should I take a statin? what are alternatives?

Posted by mpetermax @mpetermax, 4 days ago

I was given a statin by my doctor and my total numbers are 221 and my average is 2.9, LDL 136 and HDL 77

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I am one of those people who cannot tolerate statin medications. My doctor allowed me to try lowering my numbers through diet and exercise. Doing that, I was able to lower my numbers a little bit. So, I began taking a natural oral supplement composed of Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice, Soursop and Vitamins B and C. After having taken it daily for a little over a month, my numbers had improved by 25 points at my next doctor visit. Although Red Yeast Rice purportedly has some of the same side effects as many statin drugs, so far, I have NOT experienced any of the muscle pain/weakness, brain fog, etc. associated with statins. I will continue taking it unless and until I experience any of those side effects. Time will tell.

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Thank you, jgillil2,

Which brand of supplement do you use?

Mike

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Profile picture for jgillil2 @jgillil2

I am one of those people who cannot tolerate statin medications. My doctor allowed me to try lowering my numbers through diet and exercise. Doing that, I was able to lower my numbers a little bit. So, I began taking a natural oral supplement composed of Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice, Soursop and Vitamins B and C. After having taken it daily for a little over a month, my numbers had improved by 25 points at my next doctor visit. Although Red Yeast Rice purportedly has some of the same side effects as many statin drugs, so far, I have NOT experienced any of the muscle pain/weakness, brain fog, etc. associated with statins. I will continue taking it unless and until I experience any of those side effects. Time will tell.

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@jgillil2

Years ago the hot to trot supplement was Niacin aka nicotinic acid. A side effect was flushing which many found uncomfortable. An alternative is Niacinamide which is readily available from any number of online sources.

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Profile picture for bajjerfan @bajjerfan

@jgillil2

Years ago the hot to trot supplement was Niacin aka nicotinic acid. A side effect was flushing which many found uncomfortable. An alternative is Niacinamide which is readily available from any number of online sources.

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@bajjerfan I know about niacinamide as I've been taking it for several years. I found a company that makes an extended-release form and the flushing is minimal. I've began taking it to help regulate my blood pressure, not for its effect on cholesterol. It may be why my cholesterol levels have never been in the "high" range, they've always been in the low to middle of the "borderline high" range. This latest combo that I'm taking now has gotten my numbers down 25 points to what is considered "near optimal". A lot of my problem was mostly with the "good" HDL cholesterol being too low. It's because I wasn't getting a lot of exercise when I was still working at a stressful 9-5 desk job. Now that I'm retired, I'm getting more regular exercise, which has helped raise my HDL. But I'm still working on that.

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Profile picture for mpetermax @mpetermax

Thank you, jgillil2,

Which brand of supplement do you use?

Mike

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@mpetermax Resona Red Yeast Rice Drops. It's a blend of Citrus Bergamot, Olive Leaf, Soursop, Black Pepper, Vitamins B & C. (I accidently left Olive Leaf & Black Pepper out of the list in my post.) It comes in liquid form, and I take just 2 mL daily. I use the dropper provided to place it directly in my mouth, under my tongue, but it can be added to juice or water if preferred. I hope this information helps you.

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Profile picture for mpetermax @mpetermax

Sue,
Thank you for the thorough warning. I will be diligent to get a second opinion and go back to my main doctor to make a decision. I appreciate your response.

Mike

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@mpetermax I had a fib for quite some time. It was never a big problem until I got diagnosed. And for a long time, I was not on any medication’s, but in the last two or three years, I was put on four medication‘s Eliquis is one of them. Metoprolol is another one. I haven’t had any problem with Eliquis. I’ve had absolutely no problems with a-fib or irregular heartbeat since I started the medications

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Profile picture for riflemanz64 @riflemanz64

Statins and exercise really do work. I had a heart catheterization at age 70 and every thing is clear with no blockages. I’ve been on statins since age 40 and I do a 2 mile fast walk every day.

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@riflemanz64 I take statins and other meds for AFib. Have not had any more a-fib issues since I started the meds. I am however tired of taking them and other meds I havenas well as a lot of supplements. I am just tired of ordering them.

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I saw an ad that says taking a honey mixture everyday prevents or helps with brain fog. Is this hype or for real? Anyone try this?

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Profile picture for itasarah @itasarah

I saw an ad that says taking a honey mixture everyday prevents or helps with brain fog. Is this hype or for real? Anyone try this?

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@itasarah Honey is laden with fructose. The only organ in your body that can use it/change it to something else is your liver. It's high calorie with some other elements and enzymes, but I have never heard of it helping with brain fog (which could just be my limitation and doesn't mean it's not a thing). Table sugar, the plain old stuff we all use, is half-'n-half sucrose and fructose....so if you ingest any sugar in anything, you're already getting what honey offers.
https://sensiqnootropics.com/blogs/news/honey-and-brain-fog-what-research-shows-today
Brain fog can have many origins, from sleep apnea to electrolyte problems, insufficient sleep, drugs that are prescribed, vascular degeneration or disorders in the brain, to name but a few.

One thing that can possibly help with brain fog and with a general dull mood each day is physical exertion, or exercise. Even just going out and managing a pretty brisk pace for ten minutes, if you can manage it with any other health concerns, can do wonders for brain vascularization and mood, but also improve cognitive function. This is well-established in the literature:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-can-boost-your-memory-and-thinking-skills

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