Cholesterol: An Herbalist's Approach

A recent report aired on NBC Evening News found that women who take statins (Lipitor, Crestor) are 50% more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes.  The report was based on the results of 3 different clinical trials which actually surfaced over a year ago.  Why do not more people know about this?  At risk of setting off on a crisis of health care/political rant - suffice to say that statin drugs mean big money for pharmaceutical companies. They would have lots to lose if mass media got a hold of these clinical trial results because it would discourage their use. Especially if the efficacy of herbal remedies in the realm of cholesterol maintenance were to become public knowledge. 

Cholesterol: An Herbalist's Approach...
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

This news is very disturbing (to say the least) especially to the women who were prescribed this medication. It has always boggled my mind about how this medication works - it blocks the enzyme that is linked to the liver's cholesterol production. How can blocking a key function of the liver ever be good long term? This new revelation about statins can now be added to the long list of other side effects I like people to know about when choosing this health option. The key word here is 'option' because there are many other options (like our Liv-Well) available with side benefits, not side effects.  The reference range for what is considered "healthy cholesterol" has steadily been lowered so that it has become more and more difficult for people to achieve a normal cholesterol level.  There is concern as to it being set unrealistically low, especially when considering that its placement is a way for drug companies to increase their sales of statins.  

On the positive side, borderline high cholesterol can also serve as a good incentive for women to improve their diet and lifestyles, including the use of herbal remedies.  If my blood work showed high LDL cholesterol, and my doctor wanted to put me on statins, I would first take 3-6 months to make a few lifestyle and dietary changes.  I would re-test my cholesterol levels after this time to see how I fared. I have seen this approach work in many of my clients over the years, preventing them from statins and their numerous side effects.  For women, especially during perimenopause, there are extreme hormonal fluccuations, which can greatly affect cholesterol levels.  Perhaps consider a blood test twice a year (as opposed to only once), to establish a baseline. Keep in mind that having an optimal ratio of HDL:LDL is more important than a total cholesterol count.

High Cholesterol: A Natural Approach

Liv! Well is a liver tonic
for healthy cholesterol.

Liv! Well: Contains herbs that promote optimal fat and cholesterol metabolism by supporting liver function.  

Intestinal Rescue:  Sufficient dietary fiber is essential for cholesterol maintenance.  This blend contains Psyllium and Guar Gum - both insoluble fibers that bind to excess cholesterol and triglycerides in the large intestine, and escort them out of the body helping to reduce and maintain healthy levels. 

Omega-3 Oils: Choose from fish or flax, good oils are essential for promoting the health and integrity of the heart and blood vessels, keeping them "slick" so that arterial plaque cannot form.

Niacin: A B Vitamin that improves circulation to deter arterial plaque buildup and has been found to increase levels of HDL (the good guys).

Red Yeast Rice w/ CoQ10: Red Yeast Rice contains a natural form of the active ingredient in statins, that work in a similar fashion.  Take with CoQ10, a vital nutrient for health function, as statins inhibit CoQ10 synthesis. 

Exercise Is Essential! It gets the blood moving and the heart pumping, improving circulation and promoting optimal health of the blood vessels.

The Obvious: Quit smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid highly, processed and junk foods, especially those that have unhealthy fats.  Limit pastries, sweets and baked goods, as sugars increase triglyceride levels.

 For more information visit TheHerbalist.com and discover the herbal remedies best suited for your needs.