Food supplements based on fermented red rice can help solve the problems of hypercholesterolemia, which are increasingly common.
Some food supplements help to solve the problems of hypercholesterolemia , which afflict about 25% of the population over the age of 36 and this percentage increases to 34% over the age of 65. The causes of this disorder are various: hypercholesterolemia can occur due to genetic modifications or when following a wrong lifestyle; these alterations should not be underestimated, as they could lead to very serious pathologies , such as stroke and heart attack.
Fermented red rice contains an active ingredient called monacolin K which acts in a very similar way to drugs administered to reduce cholesterol. In fact, supplements based on fermented red rice could be a valid aid to improve one’s condition.
Let’s find out which ones are the best.
- What is fermented red rice?
- What are the best fermented red rice supplements?
- What are the recommended dosages of monacolin K?
- What are the contraindications of fermented red rice?
- How to increase the effectiveness of fermented red rice supplements?
What is fermented red rice?
Fermented red rice is a product widely used in the East, it originates from the common white rice that is fermented with a mushroom called Monascus Purpureus , which gives the food a purple color along with a particular aroma and texture. Its use is widespread in cooking as a natural food dye , but it is also used in Chinese medicine to revitalize the body, reactivate blood circulation and stimulate digestion.
Scientific studies have shown that this food contains a metabolite capable of counteracting hyperlipidemia which promotes atherosclerosis and, therefore, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. During fermentation form of molecules called monacolins and one that has proven to have a proven effectiveness in reducing triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, it is defined with the letter K . Its structure is very similar to Lovastatin , a drug belonging to the statin class , capable of inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductasewhich intervenes in the first stage of the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol. In addition to this, it stimulates the production of LDL receptors and, at the same time, reduces the levels of triglycerides.
What are the best fermented red rice supplements?
There are many supplements on the market to fight high cholesterol and consequently prevent the onset of heart disease. Most of these include fermented red rice among the ingredients that is combined with other natural extracts to improve their effectiveness or solve related problems.
In some situations, in fact, in addition to cholesterol, homocysteine also accumulates in the body and the combination of these two substances increases vascular damage, making cardiac alterations more likely. To counteract this process, folic acid present, together with fermented red rice, in Sofar Lipid Fructan and also in Named Cardionam Tablets can be administered .
Another highly used combination is that with artichoke which favors the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids which, in turn, facilitate the digestion of lipids; in this case you can use Dr. Giorgini Colevis 500 ml , to be taken twice a day added to a glass of water.
Other supplements that contain monacolin K are added with coenzyme Q10 , such as Specchiasol No Colest or Laborest Esteròl 10 , a powerful antioxidant that opposes LDL peroxidation, reducing cardiovascular risk.
Most of the supplements based on fermented red rice are in capsules or tablets , those who have problems swallowing these pharmaceutical forms may prefer the sachets to be dissolved in water, such as Shedirpharma Cardiolipid , or the buccal sticks , for example Ibsa Colesia Oralgel , from also take on the go as there is no need to add them to a liquid.
Those who have food intolerances to gluten should select fermented red rice supplements free of this protein, such as Akademy Pharma Lopiglik tablets ; those who, on the other hand, do not tolerate lactose , may prefer capsules that do not include this excipient, such as Ibsa Colesia Capsule .
If you want to follow a cycle based on supplements with monacolin K, packs with 60 dosage units are very useful , such as Rottapharm Armolipid Plus Tablets and Esi Normolip .
What are the recommended dosages of monacolin K?
Effective dosages of monacolin K can be quantified between 3 and 10 mg , most supplements contain the maximum concentration allowed in each dosage unit, so they must be taken only once a day , as happens for Sella Lipicol Retard , preferably after the evening meal because, like statins, in this time slot they have shown greater efficacy. To see results you need to take it continuously for at least 3 months, after which blood tests can be done to ascertain the reduction in cholesterol. Studies have shown that fermented red rice is able to reduce the quantities of LDL by 20-25%, while no changes in HDL have been highlighted, neither positive nor negative. It is good to know that once the administration of the supplement is interrupted, even the LDL, slowly, return to normal levels, especially if you do not change your lifestyle, therefore, it is advisable to associate these products with a correct diet and physical activity. , taking them throughout the year in cycles.
What are the contraindications of fermented red rice?
The supplements based on fermented red rice, like statins, can create side effects and intolerances , the most common ones are flatulence, heartburn, dizziness, liver damage, muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis and skin reactions. For this reason, although they can be sold without a prescription, it is always advisable to consult your doctor if you intend to start therapy. It should be remembered that its use in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended, furthermore attention must be paid to interactions , therefore, joint administration with substances that inhibit the metabolism of monacolin K, such as antifungals and grapefruit juice, should be avoided, because this could cause serious alterationsmuscular and hepatic . Commercial formulations should not contain citrinin , a secondary metabolite toxic to kidney and liver; in fact, the companies that market this type of supplements are required by law to subject the fermented red rice to purification processes in order to reduce the concentration of the aforementioned substance below 2 ppm.
How to increase the effectiveness of fermented red rice supplements?
When you begin a cycle of supplements of red yeast rice, as Pharmalife Biostatine Forte 60 tablets , is essential to involve the activity of monacolin K is also a healthy lifestyle . Specifically, particular attention should be paid to the diet that follows: this should be low in saturated fatty acids , present in butter, sausages, aged cheeses, fried foods, etc. The Mediterranean or DASH diet is often recommended(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), both rich in fresh seasonal vegetables, fruit, occasionally dried fruit, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, and fish. At the same time, the consumption of red meat and simple sugars contained in sweets should be reduced. It is also necessary to avoid excessive sedentary lifestyle by deciding to practice moderate to intense physical activity, for a total of 2 and a half hours per week. Those who are overweight should consult a nutritionist to try to reach their ideal weight; those who smoke, on the other hand, should give up the habit. These changes to one’s lifestyle, in the long term, lead to a reduction of LDL by 5 to 15%, this is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.