Treating Cholesterol: Various Statins Vs. Cholesterol Diet

High cholesterol levels in over 105 million American adults has created one of the biggest booms for American Pharmaceutical Companies in the last decade. The best and most efficient way to lower cholesterol has sparked a heated debate over statin drug use, as opposed to implementation of a low cholesterol diet. Lowering cholesterol has also become a hot topic among the burgeoning ranks of Baby Boomers as they enter into their 40's and beyond. Sure, the statin drugs appear to be a magic bullet, but at what risk? An 8 week cholesterol cure through diet has been used successfully and safely by millions.

Lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), pravastatin (Pravachol), and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are the five statin drugs that are currently marketed to the North American population. While all five do indeed lower cholesterol, they have also been shown to deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10. This is an essential nutrient our bodies make that is required for energy and the basic functioning of cells. Additionally, there have been numerous indications of liver damage and an increased incidence of myositis. Myositis is a rare and sometimes debilitating disease in which the body's immune system chronically inflames muscle tissue, progressively weakening it. In fact, Health Canada now requires the manufacturers of these statin drugs to include a warning on the patient safety information sheets, and to provide information about the potential for muscle damage, according to the Toronto Star. Some other possible side effects of statin drugs include diarrhea, nausea, and constipation; plus they have even caused severe memory and mental awareness problems in some patients.

On the other side of the fence, lower bad ( LDL) cholesterol and higher good (HDL) cholesterol levels can be achieved through use of a heart healthy cholesterol diet. Lowering cholesterol through diet can be started naturally and safely by following three immediate courses of action.

• Lower intake of high cholesterol foods



• Lower consumption of foods high in saturated fats and try to avoid trans fats completely



• Increase consumption of foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids

Lowering intake of high cholesterol foods can be accomplished by eating less red meat, limiting yourself to one egg (USDA recommends limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg and one large egg contains approx. 260 mg) or switch to an egg substitute. Eat less shrimp. Increase consumption of vegetables and fruit. Reduction in the amount of fried food you consume will make a substantial difference. Switch to whole grain breads, and make oatmeal with fruit your breakfast choice a couple times a week.

Lower consumption of foods high in saturated fat can be easily accommodated by reading labels and choosing healthier brands. Everyday more heart healthy alternatives are sitting in the potato chip and cracker aisle at your local grocery store. Another quick fix is to replace butter and margarine with one of the new heart healthy spreads. These butter and margarine alternatives are prevalent everywhere, even peanut butter has heart healthy alternatives.

Increase consumption of foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids can be accomplished by eating more fish, especially salmon (although it is believed that wild-caught salmon contains more Omega-3 than farm-raised). Start eating a couple handfuls of walnuts, almonds, or Brazil nuts as a snack (1/4 cup of walnuts provides about 2.5g of Omega-3). Flax seeds and chia seeds are also high in this essential nutrient. Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body and must be supplemented through eating, so if you are not a fan of fish or nuts, take an Omega-3 supplement.

Another benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids besides warding of cardiovascular and heart disease, is that the National Institute of Health recently conducted eight evidence-based reviews on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids from food or dietary-supplement sources for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. Omega-3 has been shown to be beneficial in countering diabetes, cancer, asthma, dementia, and cognitive difficulties, just to name a few.

So it should be quite evident that cholesterol is much better managed by utilizing a cholesterol diet that will lower cholesterol naturally and safely. Avoidance of dangerous side effects of statin drugs and the added healing qualities of the use of Omega-3, should urge you to reconsider all the hype in the media and advertising that pronounces the miracle of statins. An 8 week cholesterol cure is in your grocery store now.

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Cholesterol can be controlled naturally and safely, simply by making a few dietary changes. Increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids will go a long way toward taking your health into your own hands, you won't regret it. Learn more about cholesterol and heart disease prevention at http://GreatNewsHealth.com/. Visit us today to learn about an 8 week cholesterol cure!