Statins: You're probably better off without them

A lot of doctors seem to really love statins. A bit ago a local healthfood shop owner posted on the Wincanton Window website that I was holding a free evening's talk on natural i.e homeopathic and herbal home remedies. He was immediately attacked for encouraging people's attendance, in very intemperate terms by the son of a local GP. In the ensuing exchanges on the website on the value, or otherwise, of natural alternative treatments someone tried whacking the ball back into allopathic medicine's court by cheekily suggesting that perhaps another thread on statins should be started so that locals could give their (inconvenient?) views on the value, or otherwise, of this currently much loved conventional remedy for the supposed problem of high cholesterol for those at risk of heart disease. Doctors widespread use of statins was immediately vigorously defended by the doctor's son without any mention of their side effects. We sadly had no time to start the thread on statins on that occasion, but having seen the article below on some of their side effects - how many doctors warn their patients adequately before prescribing? - I thought it was worth putting it on my blog. It might encourage a little more research before you allow your name to be added by your doctor to the list of those taking statins who swell the coffers of conventional medicine and the pharmaceutical companies at the potential risk to their own health.

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natural-health-articles/heart-disease/coq10-type-2-diabetes-statin-risk/

Before I begin, I’m going to say two things: CoQ10 depletion and the risk of type 2 diabetes…

So, keeping that in mind, here’s something you can try the next time your doctor recommends that you take a cholesterol-lowering statin drug to help prevent heart disease.

Tell him or her that statin drugs can put your heart at risk in two important ways.

Your doctor might not believe you because it just doesn’t fit with statin mythology. But believe me, these two dangers are real… and perhaps it’s time to convince your doctor of the truth.

Heart skipping a beat

Based on the results of the latest statin study, here’s what lead researcher Dr. Flemming Dela of the Centre for Healthy Ageing in Copenhagen said: “Up to 75 per cent of the physically active patients undergoing treatment for high cholesterol experience pain. This may keep people away from either taking their medicine or from taking exercise — both of which are bad choices.” 

I agree. Not exercising is a bad choice. But when three out of four physically active statin users experience muscle pain, not taking their medicine is NOT a bad choice. It’s a WISE choice.

It may not have been his intention, but Dr. Dela’s statement actually exposes one of the earliest problems identified with statins.

Our regular readers will know that statins deplete coenzyme Q10. This is a fact. It has been proven time and again in one study after another. There is no way around it… and your doctor knows this too. CoQ10, of course, is the powerhouse that’s in every cell of our bodies. It converts nutrients into energy. It’s also an indispensable antioxidant.

Here’s what your doctor may not know yet:

In Dr. Dela’s clinical trial, nearly half of the subjects who used statins experienced muscle pain. Tissue biopsy results showed depleted levels of CoQ10 and three other antioxidants in statin users. Glucose was also elevated in the statin group.

High glucose is a precursor of type 2 diabetes. That’s heart risk number one.

You’ve also got low CoQ10. As any first-year medical student will tell you, CoQ10 is essential for optimal heart health. That’s heart risk number two.

Low CoQ10 is one of the known causes of heart failure.

In heart attack patients, CoQ10 supplements reduce risk of a second heart attack.

CoQ10 supplements also help control blood pressure in hypertension patients.

These are all facts, not fiction. So the next time you and your doctor have a ‘perhaps you should consider taking statins’ conversation, simply say this:

“Thanks doc, but I know that statins will lower my CoQ10 levels, which will put me at a far greater risk than just painful, damaged muscles.”

Bear in mind all the material in this email alert is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

Sources:

“Simvastatin Effects on Skeletal Muscle: Relation to Decreased Mitochondrial Function and Glucose Intolerance” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Vol. 61, No. 1, January 2013, onlinejacc.org

“Study confirms CoQ10 decline in statin-treated patients” Life Extension Foundation, 1/11/13, lef.org

“FDA to require lower recommended dosages for sleep drugs” Brady Dennis, The Washington Post, 1/10/13, washingtonpost.com