Cholesterol

DR. ADRIAN'S SUGGESTION FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND LIPID DISORDERS

DISCUSSION

The first question is should we even worry about cholesterol given all of the conflicting research and information. I have heard experts present data showing that the higher your cholesterol the longer and happier you live while mainstream allopathic medicine has allowed an astronomical business to get into orbit. I am in agreement with Dr. Stephen Sinatra who likes to say "that statins are the greatest scam ever put upon the American population". According to James Wright MD, PhD of University of British Columbia, the best thing we can say for statins is for those who had a heart attack or stroke, statins can cause a 2% reduction in mortality over a 5 year treatment period. His group reviewed all existing studies on statins. Put another way, if we treat 50 men who had a heart attack for 5 years, we will save one life. If you never had a stroke, heart attack or proven blocked arteries, there is no reduction in mortality regardless of risk. Dr. Beatrice Golomb MD, PhD of University of PA has studiedh statin side effects including post marketing data. Her results prove that women of any age and elderly of either sex will die sooner if prescribed statins regardless of risk. Dr. Mark Houston of Vanderbilt University is a foremost expert and lecturer and author on the treatment of dyslipidemia. My recommendations below are in accordance with his recommendations. Note that the most proven treatments for reducing cardiovascular mortality are Niacin and EPA and DHA from distilled fish oil. His other favorites for lowering cholesterol and hopefully risk are Red Yeast Rice Extract, tocotrienols, and pantethine. More important possibly than lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), raising good cholesterol (HDL), and lowering triglycerides (TG) is to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol and to reduce inflammation of the blood vessel lining.

The traditional LIPID Panel which is ordered probably a million times a week by American doctors is a limited test. In the future, expect to see expanded lipid panels that give particle numbers and size of LDL and HDL. High LDL particle numbers and small dense LDL is a bad predictor of cardiovascular events while low LDL particle numbers, large buoyant LDL, and low TG is a good prognosis of ones cardiovascular future.

If you are on statin (drugs like Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Pravachol), you must take CoQ10 at about 300 mg daily. These drugs not only not only poison the synthesis of cholesterol but poison the body's synthesis of CoQ10, an important molecule in the mitochondria necessary for the production of energy. Low levels will weaken the heart muscle, cause fatigue, and possibly higher risk of cancer to name a few. The muscle side effects of statins may be prevented by taking CoQ10. So if you feel compelled to take these drugs then at least take CoQ10.

In my practice, I have no need to prescribe statins even if my goal is to lower cholesterol to similarly recommended levels as cardiologists' guidelines. In fact, I have had many patients return to their cardiologists with their best lipid panel ever OFF their statins and using my supplements. I have seen patients suffering from serious statin toxicity and their primary doctor and cardiologists ignored the patient's complaints and told them to stay on the drug. Of course patients are very happy with me when they replace the statin with my supplements, take CoQ10 and feel the best they have in years.

TREATMENT PLAN

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Dietary modification is essential for optimum cardiovascular health. I do not go so far as to recommend patients to stay the strict vegetarian diet promoted by Dr. Dean Ornish. See my "Diet for Life" handout. Key points are to avoid flour products, sugar (other than from fruit and veggies), heated oils, fried food, trans fats (hydrogenated oils), red meat fat, baked chips, white flours and potatoes, wheat breads, pasta and dairy. Eat lean protein sources, soft boiled eggs, poultry, high fiber foods including beans, brown rice, oats, quinoa, and fresh and mostly raw veggies, and fruits.

SUPPLEMENTS

Niacin ER Niacin is the most proven substance for reducing cardiovascular mortality. It will lower LDL, raise HDL and lower TG; everything good!! (Note: taking niacin with a Rx statin has no added benefit per one study.)

Red Yeast Rice Extract  The active ingredients in RYRE are novel monacholines, not the negligible amount of naturally occurring lovastatin. 

Fish oil Look for a professional grade oil that are unoxidized (not rancid), mercury free and pleasant tasting; burp free. Ideally it is taken along with Borage oil which replaces the essential fatty acid GLA. 

Pantethine. This is a forgotten but very effective nutrient for lipid management. It can lower bad 20% and raise good cholesterol 8% and lower TG's 33+%. Peak effect is after 4-6 months of use. It reduces lipid deposition and fatty streak formation in aorta and coronary arteries. It reduces intimal thickening in the aorta and coronary arteries. 

Garlic Reduces cholesterol up to 16%, prevents clots, reduces oxidation of cholesterol, possibly reduces blood pressure. 

Curcumin (extract of whole turmeric). Can increase HDL and lower LDL significantly. Greater effect with higher doses. We carry both the whole herb and caps of curcumin. Very important is that it reduces inflammation as well.

Resveratrol. Reduces LDL oxidation and improves vasodilation and ED. It reduces atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) in animals, reduces inflammation and improves lipids levels. 

Probiotics lower LDL and TG and reduce inflammation and autoimmunity. An essential for all. 

NAC  This reduces LDL oxidation, is an antioxidant, improves detoxification including removal of heavy metals, and reduces cancer (to name a few.)

EXERCISES

Any exercise that increases your heart rate and breathing will benefit your cholesterol and circulatory system. Exercise raises HDL (good). Walking, weight training, yoga and tai chi are common.

MISCELLANEOUS

Avoid list Rx Statin! You have other choices.

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