Contrary to popular belief cholesterol is good for us…
Here are the reasons…
it is needed for us to produce adrenal hormones;
it stabilises the membranes of all the cells in our body;
it is a precursor to vitamin D production in our skin;
it is necessary for the absorption of fat and minerals in our gut;
it is needed for optimal brain function;
it is vital for the function of serotonin receptors in our brain (serotonin’s the feel good neurostransmitter);
it is necessary for optimal functioning of our immune system.
Now I’m not here to slate the use of statins but here are a few things you should know…
Statins block the production of CoQ10, a vital enzyme that is essential for proper muscle function. CoQ10 (also called Ubiquinone) is involved in many functions in our body, including:
helping prevent brain atrophy;
preventing macular degeneration of the eyes;
reducing secondary cardiac events (by over 45%);
helping prevent Parkinson’s Disease;
preventing congestive heart failure;
reducing the number of deaths from cardiac disease;
helping prevent infertility.
As statins block CoQ10 production, their use can lead to side effects such as muscle pain and weakness. Bear in mind that the heart is a muscle so statin drugs could cause weakness of the heart muscle due to depletion of CoQ10.
Over 50% of the dry weight of the cerebral cortex (part of the brain) is made of cholesterol and adequate cholesterol is vital for optimal brain function.
Statins have been associated with increased cancer rates.
There is an increased rate of depression in statin users.
Statins disrupt all the adrenal hormones.
Falling cholesterol levels INCREASED the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease (The Framingham Study found a 14% increase in death rate for each 1mg/dl drop in cholesterol levels).
If you do have elevated cholesterol, work out your ratio of LDL (the ‘bad’ one) to HDL (the ‘good’ one). NICE recommend a cholesterol level of 5 in total (3.0 LDL and 1.0 HDL), so the ideal ratio of LDL:HDL is 3:1…. is your cholesterol really a problem?
To-date drugs can’t raise HDL, whereas diet and lifestyle can have some effect on raising HDL and lowering LDL.
If you’d like to find out how, feel free to contact me on email@example.com.