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Attention Statin Users: A New Study Reveals Statin Medication Associated With A 46% Increase In ……
Here we go again.
Statin medications are front and center in a recent study which reveals that atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are associated with a 46% increased risk of type II diabetes (http://www.diabetologia-journal.org/).
No typo there. A 46% increased risk of type II diabetes.
So let’s be clear. A person takes a statin medication to lower their cholesterol in hopes that it will reduce their risk of a cardiovascular event. YET, they take a statin medication and as a result have a 46% increased risk of type II diabetes. AND if you have diabetes you are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. In fact, at least 65 percent of people with diabetes die from some form of heart disease or stroke (source: www.heart.org).
Makes perfect sense, right? Hardly!
Remember just a few short weeks ago I shared with you that the Federal Government is now recognizing that cholesterol is NOT a nutrient of concern for over consumption because it has not been demonstrated to have a link to higher levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is NOT bad.
I have made it abundantly clear in previous posts that I am not against medications. Let’s face it there are times when medications save lives. What I am against is the overuse of medications for conditions that could be better addressed through lifestyle changes.
I know, Dr. Mike you sound like a broken record. But please understand that medications are not your only option, in most cases, especially when it comes to high cholesterol (again not the evil villain that it has been made out to be in most cases) and please don’t assume that just because your doctor prescribed it to you or that it is FDA certified that it is safe. Not the case and statin medications are a prime example.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
In previous entries I have shared that statins are a MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR cash machine for big pharma and their side effects are terrible. Not to mention that their “true” benefit when it comes to reducing your risk of a cardiovascular event has remained a point of contention for years.
The current value of the cholesterol-lowering drug industry is estimated at around $29 billion per year (http://www.29billion.com). Side effects range from muscle/joint aches, nausea, diarrhea/constipation, liver damage, increased blood sugar/type II diabetes, neurological problems (memory loss, and ALS), headaches, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, and abdominal cramping/pain to name a few. The studies conducted showing statin efficacy are often flawed and conducted by the drug makers themselves who have a financial stake in their success (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-rosenberg/statins_b_1818370.html ).
I see patients on a regular basis who are experiencing lower back, joint and muscle pain but are not responding to chiropractic care. In many cases these individuals have been taking statins long-term and are experiencing the unwanted side effects of the medications. They discuss their history with their prescribing doctors and will often be taken off the medications and low and behold their pains go away.
I share this information with you so that hopefully you can make a better informed decision when it comes to choosing whether or not to take these medications. And if you are taking the medications be very aware of the side effects so that you are not put on another pill to help the side effects that are caused by the statins. Also understand that you most likely have other options which are safe, natural and effective to help your health situation.
Reduce Your Cardiovascular Risk with Healthy Habits
To help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (which is why most people go on statin medications) be sure to include the following 4 healthy habits into your lifestyle:
- Diet: eat a diet that is rich in whole foods. Veggies, fruits, lean proteins, seafood, nuts/seeds and HEALTHY FATS. Yes, eat plenty of healthy fats. Food items such as olive oil, avocado, coconut, and fatty fish. Healthy fats do not contribute to heart disease and actually help reduce inflammation (which is the underlying cause of most chronic diseases). Reduce if not eliminate sugar and processed foods like grain based products. These are the “foods” that contribute to inflammation and ultimately to cardiovascular disease.
- Exercise: helps condition your cardiovascular system to make it stronger and releases wonderful health promoting hormones that make you feel and look good. Exercise also increases your cells ability to respond to insulin which helps you to better regulate your blood sugars (high blood sugar is a major risk for heart disease).
- Reduce stress: prolonged stress at any level adversely alters your hormone profile and increases your risk of heart disease. High levels of stress will also have a negative impact on your blood sugars. Practice stress reducing techniques like yoga, deep breathing, engaging in hobbies or any other healthy means of relieving stress.
- Supplements: consider taking supplements (along with changing your diet) to help reduce inflammation and improve your lipid (cholesterol) profile. Supplements such as fish oil, niacin, or an antioxidant combination can have a powerful impact on supporting better health as well as reducing your cardiovascular risk and without the side effects.
Get out there and do your own research on cholesterol and the use of statin drugs. Especially if you are taking cholesterol lowering drugs. Making some simple lifestyle changes just may change your life for the better.
As always I hope this information has served you and will take you one step closer to your desired health goals.
Did you like this information?
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Until we chat again remember:
Eat Well, Move Often and Stay Healthy!