We’ve been telling you for years that statin drugs are overprescribed. Nearly 30% of Americans over 40 take them to lower their cholesterol. But mainstream doctors ignore the fact that more 75% of people who suffer heart attacks have normal or low levels of cholesterol.
And they downplay the side effects. They include muscle aches and increased risk of diabetes. They are also linked to memory loss, artery calcification, and vitamin deficiencies.
Now, a new study shows that statins don’t even do the one thing they are supposed to do: lower cholesterol.
The research was published in the journal Heart. Scientists looked at medical data from 165,411 patients on statins. None of the patients had heart disease or had suffered a stroke. Their cholesterol had been tested on a regular basis before and after they started taking statins.
Researchers found that after two years on statins, 51% of the patients failed to reach the standard goal of reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol by 40% or more.
The study authors reported that their findings “contribute to the debate on the effectiveness of statin therapy.”[i]
Rather than turn to discredited statin medications, consider natural alternatives. Big Pharma won’t like it, but your heart will thank you.
4 Natural Heart Health Solutions
1. Take omega-3 fatty acids. A study published in the journal Tanaffos found that consumption of omega-3s is linked to lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of death from heart disease.
You can get omega-3s in flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
Another option is supplements. But choose wisely. Most fish oil supplements are made with a cheap manufacturing process that yields something called an ethyl ester (EE). This kind of fish oil is less bioavailable. Labels of EE fish oil often say the product is derived from “marine oil concentrate.” Instead, look for brands that contain the triglyceride form of fish oil. It should be noted on the label.[ii]
2. Make it intense. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be the best form of exercise for your heart. It requires a fraction of the time of traditional cardio workouts.
The principle is simple…HIIT is adaptable to many different activities. This includes running, biking, swimming, calisthenics, or using a rowing, stair climber, or elliptical machine. Warm up for three to five minutes doing your chosen form of exercise. Then do the exercise at the highest intensity level you can for the next minute.
Slow down for the next minute or two to catch your breath. Then go hard again for another minute.
Repeat this process five to seven times. Afterward, do the activity slowly for at least two minutes to cool down.
The idea is to push your body for a brief burst, and then allow it to recover. HIIT allows you stay in great shape even when you don’t have time for a long workout.[iii]
3. Consume potassium. Most people get way too much sodium in their diets and not enough potassium. If the two minerals are out of balance, it can lead to high blood pressure. One study found that adding potassium to your diet will lower blood pressure.
Great sources include avocado, tomato sauce, watermelon, winter squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beets. You’re probably wondering why we haven’t mentioned bananas. They are probably the best-known high-potassium food. But they have significantly less than the foods mentioned above.
We don’t recommend potassium supplements. They can be tricky to take. Take too much and it can trigger heart rhythm problems.
4. Don’t eat inflammatory foods. Chronic inflammation is a major factor in many serious diseases, including heart disease. So avoid foods that cause inflammation. The worst offenders are sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats (often found in processed foods), most vegetables oils except olive and coconut, and processed meats, such as cold cuts and beef jerky.
Editor’s Note: If you’re taking any prescription drugs, you need to read The Top 10 Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drugs—And Their Natural Alternatives. It reveals which medications can hurt you more than they help…and which safe, natural alternatives work better.
Related Articles
More Americans than Ever Take Statins…and the Heart Disease Epidemic Keeps Growing
Seniors Without Heart Disease Shouldn’t Take Statins, Study Finds
[i]https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-04/b-hop041119.php
[ii]https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2018/10/fish-oil-fights-depression/
[iii]https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2018/11/high-intensity-exercise-benefits-reach-the-cellular-level/