What is the Difference Between Plant Sterols and Statins

Statins work by directly reducing the amount of cholesterol made in the liver. Plant sterols work by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. Neither interferes with each other's mode of action, which means the cholesterol-lowering effect of one is added to the other.

1. Are plant sterols as good as statins?
2. Can I take statins and plant sterols?
3. What is the best natural cholesterol lowering supplement?
4. What are the side effects of plant sterols?
5. What reduces cholesterol quickly?
6. Which nut is highest in sterols?
7. What foods should be avoided when taking statins?
8. Which statin has the least amount of side effects?
9. Can I refuse to take statins?
10. Is there an alternative to statins?
11. Are bananas good for cholesterol?
12. Are eggs bad for cholesterol?

Are plant sterols as good as statins?

Plant sterols may not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke like statins do. However, it is proven that sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Can I take statins and plant sterols?

If you're taking statins, it's fine to use plant stanol or sterol products. As they work in different ways to reduce cholesterol, the effect can be cumulative.

What is the best natural cholesterol lowering supplement?

9 Natural Cholesterol Reducers

• Soluble fiber.
• Psyllium.
• Phytosterols.
• Soy.
• Garlic.
• Red yeast rice.
• Ginger.
• Flaxseed.

What are the side effects of plant sterols?

Safety

• Plant sterols/stanols are generally safe for most healthy people. Side effects include diarrhea or fat in the stool.
• In people with sitosterolemia, high plant sterol levels have been associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerosis.

What reduces cholesterol quickly?

The following dietary changes may help a person reduce their cholesterol as quickly as possible.

• Eliminate trans fats. ...
• Reduce saturated fats. ...
• Add more plant foods. ...
• Increase fiber intake. ...
• Increase plant protein sources. ...
• Eat less refined food.

Which nut is highest in sterols?

4 The following nuts have the highest phytosterol content:

• Almonds — 161 mg per 100 g serving.
• Walnuts — 143 mg per 100 g serving.
• Pistachios — 271 mg per 100 g serving.
• Cashews — 120 mg per 100 g serving.
• Pecans — 150 mg per 100 g serving5

What foods should be avoided when taking statins?

A: While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems.

Which statin has the least amount of side effects?

In the analysis of 135 previous studies, which included nearly 250,000 people combined, researchers found that the drugs simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) had the fewest side effects in this class of medications. They also found that lower doses produced fewer side effects in general.

Can I refuse to take statins?

We know that for patients at high risk, statins can do this — and potentially save lives. Before you refuse to take a statin or stop taking a statin, consult your doctor. He or she can explain why you may benefit from the drug or help you find a different statin if you experience side effects.

Is there an alternative to statins?

There are many non-statin medications your doctor might prescribe: Bile acid-binding resins, like cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam (WelChol), and colestipol (Colestid) stick to cholesterol-rich bile acids in your intestines and lower your LDL levels.

Are bananas good for cholesterol?

Fruits like avocados and apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and bananas can help lower cholesterol. Cholesterol is a material produced in the liver that your body needs to make hormones, vitamin D and other substances.

Are eggs bad for cholesterol?

The science is clear that up to 3 whole eggs per day are perfectly safe for healthy people. Summary Eggs consistently raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol. For 70% of people, there is no increase in total or LDL cholesterol. Some people may experience a mild increase in a benign subtype of LDL.