HealthBeat

Alternative Medicine News and Commentary

May 3, 2005

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Better Cholesterol Management with Vitamins and Herbs

Your Cholesterol Questions Answered 

What can be done if you've been told that you have "high cholesterol?" I've been getting questions "in spades" this week, so it's time for a cholesterol management update! Like Lennie who wrote "I would like to know what supplements you recommend to lower LDL besides diet. I do not want to take statins. Thanks for your news letter I do read it. Blessings, Lennie."

Perhaps your conventional doctor found your cholesterol levels to be "high" (and there are differing opinions on what "too high" really is, because cholesterol is only ONE of a number of heart risk factors). He or she has probably advised you to start taking a "statin" drug. You will likely be sent off with a prescription for the statin-de-jour along with a recommendation to "eat less cholesterol and cut down on fats." If you do a little research, you will discover that statin drugs have some worrisome side-effects, including elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver distress) and rhabdomyelosis (muscle damage; NOTE: the heart is a muscle). You might also see that there are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of natural remedies, all claiming to be "the best" for safely lowering cholesterol levels. We (Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark) chuckle when we get questions from Wellness Club members asking if we have heard about the latest and greatest pill or potion or "cure" - we've heard 'em all and then some!

While statin drugs are being marketed as the next best drug since antibiotics, the dangers and expense of these drugs are rarely mentioned. All the while, well-proven natural remedies exist to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides and various other heart risk factors. Along with proven natural remedies come another half-dozen substances that are seen to be helpful but are not as well researched.   And of course, as with all other natural remedies, there are an entire array of poorly-researched, unproven remedies that rely on anecdotal "patient success stories" in their glowingly inflated sales pitches. Beware - these "also rans" aren't known to perform like proven remedies and may leave you sorely disappointed with the results.

The Big Three Remedies for High Cholesterol

Note that although statins can have a bigger impact on LDL cholesterol levels, niacin is more effective at lowering tryglycerides and raising HDL (the good cholesterol). Also be aware that cholesterol levels can be too low. Cholesterol levels under 140 are associated with an increased risk of strokes.

Like any substance, high-dose niacin is not without cautions. It's side effects are well known, the most common being a "niacin flush" - an uncomfortable flushing or hot feeling experienced by some people after taking standard niacin. Niacin can be toxic to the liver when taken in a "time release" form that was developed to avoid the problem of the "niacin flush" that made some patients reluctant to use it. Niacin can alter blood sugar control and so should be used under medical supervision in people with diabetes. It is also important to monitor both cholesterol levels and liver enzyme levels every three months or so while using niacin, as with a statin drug. Dr. Myatt recommends a form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate, a No-Flush Niacin that is very well tolerated.

If niacin is so great, why don't the drug companies sell it, and why doesn't my doctor tell me to take it, you ask? Well, though the studies strongly supports the use of niacin, it has also been victim of a lot of misinformation - your doctor may be ill-informed about it's benefits, while he or she has certainly been told all about the "benefits" of statins. Niacin is a widely available "generic" substance, meaning it cannot be patented, and the drug companies do not stand to make from it the massive profits that the other cholesterol-lowering drugs have generated for them.
As a result, one rarely sees niacin advertised in the way that the expensive statin drugs are. Still, niacin should be considered as the first choice in a cholesterol-lowering treatment.

NOTE: If your doctor DOES prescribe niacin, it will most likely be the pharmaceutical "timed release" version. Studies show that timed release niacin is toxic to the liver and DOES NOT have better benefit than NON timed-release formulas. DO NOT TAKE timed-release niacin for high cholesterol!

2.) Red Rice Yeast is next in importance. This substance is actually the result of a fungus that grows on white rice, turning it a red color. It has been known for centuries, and used as a colorant in oriental cuisine, and to make a form of red sake (rice wine).  The active component in Red Rice Yeast is a compound called mevinolin, which is identical to the prescription drug, lovastatin. The drug companies created lovastatin in the laboratory in 1987 also using a fungus, Aspergillus terreus. The active ingredient in Red Rice Yeast was discovered and isolated a decade earlier. Red Rice Yeast has been proven to be just as effective as the modern statin drugs at lowering LDL cholesterol. Taken in high doses, it can have some of the same risks as the modern statin drugs - namely a risk of liver damage and also of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that includes muscle deterioration.

Anyone taking this or any statin drug should have a baseline liver enzyme check and have their liver enzymes checked at three months into treatment. But risks are small (about 2%). The good news is that it is thought that there is a synergistic effect obtained from other related compounds in Red Rice Yeast which allows much smaller doses to be effective. A typical dose of a statin drug would be in the range of 20-80mg/day while a typical dose of Red Rice Yeast would be about 2.5-10mg/day. Neither Red Rice Yeast nor statin drugs should be taken with grapefruit juice, as this can cause a dangerous buildup of the statin compounds in the body.

Due to drug company pressure on the FDA, many Red Rice Yeast products have been taken off the market because they contain--- guess what?--- the active ingredient for lowering cholesterol! The FDA said that this made them a drug. Statin drugs are now a 10+ billion dollar a year business for the drug companies (statins are the biggest selling drug of all time), and I believe the they do not want any competition from a natural remedy, especially one that works successfully, has far less negative side effects, and can be taken for about 1/4 the monthly cost of the drug versions. Although the FDA has waffled back and forth about Red Rice Yeast, it is still currently available and should be added to your cholesterol-lowering program if niacin alone fails to help within 8 weeks OR if your total cholesterol is above 240 or your hs-CRP is elevated.

3.) CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring antioxidant produced in the human body. It is vitally involved in energy production. CoQ10 functions as an "energizer" to mitochondria, the body's energy producing units. Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements for CoQ10. Although CoQ10 is produced by the body, age, nutrient deficiencies, disease and some medications can lower the body's CoQ10 levels. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are known to deplete CoQ10. (The original patent-holders of statins wanted to add CoQ10 to the drug because of this known depletion; the FDA denied their request).  Everyone taking a statin drug should also be taking CoQ10. In fact, because CoQ10 is necessary for normal heart function, I strongly recommend it's use for any type of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.

Other Proven Cholesterol-Lowering Agents

More Cholesterol-Lowering Substances

Artichoke has been studied since the 1930's and found to have excellent effects on both atherosclerotic plaque and cholesterol and LDL levels. It is also highly protective, and may even be regenerative to the liver. It also possesses antioxidant properties. It is a valuable addition to a person's daily supplementation. Dr. Myatt makes this available in combination with Milk Thistle which is a potent liver protector with regenerative properties and a powerful antioxidant and Turmeric which is a marvelous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective (on a par with milk thistle), anti-tumorgenic herb that also helps maintain normal blood viscosity. My Milk Thistle Plus+ Formula combines all three of these herbs for a powerful liver-enhancing effect.

Turmeric has been shown in a number of studies to have cholesterol-lowering effects of it's own.  This, in addition to it's other benefits as described above make it a "must do" in any daily supplementation program. Turmeric also inhibits platelet aggregation (med-speak for blood clotting) and serves as a natural cox-2 inhibitor like the prescription drug Vioxx.

Gugulipid is an ancient remedy that is being "rediscovered" by the western medical establishment. Gugulipid is made from the resin of the commiphora mukul tree of north central India and has been used for thousands of years to alleviate problems associated with obesity, acne, viral infections, and other ailments. It has also been shown in some limited but significant studies to reduce cholesterol and LDL levels and increase HDL levels within three to four weeks. It is certainly worth considering adding this to a cholesterol-lowering regimen.

Green Tea has also been the subject of some promising and even exciting research. Green tea serves as a potent antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of LDL in the arteries. The cholesterol-lowering effects of Green tea have been shown in numerous animal and human studies. Green tea catechins act to limit the rise in blood cholesterol according to a 1996 Japanese study. Further, Green tea has been shown to elevate HDL, and serves as a natural ACE inhibitor, lowering blood pressure. These benefits can be obtained by drinking up to 10 cups of Green tea daily, or taking one to two capsules of Green tea extract daily.

Fish Oil has been shown to reduce high levels of triglycerides by an average of 35%. It does not appear to reduce cholesterol to that extent, but it does offer benefits when as part of an integrated therapy program. Scientific studies have demonstrated that alpha-linolenic acid (from flax or perilla oil) reduces the incidence of atherosclerosis, stroke, and second heart attacks. One study showed a 70% reduction in second heart attacks in those consuming this type of fatty acid.

Vitamin E protects us from more than 80 diseases and illnesses, including protecting us from the inhibiting the effects of oxidation of LDL and the development of atherosclerotic disease. Studies have also shown it to be effective as some hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) drugs. Anyone considering adding vitamin E to their regimen should also add Selenium which works with vitamin E to prevent LDL oxidation. Both of these nutrients are found in Dr. Myatt's Maxi-Multi.

Policosanol refers to a group of eight solid alcohols derived from sugar cane wax. Octacosanol is the major constituent of policosanol and proponents of this substance claim that Octacosanol is remarkably safe and effective at reducing cholesterol levels, and at reducing platelet aggregation. Current supplies are from Cuba and, in my opinion, too expensive. As the price comes down and the research some up, this may prove to be a worthy cholesterol-lowering agent. (The research would have to be VAST to surpass niacin, however).

Finally, Soy has been shown to confer numerous benefits through it's isoflavones - genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. According to a study completed in 1997, "Potential mechanisms by which soy isoflavones might prevent atherosclerosis include a beneficial effect on plasma lipid concentrations, antioxidant effects, antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on smooth muscle cells, effects on thrombus formation, and maintenance of normal vascular reactivity." Bottom line: if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels, it is worth adding soy to your diet.
 

Unproven Cholesterol "Cures"

We've talked about the proven first line remedies and the second line "helpfuls," now let's talk about some substances that have been touted without proof to back them up.

Coral Calcium - promoted as the cure for every thing from cancer to high cholesterol to bad breath to spiritual weakness. Many of it's top promoters are facing criminal prosecution. Avoid it. Not only does coral calcium often contain high lead levels, it is destructive to the coral reefs where it is derived. Calcium alone is not a proven cholesterol-lowering remedy; neither is coral calcium. If you need additional calcium/magnesium/bone nutrients, consider taking Cal-Mag Amino.

Various teas have been touted as total cholesterol cures, no doubt riding on the coattails of accepted Green Tea studies. Don't believe them - Green Tea is an important part of a cholesterol-control program, but teas are not the whole answer!

Cinnamon capsules have recently been promoted as a cholesterol-reducing agent. We are not aware of any solid studies to support this. Cinnamon does seem to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels of type II diabetics though. The capsules seem a bit expensive, when you can simply add this spice to your food and beverages - try it in tea!

Vinegar, and most especially apple cider vinegar, have also enjoyed some popularity as folk remedies for high cholesterol. Again, there is no scientific evidence of beneficial effect - though "anecdotal evidence" of the "my best friend's great aunt's late husband used it every day 'till he died" variety is plentiful...
 

Beyond Supplements and Drugs: Live a "Good Cholesterol Lifestyle"

No cholesterol-lowering program would be complete without a discussion of diet. Instead of dire warnings and restrictive regimes that drastically limit fat intake, Dr. Myatt puts her patients on The Super Fast Diet for cholesterol control. Her patients find this to be a rich, balanced, satisfying diet, and they are pleasantly surprised to find that not only do their cholesterol levels normalize in short order, but so does their weight. This nutrient-rich diet has people feeling better, looking better, and performing better, and their lab results are the proof of it's effectiveness.

Your Personal Cholesterol-Lowering Protocol

For more information and dosage recommendations for natural cholesterol lowering remedies, please visit The Wellness Club website here: High Cholesterol Protocol

High cholesterol is a correctable dietary problem, not a statin drug deficiency! You can improve your cardiovascular risk far better by correcting underlying problems than by taking a liver-function-blocking drug. Why settle for a Band-Aid when a CURE is available?!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Dana Myatt

Proven Solutions
for
High Cholesterol

Niacin (Flush-Free)
	The only cholesterol-lowering agent proven to reduce mortality.*
*“Fifteen Year Mortality in Coronary Drug Project Patients: Long-Term Benefit with Niacin,” J Am Coll Cardiol 8 (1986):1245-55.
Red Yeast Rice
	Source of Natural Statins.  Unlike statin drugs, Red Rice Yeast contains a mix of related but different statins. As a result, lower and hence safer doses of any one statin are taken.
CoQ10
	A naturally-occurring antioxidant produced by the body. Muscles,  the heart in particular, have high metabolic requirement for CoQ10. Cholesterol-lowering drugs  deplete CoQ10.
Other Cholesterol-Lowering Agents
Garlic lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, and platelet stickiness (which can lead to clots and strokes) while increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and fibrinolysis (the breakdown of fibrin clots).
Vitamin C lowers total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising beneficial HDL levels.
Fiber High intakes of soluble fiber have been shown to lower both overall and LDL cholesterol levels.
Turmeric has cholesterol-lowering effects plus it inhibits platelet aggregation (med-speak for blood clotting). It is also a safe, natural Cox-2 Inhibitor, a great alternative to Viiox and related drugs.
Green Tea prevents the oxidation of LDL in the arteries. The cholesterol-lowering effects of Green tea have been shown in numerous human studies. Green tea catechins act to limit blood cholesterol rise, elevate HDL, and serve as a natural ACE inhibitor (which lowers blood pressure).
Fish Oil shown to reduce high levels of triglycerides by an average of 35%. One study showed a 70% reduction in second heart attacks in those consuming this type of fatty acid.
Vitamin E inhibits oxidation of LDL and the development of atherosclerotic disease. Studies have shown it vitamin E to be effective as some hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) drugs. Anyone considering adding vitamin E to their regimen should also add Selenium which works with vitamin E to prevent LDL oxidation. Both of these nutrients are found in  Maxi-Multi daily multiple.
Soy isoflavones improve blood fat concentrations, exert antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on smooth muscle cells, decrease clot formation, and help maintain normal vascular reactivity. Bottom line: if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels, it is worth adding soy to your diet.
How to Take Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements:
High Cholesterol Protocol

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