Q: What can I take to reduce my cholesterol besides pills? I would much prefer something natural rather than the statin my doctor suggested.

A: You probably could please your physician by taking red-yeast rice.  This product contains naturally produced statins that have been shown to lower cholesterol (Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, January 2017).  A combination supplement (Armolipid Plus) with red-yeast rice, policosanol, berberine, folic acid, astaxanthin and coenzyme Q10 has been tested in randomized controlled trials (Atherosclerosis  Supplements, February 2017) It lowers both total and LDL cholesterol.

Other strategies include getting regular exercise; following an anti-inflammatory diet, including nuts, grape juice, cinnamon and chocolate in some meals; and consuming soluble fiber.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times