Heart disease is a major concern for millions of North Americans and people of all ages are seeking natural preventive measures and treatments. Currently cholesterol-lowering statin medications are among the most prescribed drugs in the world. Many people are affected by high cholesterol levels, however statin drugs are not the only answer, and, according to Health Canada’s adverse drug reaction database, more than 1,000 serious side-effects related to statins have been reported in the last 15 years. Are there natural alternatives?
 
Most people understand that some cholesterol is needed for good health. The “good cholesterol”, HDL (high density lipoprotein) supports health, but high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is thought to irritate the lining of blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis, commonly called “hardening of the arteries”. 
 
Statins and CoQ10

Statin drugs are used by many Canadians to lower LDL cholesterol levels, but research shows that statins also decrease the body’s levels of coenzyme Q10. Essential for the health of every living cell, coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that helps produce energy at the cellular level. CoQ10 also enhances immunity and is a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage. Ironically, depletion of CoQ10 caused by statin drugs reduces the body’s ability to improve cholesterol naturally! Statins work by interfering with an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that the body uses to manufacture cholesterol. Unfortunately, statins also block production of CoQ10, reducing CoQ10 levels by as much as 50 percent within 30 days.
 
Fortunately, supplementing with high potency CoQ10 can prevent a statin-related CoQ10 deficiency without interfering with the drugs’ therapeutic effects. Research by Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen showed that statin discontinuation combined with CoQ10 supplementation could reverse statin-related side effects.
 
NOTE: Any change in medication use should be done only after consultation with your health care practitioner.
 
Lower cholesterol the natural way

The top ten ways to improve cholesterol are dietary and lifestyle factors:

1. Decrease consumption of animal products (except fish)
2. Increase intake of fatty fish
3. Increase dietary fibre
4. Avoid refined sugar
5. Use olive oil and flaxseed oil
6. Avoid processed foods
7. Snack on small amounts of nuts
8. Maintain a healthy weight
9. Drink 1-2 cups of green tea per day
10. Exercise daily!