Lowering Cholesterol without Statins. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in preventive cardiology, describes ways to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol without taking prescription drugs called statins. Can 'natural' remedies lower high cholesterol without statins? Exercise on its own doesn't lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) much - often only a few points. Exercise helps minimize many heart disease risk factors, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Make a point to exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes each day. If you want to reduce your cholesterol without losing your shirt to the big drug companies, ask your healthcare provider about generic statin drugs. They're readily available, cheap (perhaps even cheaper than RYR), and as a bonus, the dosage you're getting will actually be known and can be controlled and adjusted to optimize your results. Statins are widely used drugs for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events, but they also have some drawbacks and side effects. This article reviews the pros and cons of statin therapy, based on the latest evidence and guidelines. It also discusses the factors that influence the decision to start, continue, or stop statins in different situations. Certain drugs can lower cholesterol levels. Statins. Statins are the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs. They can dramatically lower "bad" LDL cholesterol by 60% or more Red yeast rice can cause mild side effects, including: Abdominal discomfort. Heartburn. Gas. Headache. Dizziness. Red yeast rice might contain monacolin K, the same ingredient that is in the prescription cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. Lovastatin side effects include liver damage and muscle disorders (myopathy). Familial hypercholesterolemia cannot be treated by diet and exercise alone. These lifestyle changes can help, but medications are required when LDL cholesterol levels need to be reduced significantly (at least 50%). Treatment usually involves a statin drug, and other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe, also may be required sh6wR1.

can you lower cholesterol without statins