10 Recommended Ways To Reduce Cholesterol Levels

4. Fibrates

Fibrates are prescription drugs including Tricor and Lopid that may be able to lower triglyceride levels by up to fifty percent and raise HDL or “good” cholesterol levels by up to thirty-five percent. One of the reported cons of these drugs is they do not do much regarding lowering “bad” or LDL cholesterol. They may also cause lots of unwanted side effects such as upset stomach, bloating, gas, digestive upset, nausea, and headaches.

3. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice derives from a fungus that grows in red rice. It contains small amounts of lovastatin, which is a cholesterol lowering compound that might be tolerable for people who cannot take statin drugs. According to endocrinologist Doctor Jacob Warman, red yeast rice works differently for everyone but “it always works to some extent.” A 2008 study found a one hundred fold difference between different brands of red yeast rice supplements, so be sure to read the packaging for proper dosage levels.