Prescription cholesterol medications such as Lipitor and Crestor are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. Known as statins, these drugs have been credited with saving thousands of lives. But medical experts have expressed mounting concerns about the health risks associated with these medicines. They might not be your best option for heart health, especially when more natural, effective remedies exist.

The New York Times reports that recently published evidence suggests a link between statins and type two diabetes. Statin therapy was associated with a 9 percent increase in incident diabetes in a study of 91,140 individuals.

Furthermore, statins make no distinction between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol in the body. Statins work by lowering levels of all types of cholesterol in the body. Statins decrease levels of beneficial cholesterol, which serves a protective role in the body, and also lower levels of CoQ10, which is important for heart health.

So while cholesterol medication could help those in imminent danger of heart attack or stroke, or those who have severe cardiovascular blockage, they are not a good option for healthy people looking to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke. In healthy people, statins have a clinically insignificant effect in reducing heart attack risk. In other words, the benefits are not worth the risk.

Natural remedies exist that have been proven to improve heart health without the harmful side effects of prescription cholesterol medication. The following foods, taken as daily supplements or included in an overall heart-healthy diet, can be much more effective in boosting heart health than taking a risky prescription cholesterol medication.

Six effective, natural solutions for long term heart health

1. Tuna Oil
   Tuna Oil contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which provides a plethora of heart health benefits. Omega-3 supports normal lipid function, lowering bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. It supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, which can drastically reduce heart attack risk. Supportive research has shown that DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids has the potential to lower risk of heart diseases. We carry a tuna oil omega-3 formula made byStandard Process that contains all the benefits of tuna oil in a convenient daily supplement.
2.  White Willow Bark
   With all the similar pain and inflammation treatment properties as aspirin, minus the gastric side effects, white willow bark has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory. This has led to a recent resurgence of one the oldest natural remedies known. Use of white willow bark dates back to ancient Egyptian times.
3.  Curcumin
   Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is known to inhibit inflammation by restricting NF-kB in the body’s inflammatory response. This reduces inflammation without many side effects, although taking more than 600mg of curcumin daily in extended use can cause upset stomach.
4. Green Tea
   Green tea is an excellent antioxidant, and is therefore known to have cardiovascular disease and cancer preventive characteristics. Research into the effects of green tea in the body has shown in to be an effective, natural anti-inflammatory agent, providing the benefits of cholesterol medication without the risky side-effects. Taken daily, it can contribute to long term heart health.
5. Frankincense
   Boswellia serrata resin, derived from frankincense, possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties. Clinically, it is typically used in the treatment of joint problems, but the residual heart health benefits make it a great daily supplement.
6. Whole Grains
   Whole grain foods such as breakfast cereals, whole grain wheat toast, and any food with whole grain fiber can lower cholesterol. The American Heart Association says that eating whole grains provides important health benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, which can lower the risk of heart attack. Dietary fiber leads to a feeling of fullness, which can promote healthier eating habits. Whole grains also contain many other nutrients such as B-vitamins, folate, iron, magnesium, and selenium.

The most effective heart-attack preventive measure is nutritional therapy. Alterations in diet can lead to drastically reduced risk of heart attack, and better overall heart health. Of course, lowering your sugar and fat intake will help, but there are also foods that are especially beneficial. Eating heart healthy foods and taking natural, herbal supplements is a much better long term plan for heart health than relying on cholesterol medication as a silver bullet.

If you’d like a safe and healthy way to lower your cholesterol, contact the health professionals at Texas Spine & Wellness. Garland chiropractor Dr. James Mixon and his staff specialize in Nutrition Response Therapy, and customized Nutrition Programs. Each year they help hundreds of people regain their energy and vitality and get back to enjoying life!