Breaking Free From Statins: Natural Solutions for Cholesterol Management

In my humble opinion, conventional medicine is approaching high cholesterol, or to be more precise, health in general, from the wrong direction.

One example from my past, which was the catalyst for my choosing a holistic approach to my health, relates to my first experience with high cholesterol. I was not overweight, sedentary or a smoker, but Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family. Because of my family history, I immediately met with an endocrinologist who predicted I would die a diabetic, it was just up to me whether I became a diabetic by forties, if I refused to take a statin, or it would be in my eighties if I started the medication right away (I was thirty-five at the time.). I was furious that he tried to take my hope away. I saw what happened to my mom and aunt who did go on the medication (and to be fair, also struggled with weight, smoked and were inactive.)

I decided to try a different approach and found a doctor of oriental medicine in Dallas, TX--Dr. Iva Peck. She looked at my blood labs and noticed that my thyroid was out of balance. She explained that could be the cause of the high cholesterol. She started me on quality supplements to correct the problem and withing six months my cholesterol was back in the normal range. Neither my family doctor nor the specialist made the connection. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Iva. While it was expensive and required trial and error in finding the correct supplements for MY body, it was so worth it. She got to the root cause, which no doubt would have caused me problems later on even if I had taken the statin, and who knows how long it might have taken to diagnose. By then I probably would've been on a handful of medications, each with their own lovely side-effects.

The holistic approach to health involves getting to the root cause of the problem instead of just treating symptoms. This is just one example, and I'm thrilled to report that I have avoided that Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis well into my sixties, and I am thriving. If you want to know more about my health journey, reach out to me. I love sharing with others what has helped me age well!

Enough about me. Let's get back to the subject at hand--cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol often gets a bad rap, but it’s actually crucial for our bodies. It's a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell and is essential for making hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. Your liver makes most of the cholesterol your body needs, but it’s also found in animal-based foods.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often called "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL from your arteries and carries it back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated.

The Dangers of Statins

Statins are medications commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol. Statins lower cholesterol levels in two ways. First, they block the action of an enzyme that produces cholesterol, and second, they make your body excrete more cholesterol in the stool. The manufacturers of statin drugs list more than 130 possible side effects--I've listed just a few below:

1. Muscle Pain and Weakness: Many people report muscle pain or weakness, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

2. Liver Damage: Statins can sometimes cause an increase in liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage.

3. Digestive Problems: Some people experience nausea, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

4. Increased Blood Sugar Levels: There’s evidence that statins can increase blood sugar levels, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.

5. Memory Loss and Confusion: Although rare, some people report memory problems or confusion while taking statins.

Natural Alternatives to Lower Cholesterol

If you’re looking to manage your cholesterol without medication, there are plenty of natural options to consider:

1. Dietary Changes

   I want to preface these recommendations with a caveat: Please take the time to figure out what eating plan works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all way of eating that meets every person's needs. Take the time to figure this out and test frequently to ensure you are going in the right direction. Although one piece of advice is meant for every single person--limit sugar and processed foods as much as possible.

   • Increase Fiber Intake: Foods high in soluble fiber, like oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, can help lower LDL cholesterol.

   • Healthy Fats: Replace saturated and trans fats with healthier fats like those found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish.

   • Plant Sterols and Stanols: These compounds, found in fortified foods and supplements, can help reduce LDL cholesterol.

2. Exercise Regularly

   • Physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

   • Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower cholesterol levels.

4. Quit Smoking

   • If you smoke, quitting can improve your HDL cholesterol level and benefit your heart health.

5. Manage Stress

   • Chronic stress can negatively affect your cholesterol levels. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress effectively.

6. Herbal Supplements

   • Red Yeast Rice: Contains naturally occurring statins that can help lower cholesterol.

   • Garlic: Some studies suggest garlic supplements may reduce cholesterol levels.

   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil supplements, these can help lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol.

7.      Essential Oils: 

·  Lemongrass Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, lemongrass oil may help reduce cholesterol levels by promoting healthy circulation and lowering triglycerides.

·  Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is believed to support heart health and may help in reducing LDL cholesterol due to its antioxidant properties.

·  Lavender Oil: While primarily known for its calming effects, lavender oil may also help in reducing stress, which can indirectly contribute to better heart health and cholesterol management.

·  Cypress Oil: Cypress oil can improve circulation and may help in managing cholesterol levels by promoting the removal of toxins from the body.

·  Clary Sage Oil: Clary sage oil has been noted for its potential to balance hormones and reduce stress, which can positively impact cholesterol levels.

·  Ginger Oil: Ginger oil is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help improve overall heart health and manage cholesterol.

·  Basil Oil: Basil oil contains eugenol, which may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.

Final Thoughts

Understanding cholesterol and how it affects your health is crucial, but it's equally important to know your options. While statins can be effective, they come with risks. Exploring natural alternatives can offer a holistic approach to managing your cholesterol levels and overall health.

Remember, it's always a good idea to discuss any changes to your health regimen with your healthcare provider. Here's to taking charge of our health, naturally and holistically! 🌿

I hope you found this helpful. I am experiencing great results on a mostly animal based diet--I don't need to worry about fiber or counting calories and I am losing visceral fat! Feel free to share your thoughts or any experiences you've had with managing cholesterol naturally. Let's keep the conversation going!

Resources: Interview with David Diamond--The Problem With Statins

In my quest for better health as I age, I've discovered many natural solutions that support my body toward wellness. It's a fact that the fewer medications you take, the more hope you have of a quality of life as you age. If you're open to a more holistic approach, contact me for a FREE wellness consult and we can discuss which doTERRA Essential Oils and other modalities may help! In the meantime, request your free guide below on how to boost your metabolism--a healthy metabolism means a healthy life!

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