There is a great deal of controversy surrounding statin drugs yet they are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs…for ‘high’ cholesterol (that’s another story…what’s high and does elevated cholesterol really cause all they say it does). They are even being prescribed for children!
Statins reduce inflammation. So do alkaline diets. Sugar increases inflammation. Why not consider dietary changes before taking a drug known to have unpleasant, even harmful side effects.
Known to cause damage to the liver (which is why frequent monitoring of the liver is required), statins are also linked with muscle weakness, confusion, memory loss and depletion of an important nutrient essential to heart health…Co-enzyme Q10. CoQ10, as it is commonly referred to, is a super-antioxidant important not only to heart health (it’s found in the muscles of the heart wall) but also
- Fuels cellular energy in every cell of your body.
- Is important to the brain, eyes, muscles and every other cell in the body.
- Is a powerful antioxidant that repairs free radical damage to your heart and other vital organs
There is a great deal of research available on CoQ10 yet it is not routinely recommended when a statin is prescribed. It should be given with all heart issues, to prevent them and to help recovery. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to a cause of heart failure.
Consider CoQ10 depletion when there is:
- Muscle weakness
- Physical fatigue
- Confusion
- Muscle aches and pain
- Mental exhaustion
- Diabetes
- Heart Failure
It is well known in holistic circles that statin drugs deplete muscle strength more often than commonly recognized. In a new clinical trial from the Center for Healthy Aging in Copenhagen nearly 50% of the Danish subjects who used statins experienced muscle pain. So researchers took muscle tissue biopsies from all subjects. Results showed depleted levels of CoQ10 and three other antioxidants in statin users, but not in the placebo group.
There is a lot more evidence of the risk of statins than the benefits. They have not been proven to prolong life in people with heart issues.
An inflammation-reducing diet as well as anti-inflammatory nutrients like fish oil, hawthorn berry and curcumin should be considered under the guidance of a health professional.
If on a statin drug with any of the above symptoms, do more than consider…start taking it. My favorite form for excellent absorption is 100mg of the sub-lingual form, taken with a meal containing fat (also important to absorption). Think of it as dessert:)
Do share these important findings with everyone you know. It’s a blessing to be able to help one another.
Until next time…stay healthy, think peace, be love and see love in everyone!
Andrea Candee is a master herbalist for over 25 years with a consultation practice in South Salem, NY. She lectures throughout the country and at corporate wellness centers about taking charge of your health naturally. Media expert and author, her award-winning book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), received The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval. Andrea is noted nationally for her unique and successful approach to Lyme Disease and works with clients and their pets anywhere in the country. Also available in hard copy or in PDF format are her booklets: Herbs, Recipes & Guidance to Winter Wellness; Sparkling Home, Healthy Planet, Clean Green, and The Cell Phone Dilemma…options for wellness in an unseen world.
