[Jomar]

Does anyone know about this or can you point me to scientific websites about this?

Can or do statin medications stop/reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries?

If so, does it only stop it at the level that it is at- or can it reverse it?

[mrsD]

I've several posts on PN about this, if you search the topic there.

I just can't stay online for a long time...still.

Statins do NOT reverse anything. And have limited effects...most of the hype involves manipulating data..to fool doctors and patients.

Niacin is just as good. But also requires monitoring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8SSCNaaDcE

this website is good:
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.co...olesterol.html

http://www.thincs.org/pressrelease82004.htm

http://www.cmellc.com/geriatrictimes/g040618.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=30503

http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm

The side effects of statins are bigger than the doctors realize.

Alot depends on "how high".... the drug companies would like even normal
people on those drugs. Males under 50, with levels around 300 or more
are more at risk. Females not so much.

[watsonsh]

Statins bad.

Dont take em. If you have to I heard the least of the evils is Zetia.

Try to lower cholesterol naturally. The only bummer is it involves exercise

Mrsd...what does ths mean? Males under 50, with levels around 300 or more
are more at risk. Females not so much.

Why not females?

[Jomar]

Thanks ladies.
That was my thinking on it too from when i was searching about it in 03/04.
I know my muscles were more achy and sore when i was on Lipitor. I took it for a year 03 -04.
And the very odd timing of my RSI/TOS worsening at the same time as I was taking it .
After I stopped the Lipitor many of my lingering aches and pains started to respond much better to PT and therapy.

The topic came up because some relatives had various heart/stroke events around Thanksgiving.
We got to comparing our test numbers and such.
Some people really believe anything a dr tells them.
They think the "alternative" sites are full of hooey.
I prefer to look up the pros and cons from both sides and make up my own mind.

weird thing is I don't mind exercise at all - but I procrastinate very well LOL
but my plan is to make 2008 my year to get fit and much healthier, overall.
and hopefully that will include losing some weight.

[Jomar]

more videos on cholesterol

Dr Whiting on Natural Cholesterol Management
{and others}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieMY9...eature=related


looks like I need to detox my liver - got any good suggestions for that?

and start taking the other stuff again-
Guggul is an extract of the resin from the myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) is an approved treatment for high cholesterol in India. Clinical studies show that Guggul is effective in lowering high triglycerides. Guggul is the mixture of ketonic steroids from the gum oleoresin of Commiphora mukul. Guggul effectively lowers high triglycerides (by 30.3% in one study)

Pantethine, is an active form of pantothenic acid. Several studies show that 300 mg of Pantethine taken three times per day will lower Triglyceride levels

Lifestyle Changes

For triglycerides, alcohol intake should be limited. Although red wine has shown to help with LDL, again, this should be consumed within reason. If you are not sure how much is too much for you, check with your doctor.

Reduce the Intake of Sweets: The sugar in sweets very quickly spikes triglycerides in people. Avoid fruit juices, soda, pastries, pies, candy, cookies and sweet desserts.

Decrease or Eliminate Alcohol: Excessive alcohol contributes to high triglyceride levels. Some people are sensitive to even small amount of alcohol. Instead, try tomato or vegetable juice, club soda, mineral water, sugar-free beverages and non-alcohopc beers.

Reduce Carbohydrate Containing Foods: Bread, pasta, white rice and white flour are carbohydrate-foods and could be sensitive to certain people and lead to elevated triglycerides. Instead, choose whole wheat pasta, brown rice, barley, oats, etc in moderation.

Maintain a Desirable Body Weight: Obesity is shown as a major cause of high triglycerides. If you are overweight, lose weight with regular exercise and by reducing totally calorie intake.

[mrsD]

for my arthritic knee. And they worked great, for that.

However.. Jarrow stopped making its version...then this article came up:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...2/ai_n13675750

I sent emails to the two largest suppliers here in US and they never answered me. So I no longer recommend them.

Newer studies did not support good success with them for lowering cholesterol.

[mrsD]

you can really lower triglycerides with fish oil. Majorly.

So give that a try. At least 3 regular or 2 extra strength daily.
If you use blood thinners and/or aspirin or Plavix daily, have a doctor's supervision
when adding fish oil. They reduce clotting time a little, not as much as drugs do, but they are additive with other anti-clotting drugs.

[Jomar]

I don't take anything medication wise.

usually a multi vitamin, cal/mag, and sometimes c, MSM, grape seed extract, have been adding a aspirin now and then.

glass of wine couple times a week

I did start having oatmeal 3x a week

my triglycerides are really bad as of the last check 350+

so-
need to exercise, lose weight and cut way down on sugars /sweets
add fish oil

Do you have a few good brand names or preferences to recommend?

[mrsD]

my triglycerides increased to 385.

They have been 180 now with Omega-3s in the food/supplements.
I take less supplements now, since our food contains Omega-3s..but I still do
fish oil a few times a week.
I use Smart Balance spreads,
Smart Balance peanut butter (flax oil)
omega-3 Eggs
and salmon frequently.

You should be able to lower the triglycerides at least by 50% like I did.

[Becky21]

My Cardiologist put me on Niacin about a year ago. My cholesterol and triglicerides were way up.

I bought a $4.00 bottle of non flush Niacin at the pharmacy and took 2 500mg a day. When he did my blood workup 8 months later, my numbers dropped dramatically! I couldn't believe it worked so well! I was thrilled that I did not have to go on another expensive drug to control chol.

I got side tracked by personal problems and didn't take it for a while and my numbers went back up. I am now taking it every morning and evening with meals and an aspirin daily.

It can affect the liver but so can the prescription drugs. I have my bloodwork for Avonex so if there is a problem it will show up.

It is very inexpensive and I have ordered it online at a vitamin store or pick up a bottle at the pharmacy. Be sure to use non flush to avoid hot flashes.