Published July 20, 2002 in the North Island Weekender
Most of the patients I see want alternatives to drugs for their health challenges. Marjorie was no exception. At her last check up with her MD, significantly elevated blood fats (hyperlipidemia) were found and she was prescribed Zocor. This is a statin drug that is commonly prescribed to lower blood fats which it does effectively. Marjorie, age 65 however has a quite a few friends that are taking it and they have to keep taking it because when they stop it their blood fats shoot up again. She doesn’t like the idea of having to take a prescription drug for the rest of her life and Zocor isn’t cheap either! She wants to know what I can recommend that would be just as effective.
I assure her that there are very effective naturopathic treatments for hyperlipidemia although they may act more slowly than the Zocor or other statin drugs. I did liver and thyroid function tests as both of these organs interfere with proper fat metabolism in the body. The liver makes cholesterol which is an essential component of every cell membrane and of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. So having a cholesterol too low is not good either, the optimal range is 4.5-5.0.
Marjorie’s thyroid function was underactive which contributed to her elevated cholesterol. In addition to recommending a blood fat lowering program I also began treatment for her thyroid.
Elevated LDL’s, the bad cholesterol, is statistically associated with an increase incidence of heart disease which is the number one cause of death in North America. The statin drugs lower the LDL cholesterols however they have several severe limitations. First is that it interferes with the production of CoEnzyme Q10 which ironically, when deficient leads to heart failure and high blood pressure! So if you are on statin drugs such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Simvastatin(Zocor), and Pravastatin (Pravachol) at least take CoEnzyme Q10 as a supplement to counteract this deficiency. Second is that statin drugs do not raise HDL’s cholesterols which are the good ones and are protective against heart disease. Third is that they do not provide any anti-oxidant effect on the LDL’s. One of the mechanisms of heart disease is the oxidation of LDL’s which in turn causes inflammation of the arterial wall. Statins do not protect the LDL’s in this manner. Fourth is that statin drugs are also toxic to the liver and muscles. Many people complain of chronic back pain which can be traced back to starting statin drugs.
Fortunately for Marjorie a new natural medicine on the market offers all of these benefits as well as lowering the cholesterol just as effectively. It is called Policosanol or Cholarest (Metagenics brand). It is made from an extract of sugar cane or beeswax and has been studied since 1974. It raises HDL’s, has an anti-oxidant effect on LDL’s, has no side effects and does not interfere with CoEnzyme Q10.
Policosanol also decreases the risk of blood clots, enhances brain function, improves blood flow to the extremities. MD’s are using the statin drugs as the new aspirin for the prevention of heart disease. In addition to other naturopathic lifestyle changes this prescription can be avoided.
Cholarest absorption is excellent compared to other policosanols on the market so the dosage will vary widely. If you do not get results with it this could be the problem.
I also put Marjorie on Carlson’s cod liver oil high in DHA and EPA essential fats, chromium and an exercise program. Within six months her cholesterol picture was normalized. Once her thyroid metabolism is optimal we will try discontinuing the cholarest and evaluate estrogen and progesterone levels. But that is another story.
Marjorie in the meantime is feeling much better. Not only is her thyroid function improved but her circulation is better. She complains much less of leg cramping and her memory is improving!
Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com