For people concerned about their heart health, managing blood cholesterol levels is one of the primary steps to take. This is because the silent condition increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, characterised by plaque buildup in the arteries, which in turn raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In individuals who are already battling elevated cholesterol levels, statin therapy has become a cornerstone in its management, effectively lowering the risk of heart-related complications, said Dr A Ravikanth, Senior Cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad. They work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver and work towards lowering levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, he explained further.
But while statins are effective in managing cholesterol, there are certain dietary considerations that individuals taking these medications should be aware of, the doctor noted.
Also Read: Know These 7 Natural Ways To Lower Cholesterol Levels
Grapefruit
According to Dr Ravikanth, one notable interaction with statins involves grapefruit.
He said, “Grapefruit contains compounds that can interfere with the metabolism of certain statins, leading to an increase in their concentration in the blood. This heightened concentration can amplify the side effects of statins, potentially causing muscle pain or liver damage.”
A 2015 review published in the American Journal of Medicine found that grapefruit juice increases blood levels of certain statins, like simvastatin and lovastatin, by 260% and atorvastatin by 80%. However, the same study concluded that the side effects of the reaction are outweighed by the significant benefit the medications hold in preventing heart attacks.
Dr Ravikanth therefore advised individuals taking statins to exercise caution when consuming grapefruit or its juice products.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol with statins can be a harmful combination due to the risk they can cause to your liver. According to Dr Ravikanth, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage, a concern when taking statins, which are metabolised in the liver.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) suggests people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol are at increased risk of getting more serious side effects from statin use.
Additionally, alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of statins, disrupting their ability to lower cholesterol levels.
High-Fat Foods
While statins may be an effective way to manage your cholesterol levels, they do not give you a free pass to eat whatever you want. Although high-fat foods or processed foods do not directly interact with statins, they can affect the cholesterol-lowering benefits of the medication. Therefore, limit foods that are high in trans and saturated fats, like fatty red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and full-fat dairy.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
Things To Remember When Taking Statins
Here are a few things to note if you’re taking statins for cholesterol management:
- Initiate or discontinue statin use only after consulting with your doctor
- Avoid relying solely on medications; adopt heart-healthy lifestyle changes
- Monitor and limit sugar and alcohol consumption
- Opt for foods low in saturated fats
- Prefer monounsaturated fats like olive oil and nuts; include polyunsaturated fats rich in omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, chia seeds, and walnuts
- Indulge in regular exercise
Conclusion
Statins play a significant role in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). However, it is important to consider potential food interactions, as certain dietary choices can impact statin effectiveness. Remember, it is crucial that you do not rely solely on your medications and make healthy lifestyle choices to get faster and more effective results.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your doctor for any queries regarding statins or cholesterol-lowering medications.]