What do you use to lower cholesterol without statins?

ruthbru

My sister had a terrible reaction to Red Yeast Rice; so if you want to try it, you'd want to start with a low dose.

Zogo, how long before you get some blood tests. You will have to let us know what happens minus the niacin.

zogo

I got the Corus CAD back with stellar results. 1% chance of coronary artery disease with a 95% accuracy, and a "patient" score that should be below a 15 and mine was a 1. Results don't get any better. I did have a carotid ultrasound 2 years ago that showed some thickening there. So, I'm trying to be careful and was really glad with these new results. My next bloodwork is in 3 months.

ruthbru

Great!!!

DivineMrsM

Withthree brothers who've all had heart surgery, a mom who had it, too, a grandmother who died of heart complications and a grandfather who died of arteriorsclerosis, plus a few uncles who either died of a heart attack or had heart surgery, and knowing that high cholesterol runs in my family, I am taking statins and not worried about what Dr. Google has to say. I've been on statins since December and do not have any confusion or memory loss, tho I'd rather forget where my car keys are than have a heart attack.

bevin

I read a really good study out of the UK on this topic. They showed an apple a day cam be as effective as statins. I will find the link and post it later today . It was very interesting and certainly worth trying.

zogo

TheDivineMr.., If it gives you peace of mind, that is ultimately up to you, and every patient is different. But, it is not just "Dr. Google", there are world class doctors that are warning people about the risks. (See "The Great Cholesterol Myth" by Dr Stephen Sinatra and Dr Bowden). My mother's memory was fine, but her problem with statins was in her shoulders. For my mother-in-law, it was a "fuzzy" memory. They are both 88 and have each gotten off of their statin.

cp418

Well I tried the "Citrus Bergamot" supplement I mentioned in a previous post. I don't think I will refill it. I've had some bad foot cramping several times and not sure what is the trigger as I take a Mg supplement. Maybe the lack of daily walks being confined during this horrible winter or maybe this supplement. I have no idea if it improved my cholesterol levels without a blood test.

I saw in another post that you can go to Lab Corp without a Dr script and order blood work on yourself - pay direct without insurance coverage. Has anyone done this to check any labs on themselves? My GPs lab script is not until June so the past weeks that I was on the supplement - blood cholesterol level now is unknown.

GP suggested Norwegian Premium Fish Oil to lower cholesterol but to take at least 3000 units per day. He had a patient who could NOT tolerate statins and was able to drop his cholesterol by about 50 points with fish oil. I figured I would give this a try as well. IMO each of us is different metabolically and I know my body produces excess cholesterol - - as I am diet conscious to eat healthy and exercise (weather permitting of course). I was told to avoid high does of Niacin or Red Yeast by by GP as I have MTHFR mutation.

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR

edited to ADD: I just called Lab Corp to ask if I could have a lipid panel done and pay them direct. The answer is NO - a doctors script is required. What a nuisance. I understand in Europe it is different but not sure how others are doing this here in the states.

bevin

interesting studies on lowering cholesterol. certainly worth eating an apple a day.
http://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f7267

worth a read.. study finds benefit of an apple a day and lowering cholesterol can mimic statin

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/817972

DivineMrsM

One of my brothers was having eye troubles. After many weeks of testing, it was learned he had 100% blockage in Both carotid arteries! Many of his medical team were shocked and amazed that he did not have a stroke or heart attack. He had surgery by a top specialist in the field to open other arteries to get more blood flowing to his brain. Theygot his permission to film the surgery since it was so rare of an occurance.. Yes, he lives a normal life, that was just last year. If he doesn't take his daily statin meds, the doctor said, death.

I also watched bedside my other brother struggle to recover from emergency triple bypass surgery at the age of 49. He was in th hospital seven weeks, has also made full recovery. I was scheduled for a lumpectomy when he was in the hospital. Had to have an ekg first since I was over 50. It came back abnormal and it really freaked me out. Imagine dealing with stage iv bc, your baby brother in the hospital fighting for his life, then thinking maybe you are going to have to have heart surgery, too. The cardiologist eventually cleared me for surgery, but it was very scary for me.

I think we make choices and decisions based on facts and life experiences. I am not afraid to take statins. I would be afraid not to take them in view of my family history. There are quite a lot of things I am no longer afraid of since the bc dx

bc101

I decided to consult with a internal medicine doc on the statin issue during upcoming appointments. I don't trust my PCP. I hear what you're saying, MrsM. My mother had high cholesterol for years. She tried, but could not get it down with just diet alone so has been taking statins for many years now. She's been lucky to have had survived several mild heart attacks by recognizing the symptoms and getting quick treatment. Dad had a heart attack too, but I think for both of them having smoked for years and their diet was a huge factor. But I agree, you really need to consider family history. Just like with breast cancer.

I heard from one NP that I have a better chance of dying of a heart disease than of breast cancer. I realize this needs serious consideration. I hate it when yet another seemingly tried and true treatment turns out to be controversial and possibly detrimental. It makes it so much harder to get an answer and make a decision. At one time I was researching studies online and I was reading how statins may cause breast cancer or promote cancer cell growth or something to that effect. I'm more afraid of that than anything. Not sure if my fear is justified. Another question I'll be asking the docs.

zogo

Cp, I've had the full blood work for lipids. It included particle number and size (which is a much better estimate of risk than the typical cholesterol test)

I'm working on getting my particles down and other factors like Lp(a), ApoB, homocysteine etc. These tests are called VAP or NMR and are becoming more common. My husband's GP finally got in the game and got him an NMR test last physical. Our insurance covered most of it. His cholesterol was high and of course they tried to put him on statins. Instead, he is working on a low carb way of eating and supplements.

I was taking Carlson's Norwegian Fish Oil (the lemon liquid kind, a Tablespoon every day), but it has been found that DHA from Calamari is the best form of fish oil. I can find the study again if you are interested. I now take 3000 mg of Doctor's Best brand DHA from Calamari instead of the fish oil. I also supplement with Cod Liver Oil during the winter.

cp418

bc101 - I believe I read those same articles about cancer risks with some statins. There is much controversy about these medications. There is a difference between the water soluble versus lipid soluble statins . Some of the research did not clearly distinguish which statin the patients were taking. You can't mix apples and oranges and expect to produce valid study data. It just causes more confusion but I suppose it get teh desired publication.

zogo - there are so many fish oil supplements on the market. My GP did not mention a specific brand - just the Norwegian brand which there are many LOL!! I hope I purchased the right one because they are still in the capsule form and not a liquid oil as you described. I've also read krill oil is suppose to be very good too. Yes - if you happen to find that study it would be helpful. I saw a metabolic pathway diagram showing the cholesterol molecule is similar to our hormone structures. I recall some earlier articles showing links between elevated cholesterol and breast cancer. I'm wondering if the body uses excess cholesterol and may convert to estrogen? I'm wondering with menopause status if the lowered hormone levels causes our bodies (in some of us) to product more cholesterol to convert to get converted to estrogen.

My monkey brain is running away again......

zogo

Just saw this new book, thought it would be a good link to share.

http://www.amazon.com/Cholesterol-statins-Sham-science-medicine-ebook/dp/B00IU0SZUO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1425957390&sr=8-13&keywords=statins

cp, I chose the Carlson's as it is what my Lipidologist (Dr Tara Dall- google her if you want some good info) recommended. It is also the very brand that Dr Peter Attia takes himself. I used to take Krill, it is not as effective. In fact, I have my son on it and will be switching him to liquid fish, as he can't swallow the big pills.

When taking capsules, make sure you are getting the recommended amount of actual DHA and EPA on the nutrition part of the label. The total number on the front of the bottle can be deceiving. I had been shooting for 2000 mg of DHA and EPA each. The liquid is higher in concentration of the good stuff. It worried me at first about the flavor, but the lemon is fine and doesn't taste like fish.

I will see if I can get the DHA study to post.

cp418

Thanks zogo!

zogo

Here are a couple articles/studies regarding DHA

http://positivetimes.com.au/more-benefits-emerging-for-one-type-of-omega-3-fatty-acid-dha/

"The reason for nature`s preference for DHA, especially in relation to human health, becomes evident when one analyzes the various tissues in the human body. Several critical tissues and organ system in the body are significantly higher in DHA than EPA. Our brains and eyes almost exclusively rely on DHA for their structure and proper function. (Figure 2) ( PIC BELOW )"

Further, research shows that supplementing with DHA will raise the body`s level of both DHA and EPA. In contrast, supplementing with EPA will primarily raise only EPA levels.

The reason for this is that it is difficult for the body to extend, or elongate, the shorter EPA fatty acid, whereas the body can more readily shorten the longer DHA fatty acid. This is why many health experts consider DHA to be the "Master" form of omega-3.

Getting EPA to DHA is UPHILL and if you have health issues is likely BLOCKED.

However DHA to EPA is DOWNHILL and is EASY and the body will do it as required !"

bc101

I take Nordic Naturals - Kenai Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. Actually, my hubby bought it after meeting with his doc. Prescribed dosage is 3- 1000mg capsules. At first I had some gastric upset in reaction to them, but I must have gotten used to it because it doesn't bother me anymore. I only take 1000mg a day, though, so I'm thinking I need to up that dosage.

zogo

Here's a trick, if you are using fish oil capsules and get fishy tasting burps, put the jar in the freezer. The pills will get farther down your digestive tract before they dissolve and less likely for fish burps.

Also, again, look at how much EPA and especially DHA your pills contain on the back label. The number on the front of the bottle is often irrelevant and varies greatly from brand to brand.

cp418

zogo - many thanks for the chart and differences between EPA and DHA. I checked the Norwegian Gold Super Omega and the EPA is much higher than DHA. I'll try the Carlson's brand you described -- it has great reviews too!!

coffeelatte

Has anyone ever used Benefiber to reduce their cholesterol levels?  My GP just recommended I try it so I bought a container and started to take it yesterday.  It has caused some gas and bloating, but it is very easy to use as I just mix it in my coffee and I can't tell it is in there.  Anyone have any input?  I have never heard of using a fiber supplement for cholesterol.  My levels are getting too high and I am a bit nervous.  This of course then makes my blood pressure go up when I see the doctor.  Geez.

cp418

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high...

So far I've tried all the above and still trying to figure it out........

zogo

I have just started using Now brand organic Inulin. Apparently it is important to ramp up slowly. I'm using 1/2 teaspoon to start on my way up to 6 t. /day.

This is also a prebiotic that I will stay on, in conjunction with a probiotic that I will take for one month to repopulate the good bacteria in the lower colon.

coffeelatte

Zogo that sounds like a very good plan for intestinal health.  I have been struggling for a few years with a lot of digestive issues, so the Benefiber is needed for more than the cholesterol in my case.  I made a mistake the first two days and started with a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon, boy did I suffer with some serious gas pains.  I could not even take a deep breath last night from the gas.  I did take GasX and it helped.  Today I used 1 tsp. only and feel much better.  Time will tell.

zogo

3 months off of the Niacin. My particle number shot up as did my cholesterol (271), but individual numbers don't really concern me. The great news is that my inflammation and insulin resistance has improved. Knowing that inflammation is the root cause of almost all disease, I'm happy to see those numbers in a good range.

I have seen a naturopathic doctor and have added a digestive enzyme. She thinks I might have "leaky gut". There is so much to learn.

cp418

I wanted to report back on a cholesterol lowering supplement someone may have mentioned here -

Nature Made CholestOff Complete Softgels, 120 Count

This product lowered my total cholesterol from 233 to 183 in about 4 months. It lowered across the board all values for LDL, HDL, and Trigs. My HDL was very high to begin with and is still 68 range. I purchased from Amazon after reading more reviews there. It is a plant sterol based product.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I2JV48?psc=1&...

wenweb

Choleast. Made by Thorne. Contains red yeast rice and co-q-10. After just a little over one month my total cholesterol went from 248 to 211, and my LDL from 148 to 105.

zogo

Thorne is a great company with quality products. Just be aware that red yeast rice IS A statin.

Also, total cholesterol is basically an irrelevant number. And as we get older, people with higher cholesterol actually live longer. Only half of the people with heart attacks have high cholesterol. Get a full lipid panel with particle number, Apo B, etc. Like the NMR or VAP test.

wenweb

Thanks, zogo! Yes, I'm aware Choleast is a statin. I'm not sure what the other tests are that you mention, but will mention it to my Dr next month when I see her.

zogo

wenweb, The detailed lipid panel was not covered by my insurance 4 years ago when my doctor tried to give me statins. i had to go to a lipidologist to get it. This past year, they tried to put my hubby on statins, as well. Our doctor actually knew about the NMR test and our insurance paid for it.

Here are a couple interesting articles I came across today. I thought they might be good for this thread.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8SSCNaaDcE&sns=fb

http://www.fathead-movie.com/index.php/2015/07/16/the-cold-case-files-cholesterol-and-heart-disease/

wenweb

Thank-you, zogo!

TwoHobbies

Like many here, on the AI my cholesterol increased close to 30 points. I averaged around 173 before anastrazole. In 2014 when I got my cholesterol tested it was 200, and my HDL was only 48. In fact in many years of testing, my HDL has always hovered as low as 44 and has never been over 53. I just got my results back for this year and my cholesterol is 207 but my HDL is 61!!!!!!!! So even though my total cholesterol is a slightly elevated, all those ratios they look at are all in the ideal range, so I feel OK about the numbers overall. I am just thrilled to see a 61 HDL. I have been cutting back on sugar and grains both years. This summer my diet has actually been a little worse because I've strayed more on ice cream. Two things I have done better this year are more exercising and more vitamin D. I'm taking the time to get natural sunlight and take Vitamin D on days I don't get any. On the exercise front, when I first got diagnosed, my BS said exercise 150 minutes a week, so that was what I was doing. Then last time I saw her, she said they think more is better, do 300, so I've been trying to get in more exercise time each week for several months. So I don't know which of the two factors helped, or maybe both did, but I just wanted to pass that along if someone wants to try it for themselves.

I'd be interested to see what I can accomplish if I get my sweet tooth back under control...my next experiment.