Replace Conventional Statins with Natural Statins
Statins are a group of cholesterol lowering drugs prescribed to prevent heart disease There is an increasing awareness of statin side effects with long term use of these drugs
by: Dr. Jockers
Statin Drug Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of statin drugs include:
Headaches Muscles aches, weakness, or tendernes. Difficulty sleeping or sleep issues. Drowsiness, Dizziness, Skin flushing Rashes, Acne, or other skin issues. Stomach pain or cramps, Nausea, Vomiting, Gas, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Low platelet levels, High blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, statin drugs may also increase your risk of diabetes and skin conditions.
Major Side Effects of Statin Drugs
Muscle pain is one of the most common side effects of statin drugs. However, you may experience some other mild or more severe side effects using this medication.
Some of the most common side effects of statin drugs include:
Headaches
Muscles aches, weakness, or tenderness
Difficulty sleeping or sleep issues
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Skin flushing
Rashes
Acne or other skin issues
Stomach pain or cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Gas
Constipation
Diarrhea
Low platelet levels
High blood sugar levels
Furthermore, statin drugs may also increase your risk of diabetes and skin conditions.
Statin drugs may decrease your risk of a heart attack and increase your life by a little if you are a man with pre-existing heart disease. However, a 2019 study published in Diabetes Metabolism found that statin drugs can double your risk of diabetes (22). Your risks are the highest if you’ve been taking them for 2 years or longer.
Another 2019 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that statin drugs can also increase the risk of staph skin infections by 40 percent (23). They found similar rates of skin infections in those with and without diabetes, which suggests that the infections were not only a complication of diabetes but the side effect of statin drugs.
Less Common Statin Drug Side Effects May Include:
Hair loss
Tingling, numbness, prickling, or pins and needles feeling on your skin
Liver inflammation
Pancreatic inflammation
Erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, or other sexual difficulties
Memory loss or confusion
Neuropathy
Serious side effects of statin drugs may include:
Myositis or muscle inflammation
Elevated CPK causing inflammation, weakness, and muscle pain
Rhabdomyolysis causing serious muscle fatigue or muscle damage
If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it’s important to call your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following as they may be signs of rhabdomyolysis or another serious issue:
Fever
Fatigue or tiredness
Unusual muscle cramps or pain
Diarrhea
Dark urine
Risk Factors for Statin Side Effects
There are certain risk factors that can increase your risk of side effects from statin drugs, including:
Taking more than one medication for bad cholesterol
Being female
Being 65 or older
Having a small body frame
Drinking too much alcohol
Having liver or kidney disease
Vitamin D deficiency
Most of these risk factors are pretty straightforward and are commonly mentioned by doctors. However, despite research evidence, vitamin D deficiency is a relatively less-known risk factor.
A 2019 study published in Disease Markers found that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of statin-induced musculoskeletal pain (2). The study looked at 1,210 patients, 287 with statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and 923 control participants without SAMS. They found that over two-thirds of patients with vitamin D deficiency had SAMS.
How Statin Drugs Damage Mitochondrial Function
Your mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells. They are unique organelles found in every cell of your body. It contains its own DNA. Your mitochondria generate about 90 percent of cellular energy in your body in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It also plays a role in major metabolic functions. Mitochondria are found in varying concentrations in different tissues in your body and are specialized for the purpose of that tissue.
Clearly, your mitochondrial health is critical for your overall function and well-being. Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause problems throughout your body. You can learn more about mitochondrial dysfunction by reading this article.
One of the main problems with statin drugs is that they may damage your mitochondrial function. A 2017 review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that while statin drugs are highly effective, SAMS is one of the main reasons for discontinuation (3). Researchers speculate that the cause of SAMS may be mitochondrial dysfunction caused by statin drugs.
A 2016 review published in Postepy Biochemii has also found that statin drugs may impair mitochondrial functions (4). They noted abnormal mitochondrial morphology, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, lower mitochondrial activation, and reduced oxidative phosphorylation capacity. While we don’t have enough evidence to fully understand why statin drugs may interfere with mitochondrial function, researchers believe that four factors may play a role.
Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and deficiency may result in mitochondrial dysfunction when using statin drugs. Statin drugs may also prevent respiratory chain complexes, prevent protein prenylation, or trigger mitochondrial apoptosis, all of which may cause mitochondrial dysfunction.
by: Dr. Jockers
For the complete article
Natural Statins
Dietary fibre can significantly lower bad cholesterol and help prevent the heart disease
Statins are a group of cholesterol-lowering drugs, prescribed to prevent heart disease. There is an increasing awareness of the side-effects of long-term use of these drugs. Many individuals with heart diseases or high cholesterol are looking to switch to natural alternatives to statins or natural statins as these are widely known, to protect themselves from the potential side effects of statins. This is specially useful among people who have high cholesterol levels because of dietary absorption. Even those individuals in whom high cholesterol is familial (because of their family history), natural statins work as adjuncts to conventional therapy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating certain foods can lower your cholesterol levels just as well as taking statin drugs. It also reported that these foods are as effective or, at times, even more effective than statin drugs. Cholesterol-lowering food components include dietary fibres, good fats, phytosterols and some vitamins. In this particular study, researchers found that foods such as soy protein, tofu, various other soy products, nuts and cereal fibre, as well as plant sterols, can lower total cholesterol and especially LDL cholesterol, better than statin drugs. Other less commonly known compounds and nutrients with cholesterol lowering benefits include probiotics like lactobacillus (obtained from fermented food products), guggulipids, red yeast rice, policosanol (found in jaggery and sugarcane), grape-seed extract, cinnamon, turmeric, niacin, pantethine (found in the form of vitamin B5) and vitamin C.
Dietary fiber, specially soluble fiber, has particularly been shown to significantly lower LDL (bad cholesterol) while levels of good cholesterol (HDL) remain unchanged and help prevent the heart disease. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as oats, barley, legumes (peas, beans), certain fruits (apples, prunes and berries) and some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, yams, etc.). Interestingly, oatmeal is the only whole grain food recognized by the FDA to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, thereby allows its claim as a heart protective ingredient in food labels. Psyllium husk has also been known to exhibit cardio-protective role due to its high fiber content and beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol). A study reported that adding psyllium (12 g) to the cereal in low and high-fat diets for a month significantly reduced serum LDL-cholesterol levels by 12 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.
Good fat: Accumulating data from observational and clinical trials have reported that omega-3 fats actually reduce risk of heart disease by reducing triglycerides and total cholesterol. These could be included through fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables. Besides being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds also provide dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble fiber).
The Harvard School of Public Health advises that nuts have favourable effects on blood lipids and cholesterol reduction. Nuts include almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pine-nuts, cashew nuts and peanuts. A meta-analysis of seven studies on almonds showed as high as 10 per cent reduction in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol for subjects with high-cholesterol levels.
Research has also shown that frequent seed consumption like sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, fenugreek seeds, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, etc. is associated with lower levels of cholesterol. Thus it can protect from cardiovascular disease.
Phytosterols are plant sterols or stanols similar to cholesterol that act in the intestines to lower cholesterol absorption. Increasing the intake of phytosterols may be a practical way to reduce cholesterol levels. More than 40 types of phytosterols have been identified to have cholesterol-lowering properties. These are most commonly found in fruits, vegetables, including figs, avocados, nuts, oil seeds, oils such as rice bran, olive oil and whole grains, including barley, oats, whole wheat. Taking two grams of plant sterols or stanols per day usually results in a 10 per cent lowering of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Average American diet gives about 150-200 mg / day of phytosterols. According to the American Heart Association a reduction in blood cholesterol can be achieved by consuming one to three grams of plant sterols or stanols per day. These compounds effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol, both when taken as supplements or in natural foods.
Phytosterols (phyto — means plant and sterol means cholesterol like substance) have many special protective benefits on health. Phytosterols are plant sterols or stanols similar to cholesterol that act in the intestines to lower cholesterol absorption. Increasing the intake of phytosterols may be a practical way to reduce cholesterol levels. More than 40 types of phytosterols have been identified to have cholesterol lowering properties. These are most commonly found in fruits, vegetables including figs, avocados, nuts, oil seeds, oils such as rice bran, olive oil and whole grains including barley, oats, , wholewheat. Dietary phytosterols were once upon a time abundant in our ancestors’ food, which provided as much as 1000 mg/d. Studies have revealed that at recommended intakes of about 2 to 2.5 g/day, products enriched with plant sterol esters are good for health as they lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels by 10 per cent to 14 per cent without any reported side-effects. Thus, plant sterols can be considered to be natural, effective and safe cholesterol-lowering functional food ingredients. Effectiveness has been shown with dosages of 2 to 3 gm plant stanol per day. Average American diet gives about 150-200 mg / day of phytosterols. According to the American Heart Association, a reduction in blood cholesterol can be achieved by consuming 1 to 3 gm of plant sterols or stanols per day. These compounds effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol, both when taken as supplements or in natural foods.
Sources of phytosterols:
The phytosterol contents of some commonly consumed foods are presented in the table below:
Food Serving Phytosterols
Wheat germ ½ cup (57 g) 197 mg
Corn oil 1 tablespoon (14 g) 102 mg
Peanuts 1 ounce (28 g) 62 mg
Wheat bran ½ cup (29 g) 58 mg
Almonds 1 ounce (28 g) 34 mg
Olive oil 1 tablespoon (14 g) 22 mg
The National Cholesterol Education/ Adult Treatment III program guidelines recommend plant sterols/plant stanols as part of a heart healthy eating plan. Eating a heart-healthy, low-fat diet that includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, plant sterols, plus regular physical activity help reduce the risk of heart disease.
by: The Tribune, (India)
The Best Medical and Natural Alternatives to Statins Traditional remedies
by: Dr. Michal Vilímovský
Guuggulipid, also known as commiphora mukul or the Indian Bedellium has been a mainstay of traditional Indian herbal medicine (ayurveda) approaches in preventing high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
Red yeast rice has been used in China for over 1,000 years for medicinal purposes. It contains a naturally occurring statin called Mevastatin.
With so many different options, the best combinations can be worked out under supervision.
Written by: Michal Vilímovský, MD with MedLicker
— The writer is Clinical Nutritionist & Founder, www.theweightmonitor.com, Center for Dietary Counselling, Founder-Whole Foods India & Founder President-Celiac Society For Delhi.
Guggul resin
Commiphora mukul
Guggul is a resin or gum obtained from a tree in the torchwood (Burseraceae) family, which includes frankincense and myrrh. The dried sap is collected from 15 to 20-year-old trees and dried for an entire year. Guggul resin, whole granules or powdered, is used as incense and in perfumery. It is also an important herbal medicine in Vedic medicine.
Guggul and Cholesterol
Guggul is an oleo-gum-resin extracted from Commiphora wightii (Guggul). The extract is called ‘Commiphora Mukul.’ Guggul is a well-known herb whose resin has been used for ages. It is a flowering plant that is widely distributed in Central parts of Asia and North Africa. It is a versatile herb that is used for treating a number of diseases.
Benefits of Commiphora mukul, Guggul at a Glance
Background
Guggul or guggulu, more popularly known as Bdellium, is derived from a plant closely related to myrrh that is found in arid to semi-arid areas of Northern India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
When used for medicinal purposes, the resin, harvested from the stems in the winter, is traditionally processed to purify and render it bio-available. The dried gum is again fried in ghee and finely powdered for medicinal use.
The Sanskrit definition of the term “guggul” is “one that protects against diseases.” This attests to the therapeutic Ayurvedic applications for this botanical. The most important is for the removal of “ama,” toxic substances which accumulate as a result of sluggish digestion and circulation – perfect for the accumulation of arterial cholesterol.
Guggul has been used for over 3,000 years. Current research substantiates its benefit for the treatment of elevated blood lipids and coronary and arterial plaque known as atherosclerosis. As a result, today standardized guggul extracts are being approved for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in India.
Guggulsterones, or commiphora mukul (the active ingredient of the gugulipid gum powder, are the extract isolates of ketonic steroid compounds. Based on research, these compounds are considered to be responsible for guggul’s cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions. Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols) by approximately 25% according to Some studies. At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets – another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug Clofibrate which is used not only for lowering cholesterol and blood lipid levels generally, but for treating angina pectoris, blood sludging and diabetic neuropathy.
How Guggul Works To Lower Cholesterol?
Studies conducted in the University of Texas and Baylor College, established that guggul-lipid blocks the activity of a receptor in the liver’s cell, called farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (you don’t have to remember it). This receptor (FXR), binds bile acids, which maintain normal cholesterol levels. In humans, about 500 mg of cholesterol is converted in bile acids every day. This route for elimination of excess cholesterol is important, especially when the intake of cholesterol is massive.
When bile acid levels are high, it binds to the FXR site and this action stops further production of bile acids. By inhibiting FXR, the production of bile acids continues and thus rids the body of more cholesterol.
Gugulipid had also blood thinning (anti-platelet) and antioxidants properties as well, which are plus points in the treatment of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The anti-platelet effect prevents blood platelets clumping together, and as an antioxidant, guggulipid prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing. These reduce in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Most importantly, there are no significant side effects with the purified extract of gugulipid except for minor gastric upsets experienced by some on long term use.
We drink powdered Guggle in our Hot Chocolate. I am unable to find powdered guggle online for sale lately. The powdered guggle I find is too expensive, $91.00. Amazon sells guggle capsules which is fine.
Hot Chocolate and Guggul powder
Guggul is a little bitter, sharp, and sweet in taste. I add a teaspoon of guggul powder to each cup of hot chocolate. Hot chocolate mask the taste of guggul.
1 tsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup of milk or coconut milk
1/2 cup of water
Stevia blend sweetener or sweetener of choice
1 tsp of guggul
Himalaya Guggul Herbal Supplement, HDL & LDL Support, Liver Health, Liver Cleansing, Triglyceride Support, Bile Production, 720 mg, Non-GMO, Vegetarian, 60 Capsules
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH0sFitZR7Y