We rely on risky drugs because we were given no other options; however, today, we present safer and more effective alternatives to statins without the dangerous side effects.
Elevated Cholesterol in Young Adults Increasing
Up to twenty years ago, most cases of elevated cholesterol levels were found in adults over forty, with the highest incidence in those sixty or older.
Unfortunately, more and more cases of people in their twenties experience elevated cholesterol. The biggest perpetrators for the sudden increase lies in ultra-processed foods and beverages, ranging from
- Energy drinks
- Processed meats
- Vegan meats
- Fast foods
- And more
Combined with a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, common in children and young adults who spend more time in front of screens, cholesterol naturally rises.
Dr. Montiero and Dr. Coppola noticed the change in their neighborhood, which has large front and backyards; however, they rarely see a single child playing outside while walking their dog. Unfortunately, anecdotal evidence shows this is becoming more common across the U.S.
Risks of Statins
The Truth Behind Statins revealed the deception behind the studies and development of statins.
Many scientific studies show that using statins, including low-dose statins, possibly causes cognitive decline like dementia, memory loss, nerve damage, liver damage, cardiac injury, muscle injury, and increased risk of developing diabetes.
Because of statins’ side effects, people are searching for safer alternatives to these drugs.
Alternatives to Statins: Exercise
Many alternatives to statins provide natural and healthy methods for lowering cholesterol. The least expensive approach is exercise.
Exercise, specifically aerobic types like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and resistance training, helps immensely with cholesterol. With resistance training, you can lift weights or use your body weight or resistance bands. Any of these exercises improves cholesterol levels.
Specifically, exercise boosts enzymes that increase HDL cholesterol and enhance its function. Regular exercise also lowers LDL cholesterol, specifically sdLDL.
Furthermore, since muscles use triglycerides as a source of energy, they naturally decrease in the bloodstream.
Exercising also improves insulin sensitivity. When cells become insulin-resistant (hemoglobin A1C level of 5.7 or higher), the body becomes more likely to produce higher amounts of sdLDL.
Alternatives to Statins: Dietary Changes
The next approach involves a change in diet. Most people struggle with changing their diets because foods are addicting–the worst foods for us fuel pleasure centers in the brain.
However, without changing the diet now, you’ll battle any variety of chronic illnesses in several years or less. Change starts with small steps, which is always better than no change.
Add Soluble Fiber
Whole foods rich in fiber include oats, barley, beans, and lentils. They also include fruits like berries, kiwis, bananas, and vegetables.
Eating more soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.
Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oils, or omega-3 fatty acids, support the heart and nervous system. Statins prevent omega-3s from reaching the cells and cell membranes.
We recommend eating more fatty fish like salmon and adding flaxseeds and chia seeds to your daily diet. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends taking 2000 to 4000 mg of combined EPA/DHA fish oil daily. Research shows that it lowers triglycerides and reduces sdLDL.
Increase Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Boosting monosaturated fats as an alternative to statins in your diet decreases sdLDL while elevating heart-healthy HDL levels. You can increase your intake through,
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Seeds
A study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease found that consuming two tablespoons (30 mL) of extra virgin olive oil daily increases HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol.
Additionally, research published in “The New England Journal of Medicine,” focusing on the Mediterranean diet, showed participants who consumed around four tablespoons (60mL) of extra virgin olive oil daily had better cardiovascular outcomes, including improved cholesterol profiles and lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
Alternatives to Statins: Supplements
Clinical studies show various supplements reduce sdLDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Red Yeast Rice
Research shows that red yeast rice lowers cholesterol as effectively as a low-dose statin drug. Like statins, it can lower sdLDL cholesterol by 20-30% and triglycerides by 15-25%. It also reduces the risks of heart attacks or strokes.
The dosages used in studies ranged from 1200mg to 2400 mg daily. However, the supplement may cause side effects like muscle pain. According to studies, taking 100-200mg of CoQ10 alongside the red yeast rice can mitigate these side effects.
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro start their patients on 300 mg, taken twice a day for two weeks to check for any muscle pain, then increase the dosage to 600 mg twice a day.
While red yeast rice provides many benefits, not all supplements are created equal. Unfortunaeluy, most companies cut corners. So how do you know what’s good?
First, check that the supplement company uses a full-spectrum red yeast rice extract. The full-spectrum extracts all 13 active compounds, plant sterols, polyphenols, isoflavones, and other phytonutrients.
You need all of the nutrients to lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, many manufacturers isolate one active ingredient and use that in their formula to save money and increase their profit margins.
Without all 13 active compounds, red yeast rice is not effective. Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro recommend,
The last supplement does not have enough CoQ10, so you’ll need an additional supplement.
Two rules for taking red yeast rice also include,
- Do not take it with a statin.
- If you are on a blood thinner, have your doctor monitor your PT/INR (blood clotting indicator) on your labs.
Red yeast rice reduces clotting time, so measuring how quickly the blood clots is important.
Berberine
Berberine is a unique alternative to statins. First, it tells your liver to make less cholesterol. Second, berberine increases the number of “clean-up crews” that remove sdLDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Berberine can also improve the microbiota to help manage excess and bad cholesterol.
Studies show that 500mg taken three times daily for several months significantly improves cholesterol levels. The studies reported that most people began seeing lower cholesterol levels by eight weeks.
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro recommend Thorne Berberine and Mercola Market’s Berberine and MicroPQQ.
Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels (specifically sdLDL) while increasing HDL.
Research reports that it provides lipid-lowering effects within two months but takes up to six months to see substantial cholesterol reduction.
A typical dose ranged from 500mg to 1000mg daily. The doctors recommend starting with a low dose of 250 mg twice daily for two weeks before increasing to 500 mg twice daily to check for any stomach issues.
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro typically recommend True Veda Organic Amla.
Why not use Niacin (B3) as an Alternative to Statins?
For those who’ve extensively researched lowering cholesterol, you’ve likely heard about niacin or vitamin B3.
Research shows that niacin administered between 500 mg and 2000 mg significantly improves the cholesterol profile and raises HDL (good cholesterol) by over 30%.
While niacin is effective, it can cause a flushing phenomenon. The skin, especially the face, turns hot and red, with itching and tingling in the affected areas. The condition isn’t limited to the face. More than 50% of people experience side effects when taking high doses of niacin.
While it’s not dangerous, many patients feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, any no-flush niacin provides ample B3 but does not reduce cholesterol.
However, niacin is a great supplement for achieving healthy cholesterol levels if you do not experience side effects.
You now have the power to choose safer, effective alternatives to lower cholesterol and take control of your health. Do not settle for risky shortcuts when you can achieve lasting health naturally.
Struggling with Neuropathy?
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro’s dedication to combating neuropathy is deeply personal, stemming from Dr. Monteiro’s experience with her mother’s severe chemo-induced neuropathy. This personal journey fueled their commitment to develop a systematic, drug-free approach to reversing neuropathy.
They founded the San Antonio Neuropathy Center, where they’ve successfully treated over 18,000 patients over the past two decades. Their acclaimed book, “Defeat Neuropathy Now in Spite of Your Doctor,” along with their neuropathy product line, stands as a testament to their expertise and innovative solutions.
Recognized as leading neuropathy specialists in America, Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro offer a beacon of hope for those diagnosed with this challenging condition. If you or a loved one is seeking relief from neuropathy, reach out to us at 844 400-0101 or email us through our contact page – Click here.
Your path to healing can start today.
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