Lies Your Doctor Told You: Cholesterol is BAD (Part 1)

Let’s go ahead and debunk one of the biggest myths out there: cholesterol. In this two-part series, we dive into the how, what, and why behind what we have come to believe about cholesterol, and even statin medications. Why is heart disease still the number 1 killer in the US, even though statin medications are the #1 prescribed drug in the world?

You don’t want to miss these episodes! Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 

But let’s dive into a topic not discussed enough - not only the dangers of statin medications, but the benefits of cholesterol: 

Statins are a commonly prescribed class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While these medications have been touted as a miracle cure for heart disease, recent studies have raised concerns about their safety and effectiveness. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why statins are bad for you.

1. Statins Can Cause Muscle Damage

One of the most common side effects of statins is muscle pain and weakness. In rare cases, this can lead to a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers break down and release toxic substances into the bloodstream. This can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.

2. Statins Can Increase the Risk of Diabetes

Several studies have shown that statins can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because statins can interfere with the body's ability to produce insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

3. Statins Can Cause Liver Damage

Statins are processed by the liver, and in some cases, they can cause liver damage. This is particularly true in people who have pre-existing liver conditions or who consume alcohol regularly. In rare cases, statins can cause a condition called hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver.

4. Statins Can Cause Memory Loss

Several studies have suggested that statins can cause memory loss and cognitive decline. This is because cholesterol is essential for brain function, and reducing cholesterol levels can lead to a decline in cognitive function.

5. Statins Can Interfere with Nutrient Absorption

Statins can interfere with the body's absorption of certain nutrients, including CoQ10, which is essential for heart health. This can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and other health issues.

While statins may be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, they can also cause serious side effects and long-term health problems, and may not even prevent a heart attack. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, there are many natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help. It is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and make an informed decision about your health.

Check out the benefits of Cholesterol in part 2 here. 

1. Muscle damage - Kalia S, Dutzmann J, Patel R. Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis. Oxf Med Case Reports. 2018;2018(9):omy062. doi:10.1093/omcr/omy062
2. Increased risk of diabetes - Preiss D, Seshasai SR, Welsh P, et al. Risk of incident diabetes with intensive-dose compared with moderate-dose statin therapy: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2011;305(24):2556-2564. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.860
3. Liver damage - Athyros VG, Tziomalos K, Gossios TD, et al. Safety and efficacy of long-term statin treatment for cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease and abnormal liver tests in the Greek Atorvastatin and Coronary Heart Disease Evaluation (GREACE) Study: a post-hoc analysis. Lancet. 2010;376(9756):1916-1922. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61272-X
4. Memory loss - Li G, Higdon R, Kukull WA, et al. Statin therapy and risk of dementia in the elderly: a community-based prospective cohort study. Neurology. 2004;63(9):1624-1628. doi:10.1212/01.WNL.0000142966.75318.11
5. Nutrient absorption - Banach M, Rizzo M, Toth PP, et al. Statin intolerance - an attempt at a unified definition. Position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel. Arch Med Sci. 2015;11(1):1-23. doi:10.5114/aoms.2013.36130