Ignoring the dangers-of-statin-drugs is not wise
One of the dangers-of-statin-drugs is that they lower cholesterol and one of the benefits of statin drugs is that they lower cholesterol. Now that is what my grandfather would have called a conundrum. The question is which is more important to your life and the quality of life. There is evidence that people with high cholesterol live longer than those with low cholesterol.
Another benefit of statin drugs is that they are anti-inflammatory. But the fact is that you can realize these same or better anti-oxidant (anti-inflammatory) benefits through natural substances such as fresh fruits and vegetables and supplementation with vitamins C and E. In fact statins deplete CoQ10, one of the body’s very effective anti-oxidants.
I have been taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol for more than twenty years. I sometimes read the insert that is found with all prescription drugs but until recently never doubted that the drugs were good for my health. After all, I thought, they would never sell me something that would harm me. Having read about the dangers-of-statin-drugs, I am no longer confident that this is the case. We should all take those inserts very seriously.
In the case of statin drugs, they have some negative side effects that we should all take seriously. These include muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, memory and cognition problems and sexual dysfunction.
Know the six dangers-of-statin-drugs
- Statin
drugs do a good job of lowering cholesterol including cholesterol in the brain,
which is not such a good idea. Cholesterol is a vital part of brain cell membranes
and facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses. Without cholesterol brain
function is hampered leading to cognitive and memory problems. Maintenance of brain health is one of the significant benefits of high cholesterol.
- Statin
drugs deplete your body’s supply of Coenzyme Q10. It has been found that
falling levels of CoQ10, L-carnitine, and magnesium accompany heart failure and
a decline in general health and energy. Coenzyme
Q10 (ubiquinone) supports the production of energy in the cells in our
bodies including our heart cells. Our bodies naturally produce CoQ10 but it is
possible for our bodies to run low on this important nutrient. It can be
depleted by many of the medications that we take especially statins. A
deficiency in CoQ10 can have serious implications for heart health. If you are
taking a statin drug you need to talk to your physician about supplementing
with CoQ10. Of all the dangers-of-statin-drugs, this could be the most serious.
- Statin drugs can suppress your body’s ability to manufacture vitamin D. Cholesterol and sunshine is used by the body to make vitamin D. Vitamin D has a significant role in regulating our immune system and aides in the prevention of many chronic conditions including cancer. Yet many people are deficient without knowing it.
- Despite the anti-inflammatory benefit of statin drugs, a number of studies have linked low cholesterol to a greater risk for infections (Pages 107 and 108 of “The Great Cholesterol Myth).
- Statins inhibit the production of the sex hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. There is evidence that statin drugs can cause sexual dysfunction such as ED.
- Statins inhibit the production of Bile acids. Cholesterol is used by the body to produce bile. Bile is needed to aid in the digestion of fats and oils.
According to the authors of the reference literature, cholesterol is not a major cause of heart disease. More than fifty percent of people who suffer from heart disease have cholesterol within normal limits.
Oxidized LDL causes inflammation and plague formation. Oxidation and inflammation are the culprits. Statins do prevent cardio-vascular disease because they have strong anti-inflammatory benefits but so do vitamins such as C and E without the potentially serious side effects of statin drugs.
Each person’s evaluation of his or her need for statins or level of cholesterol should include personal research, and the professional opinion of that person’s physician. If you want to learn more about the dangers-of-statin-drugs read the reference books listed and check out this web site by Uffe Ravnskov MD, PhD
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Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated. Deut. 34:7
References and suggested reading:
"cholesterol." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011.
"membrane." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011.
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., Health and Nutrition Secrets that can save your life, Health Press.
Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., The Sinatra Solution, Metabolic Cardiology, Basic Health Publications.
Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. and Jonny Bowden, PH.D, C.N.S., The Great Cholesterol Myth, Why lowering your cholesterol won’t prevent heart disease and the statin free plan that will. Fair Winds Press, 2012.
Stephen T. Sinatra, MD et al., Heart sense for Women, Your plan for natural prevention and treatment, Penguin Putman Inc.
Mary G. Enig, Ph. D, Know Your Fats: The complete primer for understanding the nutrition of fats, oils, and cholesterol, Bethesda Press, 2000, 2013.
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