The Effects of Statin Drugs on Cholesterol
The Role of Statins in Lowering cholesterol
Statins are a class of drugs that are prescribed for people with high cholesterol. Statins do lower cholesterol, but they do so by poisoning the enzyme HMG-COA reductase, a crucial enzyme which is necessary in the production of cholesterol.. Examples of statins are Lipitor and Zocor.
Unfortunately, statins also lower the production of Coenzyme Q10, which is necessary for optimum muscle function and energy production at a cellular level. The heart muscle contains large amounts of COQ10. Therefore, depletion of COQ10 results in musle weakness and congestive heart failure. Anyone who is on a statin drug should be taking Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement!
Side Effects of Statin Drugs
Muscle pain and body weakness– usually due to depletion of Coenzyme Q10 which is necessary for optimum muscle function.
Brain fog – brain is composed of fats, mainly cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary to maintain proper neurologic function.
Natural ways to Lower cholesterol
Exercise – if you are obese or overweight, start working with a personal trainer to help you set up a safe and effective personal training program.
Improve your diet – If you eat red meat all the time, replace some of your red meat meals with cold water fish (mackerel, salmon). Add good fats your diet.
Supplement your diet with a quality fish oil and multi-vitamin to start.
