Inflammation Is the Problem, Not Cholesterol

The problem is NOT elevated LDL or total cholesterol... it's "oxidized LDL". Oxidized LDL is caused by "inflammation"... from risk factor like elevated "homocysteine", Lp (a) - Lipoprotein (a) and hs-CRP - high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein.

Inflammation risk factors:
* Homocysteine
- optimal levels - 6.2 µmol or less
* hs-CRP High Sensitivity (C-Reactive Protein)
0 - 0.9 - Low Risk
1.0 - 3.0 - Moderate Risk
3.1 - 10.0 - High Risk (twice the risk as 'low risk')
* Lp(a) - Lipoprotein (a)
- 25 mg/dL or less

The one benefit of all statin drugs is they are a potent anti-inflammatory. The fact that statins also lower cholesterol is "irrelevant".

Statins are not the only anti-inflammatory. There are nutritional supplements and 81 mg buffered aspirin that together are as effective as 20 mg of Lipitor, WITHOUT side effects.

81 mg buffered aspirin, folic acid, B6, B12, CoQ10 and omega 3 fish oil/cod liver oil. (anti-oxidant, reduce platelet stickiness, controls homocysteine)

Fact: 50% of the people that have heart attacks and strokes have normal or low cholesterol. People that take statins can have a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is not the problem. Our body, especially or heart and brain NEED cholesterol.

Another issue... triglycerides. Most are prescribed Lipitor due to elevated triglycerides. Well, the primary reason for high triglycerides is a high carbohydrate diet. The "white foods", especially sugar, cause triglycerides to soar. Also: white flour, bread, rice, potato... pasta is probably the least likely to adversely affect triglycerides.

Reduce/restrict white foods and take cinnamon (C. cassia - spice isle variety) - one or two 500 mg capsules or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sprinkled in/on your favorite food/beverage. Cinnamon also controls blood sugar levels. No side effects.

Stevia is a natural sweetener if you have a sweet tooth. Whole grains: Barley, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Bulgur (cracked wheat), Millet, Oatmeal (steel cut), Sprouted-grain breads, pasta, Wild rice (not a complete list).

If your HDL is low, it's probably due to a fat restricted diet, especially saturated fat. Both butter and coconut oil are healthy, saturated fats.

So, to wrap this up, if you are eating the recommended "low fat - low cholesterol diet" (and typically high carbohydrate diet) and taking a statin drug, well that's why you feel like "cr*p".