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.

Great!!!

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.

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

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.

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.

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 !"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank-you, zogo!