Many doctors emphasize the need to reduce low density lipoprotein ( LDL) to avoid heart disease. While it's true that too much cholesterol can clog the arteries, there's far more to the story than just getting a prescription to lower LDL levels. Cholesterol is not quite the monster it is made to seem. Other factors such as homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels are better predictors of a future heart attack.
It's obvious that one of the many factors leading to the buildup of LDL, the bad cholesterol, is due in large part to a lifestyle that promotes ill health. A diet of junk food high in fat and sugar and low in nutrition combined with a lack of exercise, the bad habits of smoking and a polluted environment is enough to raise LDL to dangerous levels.
Statins do lower cholesterol, but they come at a price besides the high cost to fill a prescription. Statins, composed of chemicals, add to the toxins already in the body. Despite the hype of controlling cholesterol, many people mysteriously die, even though their cholesterol is normal.
Drugs like Lipitor, Mevacor and others are among the best selling drugs in North America today. Some 13 million Americans take them to reduce their LDL levels. Unfortunately, many are not aware of the adverse side effects that comes from continued use of these drugs. Liver damage, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue and even heart failure are the result of extended use. Statins are notorious for robbing the heart of CoQ10, an important enzyme required for the proper functioning of the heart muscle. Repeated use of statins over time depletes this natural enzyme and leads to a weakened heart that becomes vulnerable to heart attack.
It has been discovered that statins also lead to a condition known as TGA (transient global amnesia). The brain needs cholesterol. It's present in the myelin sheaths that act as insulators for the neurons that help speed up nerve conduction. Cholesterol is so important for the brain that it is manufactured by the glial cells in the supportive tissues in the brain. Statins reduce this cholesterol level which leads to forgetfulness, disorientation, violent behavior and even suicide. The symptoms are often misdiagnosed as the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Dr. Duane Graveline was put on Lipitor in 1999 for moderately elevated cholesterol. Just six weeks later his wife found him wandering around the house unable to recognize her or even his surroundings. His memory lapse lasted a few hours. A former astronaut, Dr. Graveline suspected Lipitor as the culprit and since it was the only medication he was on, he discontinued its use. His mental health returned. Two years later his doctor insisted he continue taking Lipitor. He did and within a short time later experienced another episode of TGA. Convinced that Liptor was causing his episodes, he again discontinued its use.
This is not an isolated incident as there are thousands of people who experienced the same symptoms as Dr. Graveline. For some reason, Lipitor produces the worst results over other statins.
In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of statins, Dr. Graveline created a website that currently lists hundreds of cases of TGA and other effects experienced by statin drug users.
Yet, despite the growing evidence, many doctors continue to prescribe statins. The FDA has issued a warning about the uses of statin drugs. The only reason why such drugs continue to remain on the market is simply due to profits the pharmaceutical companies enjoy. Fortunately, statins may soon lose their value to go the way of HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) that is now proving to be a far dangerous sweetener in its effects in causing diabetes and other diseases.
There are far better ways to reduce cholesterol. Changing the diet and getting enough exercise will help to reduce cholesterol. Cutting out smoking and reducing stress will both insure that cholesterol remains normal for years to come.
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