Cholesterol-what you need to know
Posted by Dr. Philip A. Pappas on 26th Nov 2016
Cholesterol-what you need to know
High cholesterol levels are recognized as a major cause of atherosclerosis. However, for more than half a century some have challenged this notion. But which side is correct, and why can’t we come to a definitive conclusion? The answer is very simple: for the side defending this so-called cholesterol theory, the amount of money at stake is too much to lose the fight.
The studies they don’t want you to see:
A 2011 VA study concluded: “… after adjusting for other factors associated with longevity, higher HDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with survival to 85 years of age.”
A Swedish study performed with data from American medical institutions disclosed an association with low cholesterol to cancer. It was also published in 2011.
The 1997 European Heart Journal published a study that counters the claim statins are useful for heart patients by exposing data proving mortality is higher among heart patients using statins. The study title tells all: “Low total cholesterol is associated with high total mortality in patients with coronary heart disease.”
Retired heart surgeon Dr. Dwight Lundell cites several other studies that conclude there is no real connection of CHD to high cholesterol, while low fat diets are creating more metabolic syndrome and diabetes 2, both precursors to CHD. He has observed that arterial inflammation from other sources is what leads to CHD.
Practicing cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra has even appeared on the Dr. Oz show to explain why high cholesterol, LDL or HDL, is not a marker for CHD, but you should be concerned about the tiniest lipoproteins that can burrow into your inner vascular walls and create inflammation.
Tiny lipoproteins called Very Low Density Lipids or VLDL’s are dangerous but doctors don’t always check this marker. Homocysteine and lipoprotein (a) “little a” are also more diagnostic for heart disease. If you have not tested for these markers you don’t know anything about your cardiovascular status.
Cholesterol is a lifesaving necessary component of health. Every cell and membrane of the body requires cholesterol. A significant drop in cholesterol is an indicator of impending death. Sex hormone and all hormones are made from cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for neurotransmitter activity. LDL’s have been shown to prevent cancer in many studies. Emotional stability and healthy brain function depend on cholesterol. The body makes cholesterol and you can’t impact your cholesterol with food in any significant way. Simply put, you can’t live without cholesterol and you can’t be healthy with low cholesterol.
Major Side effects of Statins:
Difficulty sleeping
Flushing of the skin
Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
Drowsiness
Abdominal cramping or pain
Bloating or gas
Statins also carry warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects. It's important to remember that statins may also interact with other medications you take. Diabetics should never take statins.
Statins are associated with a few rare and not so rare, but potentially serious, side effects including:
Myositis, inflammation of the muscles. The risk of muscle injury increases when certain other medications are taken with statins. For example, if you take a combination of a statin and a fibrate -- another cholesterol-reducing drug -- the risk of muscle damage increases greatly compared to someone who takes a statin alone.
Elevated levels of CPK, or creatine kinase, a muscle enzyme that when elevated, can cause muscle pain, mild inflammation, and muscle weakness. This condition, though uncommon, can take a long time to resolve.
Rhabdomyolysis, extreme muscle inflammation and damage. With this condition, muscles all over the body become painful and weak. The severely damaged muscles release proteins into the blood that collect in the kidneys. The kidneys can become damaged trying to eliminate a large amount of muscle breakdown caused by statin use. This can ultimately lead to kidney failure or even death.
You can lower cholesterol without drugs. Plants sterols, phosphatidyl choline, pantethine, berberine, lecithin granules, ubiquinol, co-Q-10, fish oil, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil and more can lower cholesterol safely and in a healthy way. There is no need for drugs. Go to www.earthfoods.us and click on condition specific supplements and choose cholesterol support from the drop down.