What alternatives to statins are working for those who have elevated cholesterol?
My total cholesterol numbers were high at 304. My primary care physician put me on Crestor and I had muscle pain. He now has me on Vytorin and while my cholesterol levels are good, I'm starting to get pain in my calfs and am growing concerned.
I have since tried guggelipid, beta-sistosterol, polycosinol, artichoke extract, chitin, and a soluable fiber drink that contains plant sterols that has worked for others. My cholesterol only dropped 10 points.
From all the horror stories about statins on the web and from what I've heard, I'm really scared to continue with them, especially with these developing calf pains. I've recently taken a CK test and awaiting the bloodwork results, but I just saw a study on the web that indicated people had myopathies with normal CK levels.
Based upon my original high numbers that have been brought down to normalcy, I know the statins will control my cholesterol but am afraid of what they may do to the rest of me. After all, many pathologies aren't reported and minor issues can add up over time.
Are there other therapies and nutritionals I haven't tried that others have had success with?
Exercize and change of diet.
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I have tried Lipator and vytorin both gave me leg cramps
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I have tried numerous statin drugs in past, including Vytorin. I had problems with muscle pain with most, except Vytorin. In any case, at one time, I had been on prescription-strength niacin and had very good results. You should not take high doses of niacin on your own as it can cause liver damage - you need to be monitored by a doctor. Maybe you should ask your doctor about it. If I remember correctly, the prescription I was given was for something called Niaspan. Hope this helps!
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It isn't that difficult. Suggest you stick to white meat, fish and cut off all other non-veg stuff. No cheese and thick creamy dairy stuff like ice creams..Only a glass of skimmed milk. Have a vegetable salad with lime squeezed on it(no dressings) for breakfast, have lots of fruits during the day, and drink eight to ten glasses of water. Avoid donuts, pizza and burgers and almost everything containing white refined wheat and sugar. A tablespoonful of isapgol(pysllum husk) with a glass of water at night is a must so is a couple of Omega3 oil capsules during the day.. Of course one hour of exercise with about 15 minutes of yoga stretching exercises and 30 minutes of meditatation will cam you down , relax you and reduce your cholestrol level. Don't worry be happy, try it for a month. It works.God bless you
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My husband has been taking Omega3 fatty acids and CoQ10. His PCP wants him to continue on Lescol but he would also like to get off the prescription drugs. So we would be very interested in any studies or results not involving Rx's.
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Omega-3/Omega-6 fish oil 1200 mg and/or 250 mg niacin once/day or you could alternate these daily. Exercise at least 60 minutes/day. Walking is the easiest or whatever you prefer.
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I am in the very same situation. My doctor has put me on a diet and has me on Omeg3complex by Physician's Health & Diet. I am starting off with 2capsuls every day and working up to 4. I am praying this will work in keeping my cholesterol down.
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I am still searching . . .
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I am currently on cinnamon capsules. In a month or so, I will get my cholesterol rechecked and share with you how the cinnamon is working. I must say that since I have been off of Crestor, I feel so, so much better. The muscle aches are nearly gone, and my energy level is much higher.
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Short answer, control your eating and start exercising. You will loose weight, gain energy Read below why.
My LDL was way to high (180 range) and I did not want statins so my Dr started with fishoil (Omacor or Lovaza) both omega-3 OTC pills as well as 1000mg Niaspan. This helped a bit but I was not nearly in range. HDL low at32 and LDL over 160.
My Dr. prescribed 10mg Crestor, my HDL did not go up but my LDL down to about 120. After a while I got leg cramps and lost my energy. My Dr. switched me to Pravastatin, similar story. It got so bad that I had days going to bed at 7:00pm waking up the next day 7:00am drained and feeling tired. My liver test came out screwed up, high liver function but cholestorol was great.... big price to pay.
I quit my statins but stayed on Niaspan and Lovaza since I prefer a heart attack over the bad quality of life. I changed my diet. Cut out or reduced the easy carbs (sugar, high corn fructose, white rice/pasta/wheat) and added more wholesome foods (Fruit, veggies, whole grains) and started an excercise routine 5-6 days a week, 45 min.
I lost 30 pounds gained a tremendous amount of energy, no pain and I enjoy my life!
My present came in last week, my HDL went up for the first time in years from 32 to 40, my LDL came in on 132. The numbers might not be ideal but they are good enough, ratio is good and with staying on this course I am confident that I can lower the LDL even more. In short again, quit the statins, move your body and watch what you eat. My Dr should have pushed for that. Medication really is an excuse not to tackle your own issues.
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