Natural alternatives to drugs for cholesterol

Natural Alternatives to cholesterol drugs

Statin drugs are by far, the best selling drugs in history! They are taken daily by 15 million Americans, and an additional 12 million people around the globe. Statin drugs earned 27.8 Billion dollars in 2006! Lipitor, made by Pfizer is the number one drug in this class. A recent meta analysis was conducted by the Therapeutic Initiative, which is a group of doctors and researchers that pores over research on particular drugs, to determine how well they work. The results for this one is much different than what marketing, and pharmaceutical sales reps would have us believe, and certainly not the story given to the physicians who prescribe the drugs.

Here's the real Story:

Statins can be lifesaving in

patients who already suffer

from heart disease, slightly

reducing the chance of a

recurrance that could lead

an early death.

There is NO BENEFIT in

people over age 65, no

matter how much their

cholesterol declines, and

Lastly, there is NO

BENEFIT in women of any

age.

Data suggest that only 1 in 100 is likely to benefit, and most will suffer harm. So, what is likely to provide some real benefit???

Lifestyle changes: A mediterranean diet high in vegetables, fish, and monounsaturated fats. In many studies, dietary changes such as these were far more effective in preventing illness than statin drugs. 4 oz of unsweetened grape juice daily raises HDL levels. Other interventions are supplements such as: gumm gugulipid, an ayurvedic medicine, soluble fiber such as grapefruit pectin, daily cardio exercise which raises HDL levels, lowers body fat, belly fat, and improves cholesterol ratios, and of course, weight loss is indicated for anyone with high cholesterol levels who is overweight. Lastly, Chinese Yeast works in more intractable cases but must be monitored for rare side effects. Even Pfizer officials admit: the things that "really work", are stress reduction, lifestyle, diet, and exercise. Of course these interventions have great effects beyond just cholesterol reduction.

I would like you all to know that I have been able to assist people in avoiding statin drugs 100% of the time! I've also been able to help them avoid side effects such as: muscle destruction, sexual dysfunction...commonly this leads to polypharmacy, liver damage, and fatigue. Please come in to see us if you are interested! Best of Health!

Dr. Taryn DeCicco 4/22/2008