There are natural alternatives to statin drugs

May, 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Greetings dear readers . before we get into this month's topics, I need to add information to last month's column. For testosterone boosting, I neglected to mention maca (Lepidium spp.) It is native to the Amazon rain forest and has been used for centuries by both men and women. I wrote a column a few months ago regarding pharmaceuticals such as Fosamax and Boniva. I came across an advertisement from October 2011 stating that Boniva does not stop or reverse bone loss in nine out of 10 patients. They call it a "correction." I call it being caught telling a huge lie (copies available at Herbarium). A couple of weeks ago a story appeared on the nightly news, but I have not seen any mention of it in our local daily papers. It seems that Lipitor and other statin drugs used to lower cholesterol have another side effect you have not heard about. Along with the muscle pain issue (which is actually muscle deterioration), now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested that manufacturers also list memory loss as a side effect. Folks, I have to tell you something . this has been known for nearly a decade! We have talked about this on our radio program, and have handed out articles for years. The original story came from "Smart Money" magazine in the November 2003 issue. It has always bothered me that many people who were using Lipitor and other statin drugs tended to be older folks, who may not have recognized the muscle pain as anything other than "old age" or the memory loss as early dementia or Alzheimer's. It makes me wonder who exactly the FDA is working for. There are several natural products that have been used to control cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Some traditional approaches for lowering cholesterol include flax seed, apple pectin, garlic, soy isoflavones, niacin, and the vitamins C and E. These are good for lowering cholesterol levels in general. Many people who have higher or stubborn levels of LDL and triglycerides need stronger supplements. Red yeast rice is a food supplement, used in the Orient for hundreds of years and contains naturally occurring statins (lovastatin). In fact, the natural products industry was forced to reduce the amount of statin in the red yeast rice product allegedly because it would be classified as a non-approved drug. I tend to believe the pharma-lobby pressured their lackeys to protect their own products. Red yeast rice has been a blessing to the many people who cannot take a prescription statin due to the side effects (see above). I have seen only a literal handful of people who could not use the natural product due to extreme sensitivity. Even though this is a natural product, it is still advised to have liver enzymes checked and to take Co enzyme Q-10 . Pantithine, one of the vitamin B family, is another product used to lower overall cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. As side effects go, pantithine is really good. It converts to Co-enzyme A which plays a central role in the metabolism and breakdown of protein, carbohydrates and fat. It enhances adrenal function and helps reduce blood pressure. Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is a resin used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Guggul contains compounds that help lower LDL but also treats atherosclerosis, arthritis, acne and other skin diseases and is used in weight loss programs. Policosinol is derived from sugar cane. It is a unique mixture of essential alcohols that help reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the body. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient found in virtually all cells and essential for cellular energy production. A powerful free radical scavenger, it protects the inner lining of the artery by inhibiting LDL oxidation, and increasing good cholesterol levels. If you are on a statin drug, even red yeast rice, it is strongly recommended that you supplement with Co Q10. If you are having a problem with your medications, have a discussion with your physician about using one of these aforementioned items. It can't hurt. — Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com , or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.