Heart Health, Healthy Habits, Over 70, Over 60, Over 50 Vashti Schulz Heart Health, Healthy Habits, Over 70, Over 60, Over 50 Vashti Schulz

Statins - villan or hero?

Are you already taking statins? Know someone who does? Been recommended that you need to? Are you just curious?

There is a LOT of controversy about Statins. My aim with the following is to simplify the main information that I have found from current, and I believe, reliable sources. I understand that the topic is ‘hot’ and widely debated and also extremely confusing for us plebs out there, which is why I wantedto research this for some clarity about the basic premise. Do we need Statins? Are they evil? What are they really for?

Explaining cholesterol is out of the spectrum of this brief blog. I am currently working on a cholesterol blog, till then please search on the net or blow your mind with an extraordinarily detailed explanation of cholesterol from go to woe with Dr Peter Attia here.

So what are Statins?

Statins are a group of medications that have been created to help lower cholesterol for those with heart disease. These are some common ones

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor), 
  • fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), 
  • lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev), 
  • pravastatin (Pravachol), 
  • rosuvastatin (Crestor), 
  • simvastatin (Zocor),
  • pitavastatin (Livalo).

Side effects

  1. Headache
  2. Nausea vomiting
  3. Constipation
  4. Diarrhoea
  5. There are also severe side effects associated with the liver, although they are rare.

When are you prescribed them?

Traditionally Statins were prescribed for those who had had a heart attack, stroke, athlerosclerosis, genetic disposition or whose LDL levels were in the dangerously high category. The controversy and outcry seems to have started when many countries decided to make it standard that anyone with a family history of heart disease were offered it even if their LDL C and triglyceride levels were low, or anyone who’s LDL had reached a point that was considered upper normal previously. So from about 190 mg/dl (8-9 mm) to anyone over 130 mg/dl. A handy reference range is here 

What does a Statin actually do?

In a nutshell, Statins lower LDL and decrease general inflammation. The jury is still out whether its the LDL lowering effect or the anti-inflammatory effect that has the benefit. Regardless, we know they work. LINK

Thats it, case closed

    Well…. kind of….

As in the beginning of this post I listed several of the Statins available, there are many options and they are stronger, weaker, and have different effects with different people, so you may need to try several before you find one that works with you.

So, yes they do lower LDL, in particular, they predominantly lower the larger particles of LDL in cholesterol, not so much the smaller particles. 

One of the most important numbers to have taken if you suspect you are at risk, is the NUMBER of LDL particles the are being transported. These particles are different sizes and the smaller ones tend to be cleared less by the body and seem to be the ones that cause trouble. However, this is not entirely proven, as smaller particles also tend to at the same time to increase the number of LDL particles in the cholesterol. As you can imagine, you can fit a lot more smaller objects in an area than you can larger. Like a jar with tomatoes, when thats full, you could fit some cherry tomatoes and increase the overall tomato number.

So Statins clear more of the larger particles which has an overall effect of lowering the LDL particle numbers , and thats very important as is the anti-inflammatory affect. 

The troublesome part of statins is that they lower cholesterol synthesis in other parts of the body Cholesterol is vital for the production of hormones, such as sex hormones, vitamin D, cortisol. No cholesterol, no life.  This is why you would want to use a statin only if you were in the high risk group and not necessarily if you didn’t have those risk factors

When should you question it?

World expert Dr Ronald Krauss has been leading many studies for decades on statins, heart disease and factors that will lower them. His opinion is that people are put on statins too prematurely and that possibly is why there is suddenly studies showing increases of diabetes and Parkinson’s for those who take statins long term.

In a nutshell, if you have LDL below 150 and have had no history of heart disease, perhaps this is the time to question Statins and get your LDL particle number measured. 

If you are in the extreme level of LDL, high blood pressure, previous heart disease history, then it would appear statins are a good option. The fact is that they lower LDL in general and that has been conclusively proven to lower your risk and at this point, that is the most important thing.

Are there other options for the established high risk person?

(I MUST reiterate that I am no doctor. Ask your doctor about anything you are thinking of trying and please heed their advise. Heart disease is extremely complicated and individual, some work well with one thing, some with others)

  • To minimise risks of heart disease and if you not already at risk or if you are right in the middle of the risk zone and had had an episode already, so …. all of us, then a healthy diet filled with whole unpackaged foods and daily exercises will definitely be of benefit. Unfortunately, as we have found after the egg cholesterol myth was busted, diet has a small impact on cholesterol levels. Diet alone will not be enough to lower substantially the LDL level in those that have established heart disease. That said it WILL improve your life and health in other ways that are extremely important. Exercise also will not fix a high LDL, but it will help your health tremendously. The healthier your lifestyle is, the better you will live. I think thats really what we all want. A decent age but to be healthy, happy and vital to the end and not crawling slowly to the finish line.
  • Dr Peter Attia will sometimes put his patients on a PCSK9 inhibitor instead of statins
  • Niacin is also sometimes prescribed as it has a cholesterol and triglyceride lowering effect while preserving HDL.
  • Bergamot is an interesting one. It lowers cholesterol while preserving HDL as well. This doctor has used it successful in conjunction with statins

If you are on Statins

I’ll assume you have established a diagnosis of heart disease.

  • There seems to be a high blood sugar side affect in statins that could lead to diabetes. A whole foods diet is important. One that focuses on protein, certain fats and vegetables for the majority of your intake will keep these levels lower. Bitter melon is a superb extract you can get at health food stores. Take 2 with food and it will work to stabilise your blood sugar (do not take this if you are on blood sugar lowering medication). Exercise is particularly useful to balance blood sugar levels and a casual stroll after your biggest meals is perfect to keep the levels down, not to mention its fabulous for digestion, casual though, not a power walk!
From: https://www.drcolinobrien.ca

From: https://www.drcolinobrien.ca

  • Keep the healthy fats up! Statins effect on lowering cholesterol has ramifications for the vital role cholesterol plays in making our hormones. We need cholesterol to live and function.
  • Have a look at the Mediterranean diet, there's good research out there that indicates that is helpful. 
  • Dr Krauss has lead some research on a high fat diet that has been efficacious
  • Take a liver supplement with milk thistle to help the liver process the statin and cholesterols. Great supplement, we should all take that, a general detox to keep our liver as clean as possible.
  • There's been talk of CoQ10 and Vitamin K2. Statins can lower our amounts of it. Jarrow CoQ10 has been tested and has been given the tick for delivering what it says, 200mg is good. Plus a good K2 supplement, around 180mcg.
  • It can affect the production of Vitamin D, so supplementation is useful and can mitigate the muscle weakening effects in many.
  • Another reason for exercise. Statins can cause muscle wasting. Counter act that with a good strength program (you are never too old for this!)

Useful Tests

  • Ask your doctor for the LDL-P NMR test or information on it if you are interested. This is not a free test. We priced it recently at $180 AUS. However, if you see your LDL is not extreme and you are otherwise healthy and relatively lean, this is a worthwhile investment to make.
  • Get regular ALT tests to ensure the liver is coping with the medication
  • Get a regular blood glucose test to keep a check on the levels
  • Regular checks of Vitamin D levels

I hope you feel a bit more certain about Statins. I certainly do. Before I had looked into this properly, I was definitely on the “statins are dangerous, bad, evil” bandwagon. Knowing some people going through this has made me look deeper and I am so very grateful for that. Its been a good reminder to keep reading, never assume you know, and check all sides of a tale. Statins I feel, have their place when your health is seriously at risk. They don’t take the place of a healthy diet and lifestyle, they work together, and by keeping an eye on how your body is responding to them with regular tests and inner checks, you should avoid much of the down sides.

If you want help with a diet and exercise plan that will work well with your health situation please contact me. I can create something for you or help you implement what you have been advised to do. You don’t have to go through that uncertain how to activate a plan like that, I can help you. If I can’t, be assured I shall let you know and recommend you to others. Your health is the most important thing you have, you are IN CONTROL!

Cheers for now! :-)

Good Podcasts to listen to

Let me know if you come across others that are particularly relevant

Read More
Vashti Schulz Vashti Schulz

Why I love Bitter Melon

A miracle fat loss supplement?......... Maybe!

What is it?

This wierd looking fruit, bitter melon, is also known as bitter gourd, bitter squash, bitter cucumber or balsam pear. It refers to the fruit grown on a Cucurbitacae vine. It grows in tropical and sub tropical climates in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

What is it meant to do?

The Chinese have long used Bitter Melon as a blood sugar controller, and finally the Western World is becoming more aware of its uses. Bitter melon is a plant that has the amazing ability to improve glucose tolerance and reduce blood sugar levels. This is why bitter melon is highly recommended for diabetics (always check with doctor first!). The benefits don't stop there. Due to its improvement to glucose tolerance it is also great for:

  • Skincare and acne, psorriasis, eczema (drink the juice 3 x a week)
  • Has more beta carotene than broccoli
  • Vitamin K (blood thinning and antiinflamatory)
  • Relieves acid reflx and indigestion
  • Diabetes type 2, 
  • Lowers cholesterol , (therefore reduces heart attacks and ehart disease
  • Anti cancer properties
  • Due to blood sugar and liver tonic benefits it is an effective weightloss controller.

So how does it do it?

These days, extra weight, lifestyle, and dietary intake all play a part to make many of us insulin insensitive. This results us in having an excess of blood sugar in our system. Fat loss wise, the body can not burn fat in a sugar filled environment. It will stop using other energy sources (such as fat) and use only the sugar until its gone. Dietary fat at this point, is not broken down for energy use, but rather stored in adipose (fat) tissue around the body and also accumulates in the liver and contributes to clogging in aortic valves. High levels of blood sugar will also damage blood vessels and nerves. None of this is good for longevity and good health!

The fruit has at least three active substances with these glucose tolerance properties,  charantin, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. It seems these work individually or together to reduce blood sugar levels. Bitter melon also contains lectin, which has similar effects to insulin in the brain (insulin secretion is needed to lower blood sugar levels) and promotes insulin sensitivity in the body.

The Garvan Institute in Australia has done some interesting studies in the last few years, looking at bitter melon as an effective supplement for diabetics. Noting that it has few side affects compared to pharmaceuticals.

"When we give this compound to our mice just before a meal, we then give the meal, we find that they have a much more efficient removal of glucose from the blood compared to animals that have not been given the drug," Garvan Institute's Professor David James

How do I take it?

Take it in capsule form, I use iherb generally for my Bitter Melon capsules, and take them around 30 mins before a higher carbohydrate meal. However don't worry too much if you forget before your meal, you can still take it while eating. The other option is to use the actual plant. These are generally found at your local Chinese market place. Be warned the fruit is well named. It is BITTER! The recipes below are worth following to make sure you are able to hide the taste sufficiently. :-)

 

So if you suspect you might be a little insulin insensitive or have high blood glucose levels, bitter melon is a great and natural substance to try. Just a word of caution. Its highly effective. Take the recommended dosage. Hypoglycaemic attacks have been associated with high intakes of the supplement (admittedly these intakes have been over 5 times the recommended dosages). These extreme intakes are very unlikely if you are just adding the actual food into your diet and not the supplement.

If you found this interesting, you may want to implement this into your way of eating. If you are unsure in any way feel free to contact me

Recipes

Recipe ingredients:

  • •  1 Bitter melon seedless, chopped
  • •  Ice to taste
  • •  Honey or stevia to taste
  • •  Lemon to taste

Place bitter melon pieces and ice cubes into blender.

Stir until smooth and blended. When the ice cubes rather smooth, enter lemon juice and honey to suit your taste (to get around for the bitter taste of bitter melon covered with sweet honey and fresh lemon).

References

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-bitter-melon-that-makes-even-more-worth-eating.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/308112-how-to-use-bitter-melon-to-lower-blood-sugar/

http://www.naturesgoodness.com.au/Bitter-Melon-Capsules.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-26/humble-vegie-may-end-diabetes-fight/1083716

https://www.garvan.org.au/research/diseases-we-research/diabetes-type-2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momordica_charantia

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/07/11/aloe-bitter-melon-help-treat-diabetes.aspx

 

 

Read More