Mailbag! LOWER Your Cholesterol with These Simple Tips

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 22, 2022

I have high cholesterol, but I’m worried about taking statins. I read an article about them possibly causing dementia. Is this true? Is there anything natural I can do to reduce my cholesterol?

–Linda from Biscayne Bay, FL

Linda,

In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a release stating that statins may cause short-term memory loss. We should all pay attention to this because the FDA isn’t exactly known for going against drug companies.

Statin drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor) are on my short list of drugs to never take because they linked to muscle pain, liver toxicity, cognitive impairments, and kidney problems.

And the thing is, not all cholesterol is bad.

Cholesterol is a very important molecule in your body and brain – it’s essential for many hormones and for building cells walls. In fact, a 2012 study in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that seniors with higher cholesterol levels had less chance of developing dementia.

Keeping your LDL cholesterol low and your HDL cholesterol high is the key to maintaining a healthy level. Personally, I’m not a big fan of worrying about lowering cholesterol levels unless the total is VERY high (over 300mg/dL).

Thankfully, there are some natural ways to lower your cholesterol. You should always do the following under the guidance of your doctor, however—stopping your medication suddenly can be very dangerous.

Dr. Scott’s Cholesterol-Controlling Plan

• Start with your diet. Eat as many good proteins (grass-fed beef, fish, chicken, nuts and seeds) with low-starchy veggies as often as you can. Avoid sugar and vegetable oils, and only cook with avocado or olive oil whenever possible.
• Fish oil. The EPA and DHA compounds found in fish oil have long been shown to be heart-healthy. Take between 1 to 3g a day. Fish oils work by reducing inflammation and softening up arteries so they stay flexible.
• CoQ10. Coenzyme Q-10 is an antioxidant that is found throughout our bodies and is used for energy production. Since your heart is one of the most energy-hungry organs in your body, it needs CoQ10. CoQ10 has been shown to lower inflammation, reduce blood clots, lower blood pressure and even help lower cholesterol levels.
• Niacin. Vitamin B3 (also called niacin) has been used effectively for decades to lower cholesterol. It’s also been shown to reduce triglycerides and increase HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol).
• Garlic. This vegetable is great for your heart and for lowering cholesterol. Eat as much as you like or take it as a supplement.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

SOURCES:

Diamond, David M & Uffe Ravnskov (2015) “How statistical deception created the appearance that statins are safe and effective in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease,” Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 8:2, 201-210, DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2015.1012494 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/17512433.2015.1012494

Paddock, Catherine, Ph. D. “High cholesterol in late life may mean better brain health.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321115#:~:text=A%20study%20of%20older%20people,in%20those%20aged%2085%E2%80%9394.

This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

A very small number of people taking simvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor.

This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Females, older adults, and Chinese people may be at higher risk. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms last after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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