If you’re over the age of 70, chances are your doctor has talked to you about statins.
They’ll tell you it’s a simple way to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart.
But here’s the thing, statins come with a laundry list of side effects.
So, why aren’t they telling you about the natural ways to lower cholesterol? It’s because Big Pharma is raking in billions of dollars each year from keeping you on them.
In fact, statin sales worldwide bring in a whopping $19 billion yearly. And as long as you keep taking the pills, their profits keep rolling in.
The question is: Are statins really necessary? Or is there a better way to take control of your heart health without the side effects?
The Truth About Statins
There’s no denying that cardiovascular disease is a major concern for seniors. But here’s where I disagree with the mainstream approach. Statins are often prescribed as a “quick fix” for lowering LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, but at what cost?
Muscle pain, memory loss, and even an increased risk of diabetes are all well-documented side effects of statins.
In fact, studies show that statins can cause diabetes in up to one in 50 patients! And yet, the pharmaceutical industry continues to push these drugs as a one-size-fits-all solution. (Read more about the dangers of statins here in my Nutrition & Healing newsletter.)
And now, a recent study from the University of Oxford claims that statins should be recommended for adults over the age of 70, even for those WITHOUT a history of heart disease.
According to the researchers, statins are “cost-effective” and “correlated with better health outcomes.”
But let’s be real. Do we want to spend our golden years relying on pills that come with serious health risks?
Or is there a better way to manage cholesterol and protect our heart health?
The Real Problem with Statins
What the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t like to talk about is how statins might actually be doing more harm than good.
Aside from the muscle pain and diabetes risk, there’s also mounting evidence that statins could contribute to cognitive decline. One study even found that people with existing cognitive issues had a higher risk of developing dementia while on statins.
And then there’s the issue of lifelong dependency. Statins aren’t meant to be a short-term solution. Once you start taking them, the expectation is that you’ll be on them forever.
That’s great for Big Pharma’s bottom line—but not so great for your long-term health.
Natural Solutions for Lowering Cholesterol
The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to lower your cholesterol without risking the side effects of statins. Here are a few simple tips that I recommend to all my patients:
- Get Moving: Exercising for just 30 minutes a day, five days a week can raise your HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- Eat More Fiber: Adding five to 10 grams of fiber to your daily diet can significantly lower LDL cholesterol. Think fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Swap in Olive Oil: Switching out butter for olive oil can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent. Go for extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Spice Things Up: Spices like garlic and cinnamon can naturally help lower cholesterol. Just half a clove of garlic a day has been shown to reduce cholesterol by nine percent.
- Try Supplements: Certain supplements can also be effective in supporting heart health. Vitamin K2, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and aged garlic extract are all powerful tools for keeping your cholesterol in check—without the side effects of statins.
When it comes to your heart health, you have options.
Statins might be pushed as the “go-to” solution, but the reality is that there are safer, more natural ways to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart. Don’t let Big Pharma convince you that you need to rely on their drugs for the rest of your life.
In case you missed it, here’s what else we’ve been chatting about this week in e-Tips:
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- Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking Ibuprofen
- Is AI Better Than Your Doctor at Diagnosing IBD?
- Are You Too Old for a Colonoscopy? Here’s the Answer
- Is Stress Quietly Wrecking Your Health?
- The Silent Threat You’re Ignoring (It’s Not What You Think)
Sources:
Pelc, C. (2024, September 17). Older adults over age 70 should consider taking statins, study finds. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/older-adults-over-age-70-consider-taking-statins-heart-disease#Further-evidence-of-the-importance-of-continuing-statin-use
Dr. Alan Inglis. (2022, December 13). Statins pack dangerous risks. Get the TRUTH here. Nutrition and Healing. https://nutritionandhealing.com/2022/12/13/statins-pack-dangerous-risks-get-the-truth-here/