Re: [SPAM]RE: statins for kids

[Guest guest]

My understanding is... Levostain was EXTRACTED from Red Rice Yeast (and made into the first statin drug)...and then the Federal court ruled that Red Rice Yeast was a now a DRUG, because it contained Levostatin!

It is also my understanding that manufacturers of Red Rice Yeast must DAMAGE (remove, or extract, I'm not sure which...) the Levostatin component in order to avoid prosecution (persecution) for selling DRUGS!

Do we still give them the "benevolent" benefit of the doubt? Or do we by now have NO DOUBT as to their true motive? (i.e., drugs for ever; health never). (:-)

RR.

[sPAM]RE: statins for kids

Interestingly red rice works in the same way that statins do and according to this it actually contain statins :

http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/Nrxcol_rry.htm

s. fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of A. SimpsonSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: statins for kids

OR DCs,

With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below)…almost half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)

C Simpson, DC

Beaverton OR

Original ArticleCholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.

Abstract | Full Text Open access

Fish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterol

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term -- may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins.

Study design

Researchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months.

The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production.

The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol.

Results

The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight.

"Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering," notes the study's lead author, Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. "These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition."

Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to follow lifestyle recommendations.

"The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided for this group," says Dr. Becker.

[Guest guest]

I had some of the best red rice when I was in the Philippines. I

even brought back 10 lbs in the suitcase. My wife's mother thought I

was crazy.

, DC, DABCO

>

> My understanding is... Levostain was EXTRACTED from Red Rice Yeast

(and made into the first statin drug)...and then the Federal court

ruled that Red Rice Yeast was a now a DRUG, because it contained

Levostatin!

>

> It is also my understanding that manufacturers of Red Rice Yeast

must DAMAGE (remove, or extract, I'm not sure which...) the

Levostatin component in order to avoid prosecution (persecution) for

selling DRUGS!

>

> Do we still give them the " benevolent " benefit of the doubt? Or do

we by now have NO DOUBT as to their true motive? (i.e., drugs for

ever; health never). (:-)

>

> RR.

>

>

>

> statins for kids

>

>

>

> OR DCs,

>

>

>

> With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics'

recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider

prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report

from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below).almost

half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them

within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)

>

>

>

> C Simpson, DC

>

> Beaverton OR

>

> Original Article

> Cholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle Changes

> Lifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and

fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in

proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.

>

> Abstract | Full Text Open access

>

> Fish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterol

>

> ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows

that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help

prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these

medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of

patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for

less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including

cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and

patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term --

may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the

July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from

Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high

blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for

patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins.

>

> Study design

>

> Researchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who

met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were

randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the

statin group and followed for three months.

>

> The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish

oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-

week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-

hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise

physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red

yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in

some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit

cholesterol production.

>

> The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of

Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet

and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period,

participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to

determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol.

>

> Results

>

> The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL

cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group

experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group

experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative

therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides,

another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight.

>

> " Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic

approach to lipid lowering, " notes the study's lead author,

Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania

Health System cardiologist. " These results are intriguing and show a

potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a

common medical condition. "

>

> Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with

longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with

the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and

exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to

follow lifestyle recommendations.

>

> " The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly

related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided

for this group, " says Dr. Becker.

>

[Guest guest]

But, the cholesterol in our bodies (which puts us at "risk" for clogged arteries) is NOT the cholesterol from our diet! We do not absorb cholesterol from our diet. Our liver produces cholesterol (of which HDL's and LDL's are NOT cholesterol...they are lipoPROTEINS!) to repair inflamed arteries... If we have no inflamed arteries, our liver has no need to produce cholesterol...thus, our arteries won't block.

Using statins or ANYTHING to "lower" cholesterol ignores the root cause of the disease...(i.e. inflammation) (which is really a process in all disease).

Thus the posts earlier this week citing fish oils for reducing "inflammatory disease" in joints. Oils also reduce inflammation in arteries, and then the cholesterol will go back to the liver (shunted by the HDL's and LDL's) and be re-cycled. It doesn't leave our bodies. (:-)

RR.

RE: statins for kidsInterestingly red rice works in the same way that statins do and according to this it actually contain statins :http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/Nrxcol_rry.htms. fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of A. SimpsonSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: statins for kidsOR DCs,With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below)…almost half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)C Simpson, DCBeaverton OROriginal ArticleCholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.Abstract <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/Abstract.asp?AID=4722 & amp;Abst=Abstract & amp;UID=> | Full Text <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=4722 & amp;UID=> Open accessFish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterolROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term -- may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. Study designResearchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months. The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol. ResultsThe researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight."Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering," notes the study's lead author, Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. "These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition."Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to follow lifestyle recommendations. "The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided for this group," says Dr. Becker.

It’s a talkathon – but it’s not just talk. Check out the i’m Talkathon. <http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_JustTalk>

[Guest guest]

My limited understanding is: there are types of cholesterol and that hdl and ldl , which indeed are lipo-proteins, are 'types' of cholesterol. This is why we measure total and the sub-types of cholesterol in order to understand the big picture. For instance, I take fish oils - 4000 mg / day and have done so for over a year - my total cholesterol went up, so did my ldl's, but my hdl's went way up. I am hoping for the anti-inflammatory affect of the fish oils for overall health too. Thus my ratio of ldl:hdl is improved. I need to read more about the endogenous vs exogenous sources.

One thing mentioned in the past was C reactive protein as a bio-marker for inflammation.

Does anyone have a succinct list of foods for the Mediterranean diet ?

s.fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of M. s, D.C.Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 2:44 PMOregon ChiropractorsSubject: Re: [sPAM]RE: statins for kids

But, the cholesterol in our bodies (which puts us at "risk" for clogged arteries) is NOT the cholesterol from our diet! We do not absorb cholesterol from our diet. Our liver produces cholesterol (of which HDL's and LDL's are NOT cholesterol...they are lipoPROTEINS!) to repair inflamed arteries... If we have no inflamed arteries, our liver has no need to produce cholesterol...thus, our arteries won't block.

Using statins or ANYTHING to "lower" cholesterol ignores the root cause of the disease...(i.e. inflammation) (which is really a process in all disease).

Thus the posts earlier this week citing fish oils for reducing "inflammatory disease" in joints. Oils also reduce inflammation in arteries, and then the cholesterol will go back to the liver (shunted by the HDL's and LDL's) and be re-cycled. It doesn't leave our bodies. (:-)

RR.

RE: statins for kidsInterestingly red rice works in the same way that statins do and according to this it actually contain statins :http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/Nrxcol_rry.htms. fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of A. SimpsonSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: statins for kidsOR DCs,With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below)…almost half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)C Simpson, DCBeaverton OROriginal ArticleCholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.Abstract <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/Abstract.asp?AID=4722 & amp;Abst=Abstract & amp;UID=> | Full Text <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=4722 & amp;UID=> Open accessFish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterolROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term -- may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. Study designResearchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months. The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol. ResultsThe researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight."Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering," notes the study's lead author, Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. "These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition."Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to follow lifestyle recommendations. "The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided for this group," says Dr. Becker.

It’s a talkathon – but it’s not just talk. Check out the i’m Talkathon. <http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_JustTalk>

[Guest guest]

Again, there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" cholesterol! The body does not produce BAD cholesterol...(and we don't absorb it from our diets).

LDL's are meant to deliver cholesterol from the liver to an inflamed artery (in order to repair it!) (so they are considered "bad"), and when the cholesterol is used up, it gets returned to the liver by HDL's to be recycled (so they are considered "good").

But, HDL's and LDL's are NOT cholesterol... They are high density lipo-PROTEINS, and low density lipo-PROTEINS...

Calling HDL's and LDL's "good" and "bad" is like the makers of Fosamax insinuating that osteoclasts are "bad" (and osterblasts are good). The activity of BOTH cell types are necessary for optimum health (just like HDL's and LDL's).

"They" literally have everyone chasing their tails trying to lower dietary cholesterol and lower LDL's. These cells are behaving exactly the way they are meant to behave... Whereas if we lower INFLAMMATION, there's no blockage of our arteries, no need to artificially lower these cell types... (:-)

RR.

RE: statins for kidsInterestingly red rice works in the same way that statins do and according to this it actually contain statins :http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/Nrxcol_rry.htms. fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of A. SimpsonSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: statins for kidsOR DCs,With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below)…almost half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)C Simpson, DCBeaverton OROriginal ArticleCholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.Abstract <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/Abstract.asp?AID=4722 & amp;Abst=Abstract & amp;UID=> | Full Text <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=4722 & amp;UID=> Open accessFish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterolROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term -- may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. Study designResearchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months. The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol. ResultsThe researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight."Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering," notes the study's lead author, Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. "These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition."Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to follow lifestyle recommendations. "The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided for this group," says Dr. Becker.

It’s a talkathon – but it’s not just talk. Check out the i’m Talkathon. <http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_JustTalk>

[Guest guest]

What a concept!!!! NNNIIICCEEE !

Sunny

Sunny Kierstyn, RN DC Fibromyalgia Care Center of Oregon 2677 Willakenzie Road, 7C

Eugene, Oregon, 97401

541- 344- 0509; Fx; 541- 344- 0955

From: drbobdc83@...Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:16:29 -0700Subject: Re: [sPAM]RE: statins for kids

Again, there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" cholesterol! The body does not produce BAD cholesterol...(and we don't absorb it from our diets).

LDL's are meant to deliver cholesterol from the liver to an inflamed artery (in order to repair it!) (so they are considered "bad"), and when the cholesterol is used up, it gets returned to the liver by HDL's to be recycled (so they are considered "good").

But, HDL's and LDL's are NOT cholesterol... They are high density lipo-PROTEINS, and low density lipo-PROTEINS...

Calling HDL's and LDL's "good" and "bad" is like the makers of Fosamax insinuating that osteoclasts are "bad" (and osterblasts are good). The activity of BOTH cell types are necessary for optimum health (just like HDL's and LDL's).

"They" literally have everyone chasing their tails trying to lower dietary cholesterol and lower LDL's. These cells are behaving exactly the way they are meant to behave... Whereas if we lower INFLAMMATION, there's no blockage of our arteries, no need to artificially lower these cell types... (:-)

RR.

RE: statins for kidsInterestingly red rice works in the same way that statins do and according to this it actually contain statins :http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/Nrxcol_rry.htms. fuchs dc

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of A. SimpsonSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: statins for kidsOR DCs,With all this hullabaloo over the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to screen kinds for high cholesterol and consider prescribing statins it's even more interesting to follow a report from the Mayo Clinic on alternative treatments (see below)…almost half of patients (~40%) who are prescribed statins stop taking them within a year (wonder why...cost? side effects? efficacy?)C Simpson, DCBeaverton OROriginal ArticleCholesterol Management: Statin Use vs Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.Abstract <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/Abstract.asp?AID=4722 & amp;Abst=Abstract & amp;UID=> | Full Text <http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=4722 & amp;UID=> Open accessFish oil and red yeast rice studied for lowering blood cholesterolROCHESTER, Minn. -- A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year. Doctors believe that several factors -- including cost, adverse effects, poor understanding of statin benefits and patients' reluctance to take prescription medications long term -- may explain why some patients stop taking these medicines. In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. Study designResearchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months. The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol. ResultsThe researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight."Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering," notes the study's lead author, Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. "These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition."Dr. Becker acknowledges that a larger, multicenter trial with longer follow-up is necessary to determine long-term compliance with the alternative regimen, because previous studies involving diet and exercise have found a high rate of patients unable or unwilling to follow lifestyle recommendations. "The excellent adherence in the alternative group was undoubtedly related to the intensive follow-up, education and support provided for this group," says Dr. Becker.

It’s a talkathon – but it’s not just talk. Check out the i’m Talkathon. <http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_JustTalk>

Making the world a better place one message at a time. Check out the i’m Talkathon.