This is the question many people ask: what is the first thing most adults think of when they hear the word “cholesterol?” They think of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. There is a widespread belief that a "high" level of cholesterol is a cause of heart disease.

I remember, over 20 years ago, when normal total cholesterol was in the 240 to 270 range. Now it is below 200. What has changed? My opinion is that, in order to write more prescriptions for “high” cholesterol, big pharma needed to lower the normal range. I have talked with customers in the store who tell me their doctor wants them on statin drugs even though their cholesterol is under 200.

There are several questions to consider: are statin drugs safe, and does cholesterol really cause heart disease? In short, no and no. Statin drugs, such as Lipitor, do decrease cholesterol. But the side effects are extensive and concerning. Some of the side effects are joint pain, kidney function decline, risk of diabetes, mental decline, many known interactions with other drugs and certain foods, and a very long list of other potential side effects. Pfizer, the maker of Lipitor, has been sued by over 2,400 individuals who claim it causes diabetes.

Does cholesterol really cause heart issues? Many doctors and experts believe it does not. Cholesterol is necessary in the body and serves many functions, especially in making hormones, vitamin D, and supporting brain and digestion. It is in every cell membrane in the body. What is important is the ratio of LDL to HDL, not the total cholesterol count.

The Great Cholesterol Myth by Jonny Bowden, PhD, and Stephen Sinatra, MD, illustrates why lowering your cholesterol will not prevent heart disease. The authors claim that emerging science is showing that cholesterol levels are a poor predictor of heart disease. They reveal that the real culprits of heart disease are inflammation, high glycemic levels, belly fat, triglycerides, and elevated homocysteine levels.

Dr. Jack Wolfson, a holistic cardiologist and author of the book The Paleo Cardiologist, states that a total cholesterol above 260 does not increase your risk of dying and that total cholesterol is not a good tool to measure your heart health. He believes that statin drugs are killing millions of people and that the focus needs to be on what we eat and what our lifestyle is.

If you are concerned about cholesterol causing heart disease, consider instead getting a CAC test done if over the age of 40. A CAC test measures the amount of calcium in the walls of the heart’s arteries. Dr. Wolfson recommends berberine because it can help improve lipid levels and control blood sugar. Spirulina has been studied in randomized clinical trials to lower total cholesterol by 47 points. Red yeast rice and the herb guggul may also help naturally lower cholesterol. Relying on a statin drug to lower cholesterol, which is most likely not a culprit contributing to heart disease, is a mistake.

Please consult with our Natural Living staff for further information or contact me at rick@georgetownmarket.com with any questions. We are here to be of assistance.

{DISCLAIMER: The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

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