can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as the “good” cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are two types of healthy fats that can improve cholesterol levels and protect the heart. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, canola oil, avocado, and nuts, while polyunsaturated fats are found in sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, flaxseed, and fatty fish. A meta-analysis of 60 randomized controlled trials found that replacing saturated fats (found in butter, cheese, meat, and coconut oil) with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats can lower LDL cholesterol by 9% to 12%.
Exercising regularly. Physical activity can also help lower cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Exercise can increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood that can raise the risk of heart disease. Exercise can also improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight management, which are all factors that can affect cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or a combination of both. Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing, while examples of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise include running, jumping rope, and high-intensity interval training.

By following these natural and fast ways to lower cholesterol, one can improve their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. However, it is important to consult a doctor before making any major changes to the diet or lifestyle, especially if one has any medical conditions or takes any medications. A doctor can also monitor the cholesterol levels and prescribe medications if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Are statins safe?	Statins are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, they can cause some side effects, such as muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar, and memory problems. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to statins or interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking statins and report any adverse effects.
Who should take statins?	Statins are recommended for people who have high cholesterol levels and a high risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack or stroke. This includes people who have a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or familial hypercholesterolemia. Your doctor can help you determine your risk and whether you need statins.
How long do I need to take statins?	Statins are usually prescribed for long-term use, as they help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, some people may be able to stop taking statins after achieving their cholesterol goals and making lifestyle changes. Your doctor can advise you on the duration and dosage of statin therapy.
What are the best natural alternatives to statins?	There is no definitive answer to this question, as different natural remedies may work better for different people. However, some of the most popular and effective natural alternatives to statins include dietary changes, such as eating more fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, and nuts; physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming; and supplements, such as red yeast rice, garlic, niacin, or coenzyme Q10. These natural alternatives can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, but they may not be enough for some people who have very high cholesterol or other risk factors. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before trying any natural alternatives and monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.