The Truth about Cholesterol & Statins

The easiest way I found to share the information I have found on cholesterol and statins was to make this Blog post and share it. I found a lot of the information from reading the book Cholesterol Clarity by Jimmy Moore, and this post is from that book. I would highly recommend you purchase this book and read it for yourself. I have put in links to some of the tests and information, so be sure to click on the highlights. There are also many articles from other sources on the hazards of taking statins, so be sure to read the whole blog. (Be sure to click on all the blue highlighted links for more info.)

Why are doctors so obsessed with wanting low cholesterol numbers? Are they that brainwashed that they cannot see that low numbers are dangerous, especially when you take drugs to lower the numbers. Really people, wake up to reality.

High cholesterol levels are associated with up to 80% lower risk of dementia. Is our cholesterol reduction obsession increasing dementia rates?

A doctor sees higher than normal (what they consider normal) cholesterol numbers and immediately wants to put people on a statin. They do not even talk about food, exercise, or anything health related. Why do doctors always seem to go right to drugs? Jim's doctor is no different. Well, I am not going to let Jim take a statin, and this Blog is written to let people know why not, and why statins are dangerous and bad for you. His doctor's comment when I told him I won't let Jim take a statin was "I hope he has life insurance." ~~ He is no longer Jim's doctor.

My cholesterol is also elevated and that is because I have Hashimoto's and am hypothyroid. But it's better for me to have higher cholesterol; it's healthier for women. When my doctor suggested a statin I told her no way. I also sent her a link to this blog, but who knows if she read it. But since that time, I have also switched doctors.

Did you know that the best indicator of metabolic health is the TG/HDL ratio? For example, at Jim's last blood work his triglycerides were 136 and his HDL was 49, which is a 2.7 ratio. The range for this is:

Ideal: 2.0 or less

High: 4.0 - 6.0

You also have to look at the CL/HDL ratio, which indicates acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Jim's total cholesterol was 179 and his HDL was 49, which is a ratio of 3.6. The range for this is:

3.5 - 4.0 = 14% likely to have AMI

4.0 - 5.0 = 46%

5.0+ = 89%

He's in the lowest bracket. Let's look at Gayle for metabolic health. My triglycerides were 55 and my HDL was 88. That's a ratio of 1.6. I'm in the "ideal" bracket. As for AMI, my total cholesterol was 247 and my HDL was 88. That's a ratio of 2.8. Again, in the ideal range. My first doctor always looked at the ratio and not the total numbers. Wish she did not move to Las Vegas!

Doctors who just look at just the cholesterol numbers and not the ratio are not doing their patients any benefit. They are brainwashed when it comes to putting people on statins. Maybe because they get a kickback? It's certainly not for our benefit.

There Are No "Good or Bad" Total Cholesterol Levels If You Have Metabolic Health. ​ Best indicator of Metabolic Health is TG/HDL ratio. Less Than 2.0 Is Optimal Ideal ​ Example: TG 42/HDL 73 = 0.58mg/dL 1: Very Low Carb Diet & Focus On Animal Foods 2: Optimal Sleep & Reduce Stress 3: Daily Sun Exposure & High Vitamin D 4: Be Active, Exercise & Stay Strong

5: Clean Up Your Environmental Toxins

Cholesterol Units Converter

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What is Cholesterol and why do you need it? Cholesterol is essential for our bodies to function and without it, you would die. In fact, the majority of the cholesterol in our blood comes from our own bodies making it. People mistakenly think they get most of their cholesterol from their food and that's not true. Cholesterol is used to make hormones like estrogen and testosterone, is transported into the adrenal gland to aid in hormone synthesis, repair nerves, and make bile for fat digestion, it's a structural component of our cells, it synthesizes vitamin D; it plays such a critical role in our body that we genuinely need it. If our levels are too low, that can play a negative role in our health, too, as a telltale sign of autoimmune disease or even cancer. ~~ Cassie Bjork

Cholesterol is one of the most important molecules in the human body: we would die very quickly without it. It's involved in the creation of vitamin D and in the formation of many important sex hormones, it's an integral part of cell membranes, and it's necessary for the production of bile, which is critical to our ability to emulsify and digest fats. ~~ Mark Sisson

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance produced primarily in the liver. It is absolutely essential to the life of humans and animals; without it, our cells could not repair themselves, we could not maintain proper hormone levels, we could not properly absorb vitamin D from the sun, we could not regulate our salt and water balance, and we could not digest fats. It also improves memory and boosts levels of serotonin -- the chemical that makes us happy. 

Chemically, the cholesterol in your blood and the cholesterol in the foods you eat are the same thing. But that doesn't mean that most of the cholesterol inside your body is coming from your food. We have a certain need for cholesterol and we regulate that need fairly tightly. So if we eat a lot of cholesterol, our bodies make less of it; if we eat less cholesterol, our bodies make more of it. The amount of cholesterol-containing foods we eat isn't going to have a big impact on our blood cholesterol levels. It can vary from person to person, but in general the cholesterol in your diet is never the major determinant of cholesterol levels in the blood or in the body. ~~ Dr. Chris Masterjohn

Taking a statin drug is easy and it kind of pushes the problem away. Also, it does lower something and people like seeing things they can measure go down. And when it does drop, you can be congratulated for a job well done. There are some days that I think if humanity has decided to be this stupid, then I give up. ~~ Dr. Malcolm Kendrick

Here's something you need to know: Cholesterol is good for you. Yup. Even if you did not eat any type of food containing cholesterol, your body will still make it, as it is essential to your body to function properly. 

All of the following critical body components are made from cholesterol:

Estrogen
Testosterone
Progesterone
Cortisol (anti-inflammatory stress hormone)
Aldosterone (regulates salt balance)
Vitamin D
Bile (required for fat and vitamin absorption)
Brain synapses (neurotransmitter exchange)
Myelin sheath (insulates nerve cells)

Life without cholesterol would be impossible. Cell membranes, which wrap around and protect the inner contents of all cells, must contain cholesterol in order to function properly. Cholesterol contributes firmness to membranes and keeps them from falling apart. But wait, there’s more! Read this most interesting article on why cholesterol is good for you.

Here's a reality check for people who are taking a statin drug: These drugs will artificially lower your cholesterol levels, but they will not prevent a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular disease. Statins can also cause a fairly long list of risk side effects. And yet, your doctor's first recommendation if you have an elevated cholesterol level is more likely than not a medication. In fact, some doctors recommend everyone take a statin drug and have pushed for it to be put in our water supply. (Like fluoride.) If changes in diet and lifestyle are even mentioned by your doctor, they will almost invariably be suggested in conjunction with a statin. Doesn't this seem odd to you? Why aren't more physicians thinking beyond prescriptions and questioning an approach that clearly isn't working?

Dietary Cholesterol and the Lack of Evidence in Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. For years, dietary cholesterol was implicated in increasing blood cholesterol levels leading to the elevated risk of CVD. To date, extensive research did not show evidence to support a role of dietary cholesterol in the development of CVD.

Lack of association between cholesterol and coronary heart disease mortality and morbidity and all-cause mortality in persons older than 70 years.

The statin drugs that people are taking to lower their cholesterol levels actually cause the liver cells to die. When enough liver cells die, there's less cholesterol in the blood. So naturally the cholesterol level goes down. But it's all a big farce. ~~ Dr. Fred Kummerow

To believe that statin medication is the answer to everything, despite reports that these drugs haven't done much in terms of saving people's lives, is misguided. There's a lot of evidence that supports the fact that you don't need to be on a statin mediation. ~~ Dr. Fred Pescatore

Statin drugs unnaturally lower cholesterol without addressing the underlying cause for what caused the elevation in the first place. Elevated cholesterol can be a symptom of inflammation and it's the cause of that inflammation that is the root cause of heart disease. Cholesterol increases to address any damage that is going on in the blood vessels. Having high cholesterol shouldn't be alarming, but it should force you to closely examine what is going on. ~~ Cassie Bjork

Statins can integrate themselves into your mitochondria to create defective mitochondria that perpetuate themselves. And so it's almost as of you are introducing a malignancy. This is why people who take these cholesterol-lowering medications tend to have such devastating effects on their health, even long after they stop taking them. ~~ Dr. Philip Blair

Dr. Paul Marik Exposes the ‘Biggest Hoax’ in Medicine Outside of COVID

The cholesterol drugs (statins) scam and the drugs causing Alzheimers, dementia and many more health defects linked to these toxic pharmaceuticals.

Cholesterol is the building block for the brain. Good fats and proteins from food, especially. But the medical industry vilifies what's good for our bodies, as evil, so they can make millions take their toxic products and feed entire industries related to the care of the affected victims... aka patients. Criminal as usual. Trust nature. Not man. Some cannot be trusted as one can see. 

Cholesterol is your Body's Essential Defense Mechanism. Maintaining levels at or above 200 mg/dL is the best protector against Heart Disease, Stroke & Cancer.

~~Dr. Hal Huggins

1955 John Gofman PhD: Excess grains & sugars cause liver to overproduce Triglycerides (TG), which, in turn, reduces HDL. Cholesterol is a false guide for predicting heart risk. Majority of people with heart disease have carb-induced liver-made blood fat. Gofman was ignored.

Here are the adverse side effects of taking a statin:

TGA - transient global amnesia

Diabetes

Alzheimer's disease

Depletion of CoQ10 -- A study at Oregon State U showed that statin induced diabetes occurs as a direct result of CoQ10 depletion

Pain in muscles

Trouble remembering things

Tingling

Burning or numbing sensation

General sense of irritability

Mood changes

Violent nightmares

Liver and stomach problems

Trouble breathing 

Profuse sweating

Weight gain

Breast enhancement

Dry skin

Rash 

Impotence

Changes in blood pressure

Long-Term Use of Statins Linked to Heart Disease: A new expert review suggests that long-term use of statins may be inadvertently aiding the enemy by accelerating coronary artery calcification.

In addition, GoodRX came out with an article listing 10 side effects of taking statins:

(1) Muscle Pain

(2) Headache

(3) Fatigue

(4) Stomach-related effects

(5) Severe muscle damage

(6) Liver damage

(7) Kidney damage

(8) Allergic reactions

(9) Type 2 diabetes

(10) Memory problems

Would you want to risk these disabling side effects just to lower your cholesterol a little bit? If you have high cholesterol but have no heart disease and have not had a heart attack, there is no compelling evidence you should be taking a statin. It may do you more harm than good. Evidence links higher cholesterol with lower risk of death in older individuals.

For women, the higher their cholesterol is, the longer their life; there is a direct relationship between the two. Your cholesterol cannot be too high if you are a woman, but it can certainly be too low. Women actually have a cholesterol deficiency problem, not a cholesterol excess problem. It's hard for people to believe this because they've become so convinced that excess cholesterol is bad. They can't even reframe their mind to think that way.

This is why your heart is failing, and it's not cholesterol:

This is an excellent video with Dr. Ken Berry and Elizabeth Bright on why Animal FAT and Cholesterol is essential for Women's and Girl's health.

Remember, a lot of things increase cholesterol, and when you understand how important cholesterol is you can easily see why. Stress increases it completely independent of diet. Your cholesterol goes up when you're fighting infections. Your HDL and LDL Pattern A go up when you eat saturated fat, but that's a good thing. And don't forget that the body needs cholesterol for the brain, for the cell membranes, and for the sex hormones -- not to mention for Vitamin D and bile acids.

If you're not metabolizing cholesterol, then you're not converting the cholesterol into all the stuff that it is there to be converted into, such as bile acids, which are necessary for digestion, sex hormones, blood pressure -- regulating hormones, all the steroid hormones, etc.  If you're blocking it [with a statin drug], then you are not doing all the good things you can do with cholesterol and making the LDL particle much more likely to become damaged.

Dr. Masterjohn: "My rough estimate about where to start looking for potential problems based on this data is that if total cholesterol gets over 220 for men or 250 for women, then that's a possible indication that there might be a problem."

Dr. Masterjohn added that there are other key numbers that need to be considered -- that of HDL cholesterol level and the ratio of total-to-HDL cholesterol: "If a man has a total cholesterol of 250 and a total-to-HDL cholesterol ration of 3, then I'm not too concerned. But if the ratio is around 7, that is often accompanied by metabolic problems that need to be looked into."

How to figure out what your cholesterol ratio is: Divide your total cholesterol number by the HDL number. Normal is below 5

To figure out your triglyceride / HDL ratio: Divide your triglycerides by the HDL number. Normal is below 2. A ratio of 3.8 or higher can predict Pattern B LDL particles.

Standard cholesterol panels just tests basic numbers, giving a generalized idea of what your cholesterol is. It does not take into account any underlying issues that LDL cholesterol may bring. Getting a more in depth test will show LDL particle size. The VAP test will give you these numbers. There are actually two major classifications to measure LDL particles:

Pattern A -- large, fluffy and harmless

Pattern B -- small, dense and dangerous

One way to determine which LDL you have is by looking at your triglycerides level. High LDL and high Triglycerides = preponderance of small LDL-P, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Causes of Pattern B LDL: lack of exercise, being overweight, alcohol consumption, genetics, and medications.

What is LDL? Commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and it enables fat molecules to be transported through the bloodstream. While LDL is typically viewed by many physicians as just one number, it's actually a combination of two primary types: the large, fluffy Pattern A and the small, dense Pattern B. The LDL-C (the amount of cholesterol carried by the LDL particles) on your basic cholesterol test result is a calculated number based on estimates using the Friedewald equation, which is formulated by taking your HLD and adding in your triglycerides divided by 5. That is more information than you probably want to know, but stick with me. The Friedewald equation has known discrepancies that make this calculated LDL-C number extremely unreliable. So why is it used? It is much more affordable than determining direct measurements of LDL cholesterol. But, the results are significantly flawed and virtually meaningless.

What are optimal levels for health? Mainstream medical experts advise those at "very high risk of heart disease" to keep their LDL-C number below 100, or even below 70. But why, especially when 50% of heart attack victims have "normal" LDL cholesterol levels? If LDL-C actually indicated heart health, lowering it to the above levels, by whatever means necessary, would make sense. But that's not the case. A level of 100 does not tell you about LDL particles; it's their size and number that are of critical importance.

Dr. Paul Jaminet believes the ideal level for LDL cholesterol is 130 mg/dL. You don't want too little or too much; the latter can lead to an increase in inflammation, which shows up in your C-reaction protein levels. So your LDL-C is much like total cholesterol: as a singular marker, it doesn't tell you much about your health.

There are no "good or bad" total Cholesterol or LDL levels if you are metabolically healthy. Best indicator of Metabolic Health is TG/HDL ratio.

Example: Triglycerides 100/HDL 50=2.0 Ideal: 2.0 or less High: 4.0-6.0

What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are fats composed of three fatty acids. Their very important job is to transfer the fat and blood glucose -- the energy your body needs -- from the liver. When they are elevated, it means that your risk of heart disease increases. In fact, your triglyceride level inversely correlates with a lower level of HDL; when triglycerides are high, HDL tends to be low. The more triglycerides you have in your blood, the greater your chance of developing atherosclerosis. According to mainstream health experts, the range for triglycerides:

    Desirable: below 150 mg/dL

    Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL

    High: 200-499 mg/dL

    Very high: 500+ mg/dL

Many think triglycerides are fat in the blood, and they should eat less fat to lower them. They are not fat in the blood. They are a storage form of excess carbohydrates in the blood.

This is key. Dietary fat does not increase triglycerides (for the large % of people). Carbohydrates do. Specifically, high glycemic carbohydrates that quickly get converted to glucose. Examples would be: •Cookies •Bread •Pasta •Tortillas •Chips •Rice •Fruits like grapes, bananas, pineapples, etc.

Also, any packaged products made with refined sugar or processed grains. And certainly, sugar sweetened drinks. Especially if made with high fructose corn syrup. Many types of alcohol too. The above will cover the bulk of items that raise blood glucose levels quickly. So How Does This Raise Triglycerides? The body doesn't like high levels of blood glucose. So, it converts that blood glucose into forms that are "safer". This is in the form of triglycerides.

If you want to lower your triglycerides (and become metabolically healthy), you will have to lower your intake of high-glycemic carbs.

High triglycerides are a sign of poor metabolic health. Poor metabolic health is at the root cause of 9 out of the top 10 killers in America!

Poor metabolic health leads to: •Low Energy •Weight Gain •Heart Disease •Cancer •Diabetes •Gut Dysfunction •And So Much More!

What is HDL-C? HDL is the smallest of the lipoprotein particles. It enables the transportation of triglycerides through the bloodstream. In healthy people, about 30% of fat in the blood is carried by HDL. It also utilizes and excretes LDL from the body by delivering it to the liver. In essence, HDL acts as a cleanser of the endothelium, or the inner linings of the blood vessels. When your endothelium gets damaged, that can lead to atherosclerosis, which causes a heart attack or stroke. This is why HDL is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol. An increased level of HDL-C is thus protective against cardiovascular disease, while lower levels of HDL-C tend to raise your risk of heart disease. Men tend to have lower HDL than women do. According to mainstream health experts, the range for HDL:

    Poor: below 40 mg/dL (men) or below 50 mg/dL (women)

    Better: 40-49 mg/dL (men) or 50-59 mg/dL (women)

    Best: 60+ mg/dL

Cutting dietary fat and cholesterol will not improve your health. Most people have been told to cut your fat intake and increase carbs, which is a complete contradiction of eating healthy. In actuality, to improve your numbers you need to cut your carb intake and increase your fat intake. There is no sound science behind the prevention message that reducing saturated fat in your diet will lower your risk of heart disease. Science actually shows the opposite effect.

If you are worried about your high cholesterol levels, looking at your breakdown of LDL particles will show you the benefits that result from adding more fat and cholesterol to your diet. Without the proper context of all the other factors, the total cholesterol number tells you pretty much nothing about your state of health. 

Time to get the word out! LDL cholesterol is not bad for you.

The government HAS NO CAPS ON CHOLESTEROL for ten years now. So why didn’t they tell you? The U.S. government quietly dropped its cholesterol cap in 2015 (the American Heart Association did the same in 2013), yet most people still think dietary cholesterol is something to fear. Why? Maybe because our government is too afraid to publicly correct its mistake. There was no information campaign, no big announcement—mostly just silence. Here’s the truth: cholesterol isn’t the enemy. The government even funded many large-scale, randomized clinical trials to test the link between cholesterol and heart disease. What did they find? No proof that eating meat, butter, and cheese leads to heart disease. Some studies even showed the opposite: the more people lowered their cholesterol, the more likely they were to die from heart disease. So what happened to those studies? Buried. Suppressed. Ignored. One sat in the basement of the NIH for years, never published. Another delayed publication for 16 years. And while the government dropped its cholesterol caps, it still says that healthy diets are "lower in cholesterol" It's time to ask: why are we still being misled?

Cholesterol is not the problem. It powers every key hormone and is needed by every single cell in your body. Cholesterol is an essential nutrient, yet Big Pharma has spent decades demonizing it in order to profit from cholesterol-lowering medications. The Carnivore Bar ~~ 

Here is what you need to know about cholesterol:

🥚 Dietary cholesterol is good for you.
🥚 Dietary cholesterol will hardly affect your blood cholesterol levels.
🥚 Low cholesterol levels are dangerous.
🥚 High cholesterol levels are linked to a lower risk of cancer and death.
🥚 Cholesterol is so vital that your liver produces more of it when intake is low.
🥚 LDL cholesterol is not necessarily “bad” cholesterol.
🥚 The majority of heart disease patients have “normal” cholesterol levels.

So stop fearing meat, eggs, and dairy. There’s a reason why the world’s most nutrient-dense foods are rich in cholesterol. Cholesterol is ESSENTIAL for survival. We simply cannot live without it.

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Are Statin Drugs Damaging Your Heart? In this article by Dr. Brownstein, he explains how we have been brainwashed to believe that elevated levels of cholesterol cause heart disease. 

Dr. Brownstein says that cholesterol-lowering drugs, called statins, do nothing to protect you from heart disease or heart attacks. But with regular use, they can:

• Weaken your heart.
• Weaken your muscles.
• Disrupt your hormone production.
• Cause fatigue and reduced sex drive.

Statin drugs ALSO put you at risk for brain disorders, including brain fog, memory loss, dementia, and ALS.

That’s not all — they can also cause kidney and liver problems. That’s a lot of harm for literally NO GOOD, as you’ll see from the studies just ahead.

What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling
You About Statin Drugs . . .

Dr. Brownstein says Big Pharma’s claim that everybody with a total cholesterol reading over 200 — and more recently 180 — needs a statin drug is the biggest fraud perpetrated on the public in medical history.

Big Pharma has sustained a very successful 30-year propaganda campaign — starting with brainwashing doctors in medical school — to create an avid market for what’s become the biggest-selling, most profitable drug in history.

But Dr. Brownstein says cholesterol is essential to your health, that your body makes it, and that you’d die without it.

Cholesterol is vital to every cell in your body. It’s the glue that holds your cells together. That’s not all.

Cholesterol is the primary organic molecule in your brain. It forms a protective layer around your nerve cells.

It’s the precursor to your adrenal and sex hormones. It’s necessary for vitamin D production, as well as for the absorption of essential fats and minerals.

Think about this logically. Why would your body do something harmful to itself?

Dr. Brownstein says, “It wouldn’t, and only a tiny fraction of the population with a rare disease that overproduces cholesterol — with readings around 500 — needs statin drugs.’

Here’s more common sense — fully half of all people who die of heart attacks and strokes have cholesterol readings in the so-called normal range.

If high cholesterol causes clogged arteries, why are so many people with readings of 140, 150, and 170 dying of heart attacks?

What’s more . . . researchers from Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health reported that the annual number of people hospitalized for heart failure jumped more than 230% from 1980 to 2006.

Why the big jump? Dr. Brownstein gives us two reasons.

First, this is exactly the period that saw the introduction of and steady rise in the use of statin drugs.

Second, this period also coincides with a big increase in the consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, the real cause of heart disease, especially when combined with hormonal imbalances and food, water, and environmental toxins.

Today, heart failure leads to over 1 million hospitalizations every year.

Dr. Brownstein wrote a detailed report on this subject, titled Are Statin Drugs Damaging Your Heart? He’s got proof that they are; continue reading to learn what he has discovered.

Statin Drugs Have a Dirty Little Secret . . .

Most of your cholesterol is made in your liver. And the statin drug works by poisoning a natural enzyme in your liver that facilitates cholesterol production.

But this same enzyme also helps your body make the vitamin-like substance CoQ10. And CoQ10 is vital to the energy your heart needs to pump blood.

CoQ10 is also essential to the energy generated by the mitochondria in your cells. That’s your energy factory — for your heart and your whole body. And statin drugs are poisoning the enzyme that helps make it!

The fact is . . . cholesterol is vitally important to the health of your muscles, your brain, your adrenal glands, and your liver and kidneys.

That’s why people taking statin drugs suffer fatigue, feel lousy, lose their sex drive, and don’t think as clearly.

Do you still think you should take a statin drug? Consider this fact your doctor, the media, and Big Pharma won’t tell you . . .

In a large study of 17,791 heart disease patients, researchers found an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and death.

The lower the cholesterol level, the greater the incidence of death. Exactly the opposite of what you’ve been led to believe.

But how did we get this so wrong? Why have we been told a lie about cholesterol and urged to take a drug we don’t need?

It started with the popular physiologist made famous for creating WWII K rations — Ancel Keys. He postulated that a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet caused heart disease, and he undertook a 22-country study to prove it.

Just one problem — Keys let his ego get in the way of the facts.

When his results didn’t fit his thesis, he narrowed the study to just seven countries that did: England, Canada, the U.S., Australia, Italy, Japan, and — convenient to Keys’ thesis — Wales, which he counted as a separate country, even though it’s part of the U.K. Italy and Japan ate more fish and had little heart disease. England, Wales, and the U.S. ate more fatty meats and had more heart disease. He got the conclusion he wanted by cherry-picking the stats.

Unfortunately, his theory rapidly gained traction with the medical industry and was endorsed by the U.S. government.

But later, when researchers went back to look at Keys’ original work on 22 countries, his thesis completely fell apart.

Many countries with high-fat diets had no problems with heart disease. As we know today, it wasn’t the fat in the diet causing heart disease, but rather the sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as inflammatory oils used in processed foods. And all of this is ubiquitous in the standard American diet.

Regardless, with the medical establishment and many governments accepting Keys’ conclusions, Big Pharma went to work creating a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Once they succeeded, it was off to the races with the most successful mass marketing campaign in history.

Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find an adult over 35 who doesn’t know his cholesterol number, or any adult with a cholesterol reading over 200 who isn’t taking a statin drug or hasn’t been told to take one.

But here’s the biggest nail in the coffin of the cholesterol-cause heart disease theory . . .

In a large study of a major statin drug, the ASCOT-LLA, which is the one that got statin sales soaring, the drug company reported a 36% reduction in heart attacks.

That’s a huge improvement, right? No. According to Dr. Brownstein, the drug company reported the relative reduction, not the actual reduction.

Here’s what happened . . . 2 people out of 100 had a heart attack while taking the statin drug, and 3 people had a heart attack with the placebo. The real reduction was 1%, and this was over 3.3 years.

But when tabulated over an 11-year follow-up, the relative reduction in mortality dropped to just 14% for all reasons and no benefit at all for cardiovascular events. To be clear — no benefit at all for the heart!

And look at this . . .

A major study of the other big-selling statin drug showed an absolute risk reduction of a tiny .41 of a percent — a meaningless result, but the drug company reported a relative risk reduction of 50%. Sadly, the Food and Drug Administration let them get away with this gross distortion.

More information on statins and the harm they do ~~

Statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis, forcing cells to pull LDL from the blood. LDL drops, and the story goes: lower LDL magically reverses plaque. Some studies point to oxidized phospholipids in LDL as ‘proof,’ though it doesn’t actually show plaque reversal.

Native LDL is non-atherogenic. Cells take it up efficiently via LDL receptors to get the cholesterol they need. It’s harmless, until it gets chemically altered.

Oxidized LDL is the real menace. Chemical changes to apoB100, including oxidation of amino acid residues and glycation from high blood sugar, prevent it from binding to the LDL receptor.

Instead, oxLDL binds to scavenger receptors on macrophages. This triggers foam cell formation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, the core of atherosclerosis.

Animal and human studies back this up. Higher oxLDL accelerates plaque formation in animals, and in humans, circulating oxLDL correlates with higher coronary risk. OxLDL is found in atherosclerotic lesions, but not in healthy arteries.

What actually oxidizes LDL? Things that chemically damage it:

High blood glucose (glycation of apoB100) Excess sugar and refined carbs Seed oils high in oxidizable fats Acute immune activation (e.g., infections, vaccines Smoking and other sources of free radicals

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress

The irony is that statins themselves stress cells. By depleting mevalonate, they affect cholesterol synthesis damaging cell membranes and mitochondria, which may increase oxidative stress. Controlling these factors, not LDL numbers, is what really protects arteries. Oxidation, not concentration, is the real danger.

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Tests you can get for a complete cholesterol profile:

(1)  VAP Test -- The VAP test not only offers a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk, but also supplies vital information that can help you and your doctor formulate a customized disease-prevention program and measure its progress over time. This powerful diagnostic tool can help you take the steps necessary to avoid preventable health catastrophes—like heart attack and stroke—today. 

The VAP test assesses levels of all the blood lipids measured in a standard lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), plus subclasses of lipids that are known or emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as LDL particle size and lipoprotein(a). Below is a guide to the various components of the VAP test and their implications for the development of cardiovascular disease, such as:

Lp(a): Lipoprotein(a); an inherited risk factor for heart disease. It is more dangerous than other types of cholesterol, and does not respond to traditional LDL-lowering drugs. Normal range is between 5-40 mg/dl. You can take 6,000mg of fish oil to lower your Lp(a). 

(2) NMR LipoProfile Test. Using state of the art technology known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the NMR LipoProfile® is an advanced cholesterol test used to identify people at risk for lipid-related coronary heart disease (CHD). The NMR® LipoProfile contains the following tests:

• LDL particle number (LDL-P)
• Small LDL particle number (small LDL-P)
• HDL particle number (HDL-P)
• LDL particle size
• A standard cholesterol test (LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and total cholesterol)
• LP-IR

(3) ApoB - measures the amount of apoliprotein B in your blood. It's a test to analyze your risk for heart disease. Having a high number means you are at risk of atherosclerosis. The purpose of a  ApoB is to carry LDL to the tissues. It carries cholesterol in a bad way because it carries passengers with it, such as chylomicrons, IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very-low density lipoproteins), LDL and Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a) -- an inherited risk factor for heart disease. It is more dangerous than other types of cholesterol, and does not respond to traditional LDL-lowering drugs).

(4) High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP). This test measures the state of inflammation in the body. Higher numbers means a greater risk of developing heart disease. Inflammation is the cause of heart disease. It is much more important than LDL and total cholesterol levels. 

Healthy levels are between 0-3.0 mg/dL; ideal below 1. How to lower these numbers: Reduce sugars, grains and vegetable oils. Choline protects against fatty liver disease. Cutting fat does not reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating a low-fat diet causes metabolic distortions -- high blood sugar, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, growth of belly fat, metabolic syndrome, diabetes.

(5) Oxidized LDL. Oxidized cholesterol is made in the body when low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, goes through a chemical reaction. Oxidized cholesterol is what builds up on the artery walls, the muscular tubes that carry blood away from the heart. Too much oxidized cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The resulting decrease in blood flow in your arteries raises your risk for heart attack and stroke. Oxidized LDL is tested through a urine test.

Lower oxidized LDL: cut sugar consumption, reduce stress, exercise

(6) Apolipoprotein (ApoE) - inherited from parents. There are two Apo genes - one from mom and one from dad. You can be a 2/2, 2/3, 3/3, 3/4, or 4/4. The most common is 3/3. People with 3/4 or 4/4 are in the danger zone. 

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There is so much information that I find that supports the fact that having a high cholesterol number is advantageous to your health. I am adding another one, and some of the information in this section may already be in this blog, but it does not hurt to hear it from more than one source.

Big Pharma wants you to believe all cholesterol is bad. Why? They sell more drugs and make more money. The truth? As with everything, you just need to understand the right balance. Cholesterol is CRITICAL for holistic health. First let's look at what it is...

What is Cholesterol? A key substance in your body which: ⚬ Makes up cell structure ⚬ Makes up 25% of your brain ⚬ Produces hormones ⚬ Helps with digestion ⚬ Increases immunity. Made by the liver and consumed via food, it travels via HDL and LDL lipoproteins and is a key structure of the cell membrane. Here are 5 reasons you should not avoid cholesterol.

1. Metabolic Health: HDL cholesterol (known as 'good' cholesterol) helps: ⚬ Remove excess fat from your bloodstream ⚬ Reduces inflammation ⚬ Improves insulin sensitivity These are key factors for a healthy metabolism. Do not avoid.

2. Improved Cellular Function: Cholesterol is a key component of cell membranes ⚬ Provides stability ⚬ Flexibility ⚬ Maintain proper cell function Improved cellular function = improved health and decreased risk of inflammation, heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.

3. Hormone production: It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones, including: ⚬ Cortisol ⚬ Aldosterone ⚬ Estrogen ⚬ Progesterone ⚬ Testosterone. Hormones Regulation = health.

4. Immune System Health: Cholesterol plays a role in immune cell function and signaling, helping the body fight infections and inflammation. It supports white blood cell function, and aids in producing hormones that regulate inflammation.

5. Brain function: Cholesterol is critical for: ⚬ Formation and maintenance of synapses in the brain ⚬ Supporting memory and learning ⚬ Overall neurological health. It helps you think effectively.

There you go: Cholesterol is vital for holistic health, including: 1. Metabolic Health 2. Cellular Function 3. Hormone Production 4. Immune Health 5. Brain Function As with anything balance and understanding are key.

⛔️“Alzheimer’s is a physician CAUSED disease!!! It didn’t even occur in people over 40 years ago!!! And now it’s the #4 killer of people in the USA over age 65!! What is Alzheimer’s disease? Well, it’s the disappearing of your brain’s insulation, the Myelin!! What is Myelin made out off? It’s made from CHOLESTEROL!!! ”If you go on a low Cholesterol diet or cholesterol medication, it’s the fastest way to Alzheimer’s disease”

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"I love Cholesterol! Do You Know What My Cholesterol Is?

Take A Deep Breath...It's 325." ~~ Cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra "Cholesterol Has Become A Swear word. Everybody Thinks it's Evil." "People assume Cholesterol comes from food. No, Not at all. 85% of Cholesterol Is Made By Our Body. How Can It Be Bad?" "Cholesterol is essential for life & deeply linked to our immunity. The greatest myth is the field of medicine is that there is a relationship between high cholesterol & heart disease--it does not exist. There are no benefits to taking a Statin, yes they lower your cholesterol, but they do not lower Cardiovascular Risk or Disease. Statins are dangerous because low cholesterol causes deadly side effects: Statins cause CoQ10 deficiency, resulting in muscle pain & Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Statins inhibit Heme A, a vital component of the electron transport chain for energy. Cholesterol should not be lowered, it's critical for Vitamin D & all hormones, digestion, every cell should be saturated with healthy cholesterol. Statins Do Not Lower Cardiovascular Disease, in fact in those over 65, Statins Increase Mortality. Statins stop Dolichol, a crucial molecule in protein glycosylation in the brain, deficiency leads to Parkinson's & other brain disorders. Statins cause liver & pancreas damage, leading to insulin resistance & type 2 diabetes.

"Statins Are Mass Murder & The Most Dangerous Useless Drugs Ever Invented." ~ Dr. Leonard Coldwell "You do not die of too much Cholesterol, you die of not enough. There is no such thing as too much Cholesterol." "I have patients with Cholesterol of 600 & they're the healthiest."

Chronic Conditions Caused By Statins:

Muscle Pain Muscle Tearing Neuropathy Heart Failure Dizziness/Vertigo Cognitive Impairment Dementia Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Pancreatitis Liver Damage Diabetes Depression/Suicidality Parkinson's Disease ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Testosterone Deficiency Estrogen Deficiency Brain Damage Multiple Sclerosis Aphasia

Risks of Statin Therapy in Older Adults

Statin Use: No reduction in CVD or mortality

The Higher your LDL, the Longer you Live

The risk from statins outweighs the risks of having a heart attack. There are other statistics about statins, especially since tens of millions of people are taking these drugs in an effort to improve their health. Researcher and physician Dr. Uffe Ravnskov has been sounding the alarm for some time. "The benefit you receive from statin treatment is trivial. For a 65-year old man who has had a heart attack, the chance of being alive for another five years is about 90%. By taking a statin every day, he increases those odds by only 2%. That's all." 

There is a minuscule increase of 2% in your survival if you take a statin; but here's the negative trade-off: statin drugs also increase the risk of diabetes by 4%, impotence by 20%, and muscle and joint pain by upwards of 40%. The potential downsides of high cholesterol simply pale in comparison to these very serious side effects. 

There is also evidence now that statin treatment may cause cancer. A relevant question is this: Do you want to potentially die from having a heart attack or do you want to die from the cancer your cholesterol-lowering medication induced? In addition, taking a statin will not reduce your chance of having a heart attack. It artificially lowers your cholesterol levels, but does not alter your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Every day more and more people are understanding that it's not the cholesterol that is the problem, but the particles carrying the cholesterol. And they are buying into this idea that a high-fat diet can be healthy for them because of the beneficial effect, among many other things, on the LDL particle size and number. ~~ Gary Taubes

There is a group of patients who are going to question what they have been told about cholesterol. They are going to be willing to go there to see what works and what doesn't work. Ultimately, even more people are going to have to be motivated in order to make those kinds of changes happen. That motivation may come from someone having a side effect from taking statins or the fear of having a complication that might occur from taking the drug. The biggest motivator is the fact that someone is not getting the desired results. This is when people are open to an alternate pathway and an alternative treatment program to the statin medications. ~~ Dr. Philip Blair

The truth is saturated fat and dietary cholesterol have never been shown to cause heart disease. People are shocked and question why they have been taught to believe just the opposite. Your heart really needs good fats from salmon, egg yolks, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, and even butter. And when you look at some of the detrimental effects that come from eating grains and refined foods, I try to make them understand so it will make sense to them. A big part of this is having people just try this. If you don't believe me, try it. It comes down to how people feel and whether they can make it through their workday with enough energy to come home and play with their kids. When that part starts working for them, people will be more willing to embrace this. ~~ Cassie Bjork

Note from Dr. Eric Westman: Because of all the vested interests -- food and pharmaceutical companies and the "guild" of doctors -- the best advice I can give you is to follow your own health markers, educate yourself, and then try something to see how this affects your health.

Your brain needs fat. Your brain needs cholesterol. Cholesterol blockers (statins) cause Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative diseases. We need to expose the medical & pharma industries orchestrated cholesterol deception. Their goal is make us sicker and into non-thinking, barely functioning shells of our previous selves.

"I Can't Help Someone Who Is On A Statin...Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Have Screwed Up An Entire Generation." Dr Kevin Reese "Statins Directly Inflame The Liver & Create A Cholesterol Deficiency, Leading To Alzheimer's." Statins Are A $16 Billion Dollar Profit Driven Industry. Saturated fats & cholesterol have no effect on cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks, strokes & mortality. 75% of heart attacks occur in people with normal to low cholesterol. There are no benefits to taking a Statin, yes they lower your cholesterol, but they do not lower Cardiovascular Risk or Disease. Synthetically lowering cholesterol levels is very harmful to every bodily system. Statins cause liver & pancreas damage, leading to insulin resistance & type 2 diabetes. Statins cause CoQ10 deficiency, resulting in muscle pain & Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Every Statin crosses the blood brain barrier & shuts off the enzyme of cholesterol production leading to Alzheimer's. Statins stop Dolichol, a crucial molecule in protein glycosylation in the brain, deficiency leads to Parkinson's & other brain disorders. Statins inhibit Heme A, a vital component of the electron transport chain for energy. Cholesterol Lowering Medications Will Cause These Chronic Health Dysfunctions:

Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Pancreatitis Liver Inflammation & Damage Diabetes Chronic Depression Parkinson's Disease ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Hormonal Deficiency Brain Damage Multiple Sclerosis Muscle Pain Muscle Tearing (Rhabdomyolysis) Fatigue & Weakness Neuropathy Heart Failure Vertigo & Dizziness Cognitive Impairment For Vibrant Metabolic & Mitochondrial Health: A low carbohydrate diet prioritizing nutrient dense animal foods, eliminating harmful seed oils, sugar & processed foods provides a healthy cholesterol profile. This keeps Triglycerides low & HDL high, the TG/HDL ratio is one of the best Biomarkers for Cardiovascular health. Optimal TG/HDL ratio is 1.5 or less.

The cholesterol scam to sell statin meds and how statin meds are destroying the body and the mind. Credit: Kevin Reese PHD ~~

Dr. Joseph Mercola's five reasons you should not take statins:

Statin cholesterol-lowering drugs are widely touted as the best way to lower your cholesterol and thereby prevent a heart attack. They’re recommended to people who have “high cholesterol,” those who have heart disease, and even for some healthy people as a form of preventive medicine.

Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs on the market, with more than 1 in 4 Americans over 45 taking them. This already inflated number is set to increase significantly due to draft recommendations issued earlier this year by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

This federal advisory board recommended statin treatment for people between the ages of 40 and 75 with a 10 percent or greater risk of heart problems in the next 10 years (based on the 2013 AHA-ACC online calculator) — even if they have not had a previous heart attack or stroke.

Needless to say, if you’re a U.S. adult aged 40 or beyond, there’s a good chance your doctor may bring up statins at your next visit, so you need to do your homework to determine if these drugs are truly right for you — and there’s a good chance they’re not.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Take Statins

1. They Don’t Work

Statin drugs work to lower cholesterol, and as your levels fall, you may assume that is proof that you’re getting healthier and lowering your risk of heart disease and heart attack. But that would be far from the truth.

There is far more that goes into your risk of heart disease than your cholesterol levels. Further, there is evidence showing that statins may actually make your heart health worse and only appear effective due to statistical deception.

One report published in the Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that statin advocates used a statistical tool called relative risk reduction (RRR) to amplify statins’ trivial beneficial effects.

If you look at absolute risk, statin drugs benefit just 1 percent of the population. This means that out of 100 people treated with the drugs, one person will have one less heart attack. This doesn’t sound so impressive, so statin supporters use a different statistic called relative risk.

Just by making this statistical sleight of hand, statins suddenly become beneficial for 30 to 50 percent of the population. As STATS at George Mason University explained, “An important feature of relative risk is that it tells you nothing about the actual risk."

2. Statins Reduce CoQ10

Statins deplete your body of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which accounts for many of their devastating results. Although it was proposed to add a black box warning to statins stating this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided against it in 2014.

CoQ10 is used for energy production by every cell in your body, and is therefore vital for good health, high energy levels, longevity, and general quality of life. CoQ10’s reduced form, ubiquinol, is a critical component of cellular respiration and production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

ATP is a coenzyme used as an energy carrier in every cell of your body. When you consider that your heart is the most energy-demanding organ in your body, you can surmise how potentially devastating it can be to deplete your body's main source of cellular energy.

So while one of statins' claims to fame is warding off heart disease, you're actually increasing your risk when you deplete your body of CoQ10. The depletion of CoQ10 caused by the drug is why statins can increase your risk of acute heart failure.

So if you're taking a statin drug, you MUST take Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement. If you're over 40, I would strongly recommend taking ubiquinol instead of CoQ10, as it's far more effectively absorbed by your body.

In every study conducted so far, ubiquinol has been shown to be far more bioavailable than the non-reduced form (CoQ10). Dr. Steven Sinatra, cardiologist and founder of the New England Heart Center, recommends taking at least 100 milligrams (mg), but preferably 200 mg of high quality CoQ10 or ubiquinol daily.

One study in the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that ubiquinol effectively rescued cells from the damage caused by the statin drug simvastatin, thereby protecting muscle cells from myopathies.

The other part most people don't realize is that CoQ10 and ubiquinol are lipid-soluble materials biosynthesized in your blood. The carrier is the blood lipid cholesterol. The ubiquinol actually keeps your LDL (often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol) reduced, as it's an exceptionally potent antioxidant.

Reduced LDL cholesterol isn't bad cholesterol at all. Only the oxidized version will cause a problem. So by reducing CoQ10 production in your body, you're also removing the mechanism that keeps your LDL cholesterol from doing harm in your body.

3. Statins Reduce Vitamin K2

A new finding was published in March 2015, and it is not yet widely known.

Research published in Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology revealed that, in contrast to the current belief that cholesterol reduction with statins decreases atherosclerosis, the drugs may instead actually stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure.

There were several physiological mechanisms discussed in the study that show how statin drugs may make your heart health worse, one being that they inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 protects your arteries from calcification. Without it, plaque levels worsen.

Vitamin K2’s biological role is to help move calcium into the proper areas in your body, such as your bones and teeth. It also plays a role in removing calcium from areas where it shouldn't be, such as in your arteries and soft tissues.

According to a 2009 Dutch study, vitamin K2 is associated with reduced vascular calcification even at small dietary intakes.

Statin drugs inhibit the function of vitamin K2 in your body, which means taking them may put you at risk of vitamin K2 deficiency, a condition known to contribute to a number of chronic diseases, including:

Osteoporosis

Inappropriate calcification, from heel spurs to kidney stones

Brain disease 

Cancer

4. Statins Reduce Ketone Production

Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol (HMG coenzyme A reductase). Unfortunately this is the same enzyme that produces not only CoQ10 but also ketones, which are crucial nutrients to feed your mitochondria. Ketones are vitally important biological signaling molecules. There are three ketone bodies, acetoacetate, beta hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.

They’re produced in your liver (they’re byproducts of the breakdown of fatty acids) and production increases during fasting. As noted in the journal Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism: “Ketone bodies are emerging as crucial regulators of metabolic health and longevity, via their ability to regulate HDAC [histone deacetylases] activity and thereby epigenetic gene regulation.”

Ketone bodies appear to inhibit HDAC function, which is implicated in the regulation of aging. Further, researchers noted “ketone bodies may link environmental cues such as diet to the regulation of aging.”

5. Increased Risk of Serious Diseases

Because statins deplete your body of CoQ10, inhibit synthesis of vitamin K2, and reduce the production of ketone bodies, they increase your risk of other serious diseases. This includes:

Cancer

Research has shown that long-term statin use (10 years or longer) more than doubles women's risk of two major types of breast cancer: invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. According to Dr. Sinatra, statins block the squalene pathway (squalene is the precursor to cholesterol), which he believes is essential in preventing breast cancer.

In addition, the use of any statin drug, in any amount, was associated with a significantly increased risk for prostate cancer in a separate study, and there was an increasing risk that came along with an increasing cumulative dose.

According to a letter to the editor published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology:

“Several cholesterol-lowering drugs, including statins, have been found to be carcinogenic in rodents in doses that produce blood concentrations of the drugs similar to those attained in treating patients.

In accordance, breast cancer occurred in 12 of 286 women in the treatment group of the CARE (Cholesterol and Recurrent Events) trial, but only in one of 290 in the placebo group … In the PROSPER (Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk) trial, cancer occurred in 245 of 2,891 patients in the treatment group, but only in 199 of 2,913 in the placebo group …

In the SEAS (Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis) trial, cancer occurred in 39 of 944 patients in the treatment group, but only in 23 of 929 in the placebo group … In the two first simvastatin trials, nonmelanoma skin cancer was seen more often as well, and with statistical significance if the results are calculated together … The latter finding may explain the current so-called epidemic of nonmelanoma skin cancer.”

What if everything we’ve been told about cholesterol is a lie? 🤔

Diabetes

Statins have also been shown to increase your risk of diabetes via a number of different mechanisms. The most important one is that they increase insulin resistance, which can be extremely harmful to your health. Secondly, statins increase your diabetes risk by raising your blood sugar. Statins work by preventing your liver from making cholesterol.

As a result, your liver returns the sugar to your bloodstream, which raises your blood sugar levels. These drugs also rob your body of certain valuable nutrients, which can also impact your blood sugar levels. Two nutrients in particular, vitamin D and CoQ10, are both needed to maintain ideal blood glucose levels. A 2011 meta-analysis confirmed the higher the dosage of statin drugs being taken, the greater the diabetes risk.

The "number needed to harm" for intensive-dose statin therapy was 498 for new-onset diabetes — that's the number of people who need to take the drug in order for one person to develop diabetes. In even simpler terms, 1 out of every 498 people who are on a high-dose statin regimen will develop diabetes.

The following scientific reviews also reached the conclusion that statin use is associated with increased incidence of new-onset diabetes:

A 2010 meta-analysis of 13 statin trials, consisting of 91,140 participants, found that statin therapy was associated with a 9 percent increased risk for incident diabetes. Here, the number needed to harm was 255 over four years, meaning for every 255 people on the drug, one developed diabetes as a result of the drug in that period of time.

In a 2009 study, statin use was associated with a rise of fasting plasma glucose in patients with and without diabetes, independently of other factors such as age, and use of aspirin, β-blockers, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

The study included data from more than 345,400 patients over a period of two years. On average, statins increased fasting plasma glucose in non-diabetic statin users by 7 mg/dL, and in diabetics, statins increased glucose levels by 39 mg/dL.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cholesterol is also essential for your brain, which contains about 25 percent of the cholesterol in your body. It is critical for synapse formation, i.e. the connections between your neurons, which allow you to think, learn new things, and form memories. So perhaps it’s not surprising that memory loss is widely reported in association with statin use.

Further, remember that statins reduce ketone production. Ketone bodies are used as fuel by your brain, and they have also demonstrated the capacity to protect against neuronal disease, seizures, and age-related brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine even found statins were associated with an increased Parkinson’s risk.

High total cholesterol and LDL were also associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study concluded, “Statin use may be associated with a higher PD [Parkinson’s disease] risk, whereas higher total cholesterol may be associated with lower risk.”

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Statin users are more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and pain than non-users. Myalgia, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis, autoimmune muscle disease, and tendinous diseases have all been reported in association with statin use.

One reason for this may be statins’ interference with selenium-containing proteins.

Selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase are crucial for preventing oxidative damage in your muscle tissue. As reported by Wellness Resources: “Blocking the selenoprotein enzyme glutathione peroxidase is akin to pouring gasoline on the fire of inflammation and free radicals, which damages muscle tissue. In fact, the scientists described this blocking of the selenoproteins reminiscent of selenium deficiency induced heart failure, known as Keshan’s disease first identified in the 1930s.”

Further, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine:“ … [S]tatin use is associated with an increased likelihood of diagnoses of musculoskeletal conditions, arthropathies, and injuries … Several factors may explain the musculoskeletal AEs [adverse events] of statin therapy, including the inhibitory effect on coenzyme Q10 synthesis, selenoprotein synthesis, and the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

In addition, in vitro studies indicated that statins may affect apoptosis genes; misregulation of apoptosis is associated with myopathy. Pathologic studies also have shown that statin use may be associated with myopathy in the presence of normal creatine kinase levels, even in the absence of symptoms.

Statin-associated necrotizing autoimmune myopathy was noted to persist or progress despite cessation of statin therapy.”

Cataracts

An objective review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane review databases found that for every 10,000 people taking a statin, there were 307 extra patients with cataracts. This was supported by a separate JAMA study, which further revealed that the risk of cataracts is increased among statin users compared with non-users. Cataract is a clouding of your eye lens and is a main cause of low vision among the elderly.

If You Decide to Take a Statin, Be Sure You Also Take Vitamin K2 and CoQ10

If you decide to take a statin, a vitamin K2 supplement is highly recommended. MK-7 is the form you'll want to look for in supplements; it’s extracted from the Japanese fermented soy product called natto. Professor Cees Vermeer, one of the world’s top vitamin K2 researchers, recommends between 45 mcg and 185 mcg daily for adults.

You must use caution on the higher doses if you take anticoagulants, but if you are generally healthy and not on these types of medications, I suggest 150 mcg daily. You’ll also need to make sure you take CoQ10 or ubiquinol (the reduced form) with it. One study evaluated the benefits of CoQ10 and selenium supplementation for patients with statin-associated myopathy.

Compared to those given a placebo, the treatment group experienced significantly less pain, decreased muscle weakness and cramps, and less fatigue.

How to Protect Your Heart Health

Are you looking for a non-drug way to boost your heart health? Here are some of my top recommendations:

 Reduce, with the plan of eliminating, grains and sugars in your diet. It is vitally important to eliminate gluten-containing grains and sugars, especially fructose.

 Make sure you are getting plenty of high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil. Research suggests that as little as 500 mg of krill per day may improve your total cholesterol and triglycerides and will likely increase your HDL cholesterol.

 Replace harmful vegetable oils and synthetic trans fats with healthy fats, such as olive oil, butter and coconut oil (remember olive oil should be used cold only; use coconut oil for cooking and baking).

 Include fermented foods in your daily diet. These will not only optimize your intestinal microflora, which will boost your overall immunity, but will also introduce beneficial bacteria into your mouth. Poor oral health is another powerful indicator of increased heart disease risk.

 Optimize your vitamin D levels, ideally through appropriate sun exposure as this will allow your body to also create vitamin D sulfate — another factor that may play a crucial role in preventing the formation of arterial plaque.

 Exercise regularly. Make sure you incorporate high-intensity interval exercises, which also optimize your human growth hormone (HGH) production.

 Stop smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.

 Be sure to get plenty of high-quality, restorative sleep.

 Practice regular stress-management techniques.

(I wrote a blog on Staying Healthy into your 70s and Beyond, which talks a lot about what type of food we should eat to stay healthy. You can read that blog here.)

Since their introduction in the 1980s, statin drugs have been almost universally hailed as “wonder drugs” by medical authorities around the world. The global market for statins was $16 billion in 2016, and approximately 40 million Americans (that’s one in every five adults!) takes a statin. In this long article by Chris Kresser, M.S., you can read more about his view of statins.

What is LDL? Do you really have to worry about your numbers? Believe it or not, you need LDL cholesterol. Listen to Dr. Paul Saladino talk about LDL cholesterol.

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Here is another article that you should read about the connection between low cholesterol levels and Alzheimer's Disease. What if you learned that physicians, in their attempt to get us to lower our cholesterol, contribute to the onslaught of Alzheimer's that is plaguing our country. Did you know that this condition was unheard of in people over 40 years ago, and has skyrocketed to become the fourth leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older.

"Alzheimer’s" is a physician CAUSED disease!!! It didn’t even occur in people over 40 years ago!!! And now it’s the #4 killer of people in the USA over age 65!!

What is Alzheimer’s disease? Well, it’s the disappearing of your brain’s insulation, the Myelin!! What is Myelin made out off? It’s made from 100% CHOLESTEROL!!! ”If you go on a low Cholesterol diet or cholesterol medication, it’s the fastest way to Alzheimer’s disease”

The Effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors on Cognition in Patients With Alzheimer's Dementia: A Prospective Withdrawal and Rechallenge Pilot Study ~~

People quit statins for 6 weeks and their Alzheimer's improved. People resumed statins and their Alzheimer's worsened. Any questions?

Statins are well-known for their cardiovascular benefits. However, the cognitive effects of statins are not well understood. We hypothesized that individuals with preexisting dementia would be more vulnerable to statin-related cognitive effects.

This pilot study found an improvement in cognition with discontinuation of statins and worsening with rechallenge. Statins may adversely affect cognition in patients with dementia.

Barbara O'Neill talks about cholesterol:

And here is yet another video on the beneficial aspect of cholesterol and what harm statins do to the body:

Cholesterol is a building block -- it's a substance that the body needs to survive.

Dr. Ken Berry on Statins and Dementia:

The medical industry is lying to you about cholesterol and what the numbers should be. Listen:

The Great Cholesterol Lie:

Lowering cholesterol may actually be causing cancer. We have become a culture so obsessed with eating foods low in cholesterol and fat that many health experts are now questioning the consequences. Could we really maintain a dietary lifestyle that was so foreign to many of our ancestral populations without any ill effects on our health? Many researchers are now concluding that the answer to that question is "NO."

Current data is now suggesting that lower cholesterol levels predate the development of cancer. What is certain is that the 'little knowledge' that the media often imparts means many folks assume cholesterol is simply a 'bad' thing. Alternately, a good number of us may have heard the terms 'good' cholesterol and 'bad' cholesterol bandied about without knowing much about what this really means. In fact it is a fairly safe bet that if you asked anyone on the street for his or her instinctive response, if asked about cholesterol, they would probably say that we simply need to 'reduce it'. There is no such thing as bad cholesterol.

Normal Total Cholesterol level used to be 300. Then Normal changed to 240....then 190. Now they want it closer to 150. Big Pharma keeps moving the goalpost....

American cardiology quietly rewrote its rules in the spring of 2026, and almost nobody noticed. The new dyslipidemia guideline does two things. It drops the ideal LDL lower than ever. And it swaps in a risk calculator that no longer asks whether you'll have a heart attack in the next ten years. It asks whether you'll have one in the next thirty. Think about what that unlocks. A ten-year risk keeps the drugs pointed at older people, because that's who actually gets heart attacks soon. Stretch the window to thirty years and a healthy thirty-year-old suddenly lights up as "at risk", because give anyone enough decades and the odds of anything climb. The guideline says the quiet part out loud: it wants treatment to begin at thirty, on the theory that a lifetime of lower cholesterol beats a few years of it. A Harvard team ran the numbers on the new thresholds. At one setting, the guideline recommends statins for roughly 21 million more American adults than before. Twenty-one million fresh patients, conjured not by an epidemic but by a formula and a lowered line. None of these people are ill. That's the elegant part. They feel completely fine, because there are no symptoms to have. They will be told, on the authority of a risk equation, that a silent number in their blood has marked them, and that the responsible thing is to take a drug every single day from now until they die, to shift a prediction about a year most of them can barely picture. The beauty of a thirty-year risk score is that it can never be proved wrong in time for you to care. Take the pill and stay well, and the pill worked. Have a heart attack anyway, and think how much worse it would have been without it. The prediction protects itself. There is no version of the next thirty years where you get to find out you didn't need it.

Barbara O'Neill on heart disease and cholesterol:

As more people are waking up to the Great Cholesterol Deception & harmful statins (Cholesterol blockers) some doctors are trying to come clean & apologizing. They have A LOT MORE DELEARNING TO DO, though. Meanwhile many of our loved ones are still taking these toxic pills & getting Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Prions, MS and other horrific injuries from their bodies not getting the building blocks their cells need, because they have been told by their doctors not to eat them. Like eggs, good fats, fatty fish, meats etc etc. And taking the statins to make sure their bodies and especially their brains cannot have access to nature's building blocks!!

Forget the scam called Cholesterol! CHOLESTEROL IS GOOD FOR OUR BRAINS & EVERY CELL IN OUR BODIES!

Link to the post: https://twitter.com/DrSuneelDhand/status/1760068637971374198

(From NIH Bandits, totally opposite: "Substantial evidence has accumulated in support of the hypothesis that elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's" https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248784/…)

If you go on a low Cholesterol diet or Cholesterol medication, it‘s the fastest way to Alzheimer‘s disease.

Primary Risk Factors for Heart Disease. Is High Cholesterol a Risk?

Dr. Philip Ovadia's extensive experience in heart surgery, exceeding 3,000 operations, revealed to him the crucial role of lifestyle and nutrition in maintaining good health rather than relying solely on medical interventions. Witnessing his patients treat heart attacks as an "inevitable" part of life motivated him to shift his focus toward preventive health, aiming to equip people with the necessary tools and mindset to avoid the need for a heart surgeon entirely.

Lee Bomzer has a website with lots of information on different cooking methods and other health information. She has one section with doctors  discussing cholesterol and statins. There are seven videos in that section. I am not putting all seven here, but am giving you the link to Lee's website where you can go and listen to them yourself.

Your doctor is lying to you about cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed for synthesizing hormones, bile acids, cell membranes & CoQ10. It helps protect against degenerative diseases because it also helps create the myelin sheath, your protective barrier for nerves. Have you ever wondered if the rise in Alzheimer’s could somehow be linked to those years of demonizing cholesterol and fats?

Prior to Statins, prior to 1987 Normal Total Cholesterol level used to be 300. Then Normal changed to 240....then 190. Now they want it closer to 150. Big Pharma keeps moving the goalpost.... Sources: https://medcraveonline.com/JCCR/from-framingham-to-hunt-2-60-years-blaming-the-wrong-culprit.html

We’ve all heard the same story: “Cholesterol is bad.” “Cholesterol causes heart disease.” But it’s not true. We NEED cholesterol to not only survive. But to thrive. Let's start with the 3 biggest reasons why:

1) Hormonal Regulation Cholesterol is the precursor for numerous important hormones like: • Cortisol • Estrogren • Testosterone • Progesterone Without cholesterol, these systems don’t function properly.

2) Vitamin D Synthesis Cholesterol is also the building block for vitamin D production. You can supplement Vitamin D and get all the sunlight you want. But without healthy amounts of cholesterol, your body won’t produce as much Vitamin D as it could.

3) Neurological Functioning Cholesterol is abundant in the brain. It supports the formation of nerve cells. And is essential for regulating the nervous system. It also maintains synapses between brain cells responsible for: • Memory • Learning • Overall cognition

8 reasons why Board Certified Cardiologist

@DrJackWolfson

never prescribes Statin Drugs....

Lowering Cholesterol Is Harmful & Dangerous-- Resulting In Chronic Disease, Dementia, Stroke, Cancer & Early Death. 1: Statins cause CoQ10 deficiency, resulting in muscle pain & Mitochondrial Dysfunction, leading to heart attack & stroke. 2: Statins inhibit Heme A, a vital component of the electron transport chain for energy. Crucial for oxygen storage & respiratory function. 3: Statins stop Dolichol, a crucial molecule in protein glycosylation in the brain, deficiency leads to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's & other brain disorders. 4: Statins Lower Cholesterol levels. Vitamin D & all hormones, digestion, Immune System & every cell depends on the saturation of healthy cholesterol. 5: Statins cause Liver Damage. Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI) with jaundice & abdominal pain. 6: Statins cause Muscle Damage. Breakdown of muscle tissue & profuse tearing resulting in Rhabdomyolysis. 7: Statins cause Brain Damage. Neuroinflammation & Mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in rapid cognitive decline & early onset Alzheimer's. 8: Statins Do Not Lower Cardiovascular Disease, or address the true causes of Cardiovascular Disease. People who are over 65 & on Statins, mortality is increased. Chronic Conditions Caused By Statins:

Muscle Pain Muscle Tearing Weakness Neuropathy Heart Failure Dizziness/Vertigo Cognitive Impairment Dementia Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Pancreatitis Liver Damage Diabetes Depression Parkinson's Disease ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Testosterone Deficiency Estrogen Deficiency Brain Damage Multiple Sclerosis A low carbohydrate diet prioritizing nutrient dense animal foods, eliminating harmful seed oils, sugar & processed foods provides the best healthy cholesterol profile. This approach keeps Triglycerides low & HDL high, which is one of the best Cardio Biomarkers for Cardiac health. TG/HDL ratio optimally should be less than 2.0 & even better at 1.5 or less.

The higher your LDL, the longer you live.

Low cholesterol causes heart disease and cancer

Low cholesterol causes higher mortality

CHOLESTEROL IS KING......Board Certified Cardiologist

@DrJackWolfson

shares why Cholesterol is Critical for Life.

Pierre Kory, MD MPA ~~ To sell statins, we're told cholesterol damages arteries—in reality, it repairs arterial injury. Statins hence don't prevent death and give 20% of users muscle, liver, or nerve damage. If you are on a statin, or know someone on a statin, read this article.

Marion Holman on X: I don’t care how many “Gold Standard - Peer Reviewed Papers " you show me claiming that Statins show benefit in reducing cardiovascular disease. It’s a lie. How can a drug that increases blood glucose leading to pre-diabetes, a drug that depletes CoQ10 leading to heart failure, a drug that calcifies arterial plaque, a drug that halts cell cycles, kills cells, and damages cell mitochondria, possibly prevent heart disease?

Rather than prevent heart disease Statins cause all kinds of very serious autoimmune conditions such as ALS/MND, Parkinson's disease, Lupus, RA, MS, Necrotizing Myopathy etc., the list is endless. HOWEVER, the pharmaceutical industry have a wonderful turn of phrase which suggests Statins have “UNMASKED” this condition in these patients”. Suggesting the patient already had some underlying autoimmune condition which lay dormant until Statins were prescribed.

So it’s your fault if you are diagnosed with these serious autoimmune conditions. Nothing whatsoever to do with Statin drugs! How convenient is that? The pharmaceutical industry are having a laugh at your expense. What's worse is that Statins are prescribed to treat the very diseases the drug created ! Artificially lowering cholesterol with toxic drugs is nothing less than Medical Terrorism.

Lie No. 3: If you have high cholesterol you need to take a statin drug by Chris Weigl, June 4, 2024. 

If you want brain damage, statins are a great way for you to get it.

According to Dr. Sherry Rogers,

"Overwhelming evidence shows that statins are one of the biggest mistakes ever made in the history of modern medicine. You cannot poison the chemistry of the brain and every cell membrane in every organ without serious consequences. Statins are a known cause of sudden amnesia, which is a major threat everywhere from highways and skyways to operating room suites. And not only do statins increase diabetes, cancers, unnecessary fractures, and other chronic diseases, but statins also are a major cause of our Alzheimer's epidemic."

She added:

The longer someone is on statins and they are usually prescribed for life, the more they can guarantee brain rot.

From the Weston A. Price organization: (Westonaprice.org)

“Cholesterol is vital to proper neurological function. It plays a key role in the formation of memory and the uptake of hormones in the brain, including serotonin, the body’s feel-good chemical. When cholesterol levels drop too low, the serotonin receptors cannot work. Cholesterol is a major component of the brain, much of it in the myelin sheaths that insulate nerve cells and in the synapses that transmit nerve impulses.”

Damaged myelin sheaths is a cause of Alzheimer's.

MIT scientist trying to warn people of the harms:

Atherosclerosis & Plaque are not caused by Cholesterol. Great analogy: A Fireman shows up to put out a fire. He's not the cause of the fire. Cholesterol shows up to put out the fire of Inflammation in the Arterial Wall. Cholesterol is not the cause of the Inflammation that turns to Plaque. Arterial Wall Plaque Damage is caused by: Elevated Blood Pressure Insulin Resistance/Diabetes (excess Carbs/Sugar) Smoking/Vaping Obesity (excess Carbs/Sugar) Elevated Blood Viscosity Consuming Oxidized Seed Oils. Cholesterol is trying to clear the inflammation & put out the fire caused by other lifestyle issues in order to get the body to return to Homeostasis. Two Great Podcasts Addressing Atherosclerosis:

If your doctor has you worried about your high cholesterol and high LDL then you must watch this video. Your doctor is misinformed about this important topic and this could hurt your health. 

We discuss what the research really shows and how you can use it to teach your doctor. Dr. Diamond received his Ph.D. in Biology in from the U.C., Irvine. He is currently a Professor in the Cognitive, Social & Neuroscience Division at the Univ of South Florida. He has over 150 publications, reviews and book chapters. Dr. Diamond has expanded his research to address controversial issues involving cardiovascular disease and nutrition. Dr. Diamond has delivered lectures on-line addressing how the public and healthcare workers have been misinformed about the risk of elevated levels of serum cholesterol and the appearance of substantial benefits of cholesterol lower medications, including statins.

“Alzheimer’s is a physician CAUSED disease” It didn’t even occur in people 40 years ago. And now it’s the #4 killer of people in the USA over age 65!! What is Alzheimer’s disease? Well, it’s the disappearing of your brain’s insulation, the Myelin!! What is Myelin made out off? It’s made from CHOLESTEROL!!! ”If you go on a low Cholesterol diet or cholesterol medication, it’s the fastest way to Alzheimer’s disease”

Cardiologist

@DrJackWolfson

"Studies show a higher risk of dying while taking Statin Drugs." In the SPARCL Trial more people died on Statins than Placebo.

“In 44 randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, using statins for primary prevention of heart disease, the average increase in lifespan is 4 days.” ~Dr. David Lustig

The Only Bad Cholesterol is....Not Having Enough Cholesterol is Essential & Crucial..... For Every Hormone As a Defense Against Stroke For Serotonin Production Dr. Hal Huggins

To sell statins, we're told cholesterol damages arteries—in reality, it repairs arterial injury. Statins hence don't prevent death and give 20% of users muscle, liver, or nerve damage.

From A Midwestern Doctor on X:

First, they scammed you on skin cancer when the sun is good for you. Now, they're scamming you again on cholesterol to sell you a lifetime medication. This entire narrative of cholesterol being the villain in heart disease was built on a lie. What doctors fail to tell you is that the sugar industry bribed scientists to shift the blame of heart disease from sugar to cholesterol. This has been revealed by internal documents that have surfaced. The result? A massive push for statins, now taken by 35% of Americans over 40, with devastating consequences. Studies now show that after five years of daily use, the average person gains only three to four extra days of life—just a few days for a lifetime of potential harm. Even more alarming, 20% of statin users suffer serious injuries like muscle deterioration, liver damage, and nerve dysfunction. For nearly half of all patients, the side effects are so unbearable that they quit within a year. The evidence is clear: statins are not the life-saving drugs we’ve been told they are. If you don't believe me, watch

@jimmy_dore

break down The Great Cholesterol Scam and be prepared to have your mind blown.

To sell statins, we're told cholesterol damages arteries—in reality, it repairs arterial injury. Statins hence don't prevent death and give 20% of users muscle, liver, or nerve damage. If you know someone on a statin, please read @MidwesternDoc's article.

lesterol-scam-and-the

The truth about cholesterol and minerals. What has changed in the last 40 years???

May 31, 2024. A detailed analysis of Cholesterol Science using an Engineering Problem Solving approach. Included is a clear explanation of the Cholesterol Metabolic Processes, related Diseases, and most importantly a clear summary of the key risk factors and how they can be influenced by your genetic type and your dietary strategy. For best understanding though, it should be watched sequentially. Produced for the benefit of all, and to encourage open scientific discourse on this important topic. Best Regards, Ivor.

Cholesterol is a building block for all steroid hormones so why are you trying to block it?

What are steroid hormones? Cortisol, Testosterone, Progesterone, Aldosterone, and Estradiol. What do they do? 

Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body manage stress, blood pressure, and immune function; 

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics, and in overall health. It is the primary male sex hormone and androgen, and is essential for the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testicles and prostate; 

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the human reproductive system. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and thicken the uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop and the uterine lining thins, causing menstruation;

Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate the balance of water and salts in the body, and is produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone's main function is to help regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium and potassium levels in the blood. It also helps control the amount of water the kidneys reabsorb;

Estradiol is a steroid hormone that is a major female sex hormone and is responsible for many functions in the body. Estradiol levels increase during ovulation, causing the release of an egg and thickening of the uterine lining. Levels are lowest during menstruation.

"I love Cholesterol! Do You Know What My Cholesterol Is? Take A Deep Breath...It's 325." Cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra "People assume Cholesterol comes from food. No, Not at all. 85% of Cholesterol Is Made By Our Body. How Can It Be Bad?" "Cholesterol Has Become A Swear word. Everybody Thinks it's Evil." "The moment it gets around 200, everybody gets a pill." "Cholesterol is essential for life & deeply linked to our immunity & does a damn good job for that." "Deactivating bacteria, controlling infections, protecting damage, reducing the chances of AIDS, Alzheimer's, recovery from illness, all that is done by Cholesterol."

"The Higher Your Cholesterol The Longer You Live" "If you have Low Cholesterol, be very afraid." Cardiologist

@DrJackWolfson

shares the latest research on the critical importance of Cholesterol for vibrant health. "The Higher the LDL Cholesterol, The Lower Your Risk of Dying." The LDL Paradox: Higher LDL-Cholesterol is Associated with Greater Longevity" "The worry over Total Cholesterol & Heart Attack risk is a fallacy from the 60s & 70s"

"Cholesterol is critically important, that's why all animals have it, that why breast milk has it, that's why eggs contain it because that's how a chicken comes to life." "Do not fear total Cholesterol, in fact for people older than 60, the higher the total Cholesterol, the longer they live." LDL has many important roles in the body. Cholesterol itself, Triglycerides, fat soluble Vitamins, CoQ10 heart protection & optimal immune function."

Dr. Marty Makary: "The natural fat causes heart disease, what we call saturated fat causes heart disease, was put out by a politician scientist named Ansel Keys in the 1960s after Eisenhower had his heart attack. And he said, oh, it was because he ate too much fat. And they put him on this low fat, low cholesterol diet. One of the great ironies of cholesterol, by the way, in the diet is you don't even absorb it. The cholesterol in food goes right through your system, 90% of it, because it's esterified, which means it's bound to a bulky side chain. You can't absorb it. 99% of your cholesterol in your body, which is in every cell, is made by your body. It's not from dietary sources.

So that was the great, that's the great irony of the low cholesterol diet. I mean, misinformation you might say. The government joined in on this low fat bandwagon. So Ansel Keys had convinced a bunch of folks at the American Heart Association, you gotta go with the low fat diet. They started licensing out their little healthy heart to every family restaurant in America, made millions selling cookbooks and low fat, low cholesterol cookbooks. Turns out it was a house of cards.

They did three giant studies in the last 60 years to try and prove that saturated fat causes heart disease. All three failed to show that, including some of the biggest studies ever done in medicine. The colleagues of Ansel Keys, the University of Minnesota, did something called the Minnesota Heart Study. It was a randomized controlled trial of 9,000 people and followed them for a long time. Started in the late 60s, 70s. More heart attacks in the low fat group. Wow. Now, why is that?

They're eating more refined carbohydrates most likely. It's the added sugar and refined carbohydrates, an ultra-processed nonsense that's engineered that is causing inflammation. The body's reacting to it with an inflammatory reaction. It doesn't know what to do with it. It's reacting, and guess what heart disease? It's inflammation of the coronary artery wall that enables the dense and small lipoproteins to deposit. They got it perfectly backwards.

And it's still out there today. I was at a cafe this week and it's low fat, egg white only. What are we doing? In schools, we got low fat, you know, fooling ourselves into thinking. So we have got, what we don't do well in medicine is show humility. I'm not talking about everyday docs. I'm talking about the establishment. When you get something tragically wrong, when you put something out there that's your opinion with such absolutism that everybody must do something and the data shows you're totally wrong. How about a reckoning? How about apologizing with the same vigor by which you insisted..."

The demonization of cholesterol is perhaps the most tragic chapter in human health history. How could something so crucial and necessary for life, be so insidious at the same time? It makes no sense at all... unless you sell drugs that can lower it. Cholesterol is: ~ A key component of cell membranes. ~A transport system for energy. ~So critical for developing infants that mother's milk is the most cholesterol dense food on the planet. ~The building block of essential hormones like estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. ~Necessary to help break down fat so that we can absorb fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. ~Crucial for brain health! 25% of our cholesterol is in our brain! ~So important that every cell in our body that has a mitochondria can make it. That means only red blood cells cannot and coincidentally, RBCs are the only cells that cannot use ketones for energy.

Sergio Rodrigues: "My dad was starting to get lost walking around in his neighborhood. And he was forgetting a lot. We stopped his low dose “safe” statin. He’s back to normal. He doesn’t get lost. His memories came flooding back. He’s happier. He’s not inclined to refuse medical intervention."

The dangers of low cholesterol. It turns out that there are just as many, if not more, problems with low LDL and low cholesterol than with high LDL and high cholesterol. Your body makes cholesterol—even your brain cells make cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed to make vitamin D and bile salts, and it’s also involved in making cell membranes.

If your cholesterol or LDL is too low, various problems can occur. Dangers of low cholesterol: 

1. Cataracts 

2. Fatty liver disease 

3. Lack of bile 

4. Fatty stool 

5. Constipation 

6. Intellectual disability 

7. Anxiety and depression 

8. A higher risk for cancer 

9. A lowered immune system 

10. Hyperthyroidism 

In this video, Dr. Berg talks about the so-called "bad cholesterol", LDL. LDL is not cholesterol and is not bad. LDL is a lipoprotein, a protein shell that holds fat to transport it. The liver also makes a cargo boat called VLDL or Very Low-Density Lipoprotein and its purpose is to send out and unload the nutrients and minerals to provide fuel to the cells, material to the cell walls, hormones, and antioxidants. 

When the VLDL is unloaded, it turns into LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein. LDL is at the location of the clogged arteries to help heal it and it is only dangerous if you have oxidized cholesterol. Insulin can oxidize cholesterol regardless of how high the blood sugars are and it isn’t necessarily caused by eating sugar but because of insulin resistance.

In this video, we’re going to talk about what you need to know if you have high cholesterol on keto. The American Heart Association guidelines actually state that “total cholesterol is not significantly associated with heart disease.” Your body makes cholesterol to make hormones, cell membranes, bile, and vitamin D. 

Total cholesterol is really LDL, HDL, and triglycerides combined. Whenever a person gets a cholesterol test, they may also want to get an advanced lipid profile. This is an advanced test that measures the two different types of LDL. The two types of LDL are large buoyant and small dense (sdLDL-C). The type of cholesterol that can be dangerous is the small dense (sdLDL-C). 

The small dense type may be a better marker for predicting future potential heart problems and a better indicator of inflammation inside of the arteries. The small dense type of LDL comes from a high-carb diet. By doing the healthy version of keto, you can get into ketosis and start burning fat. There will be certain times where your cholesterol goes up and down. But, as long as you keep your carbs low, you’ll get more of the large buoyant LDL and not the small dense type. 

A few potential causes of inflammation in the arteries: 

• Seed oils 

• Glucose

• Smoking

• Junk food

• Low vitamin E

"You Have To Know More Than Your Doctor Because Doctors Are Miseducated. Statins Are One of The Most Dangerous Drugs Out There." ~~ Dr. Cate Shanahan, MD There is No Evidence That Shows Dietary Cholesterol Causes Cardiovascular Disease. Saturated Fats & Cholesterol Have No Effect on CVD Outcomes, Including Heart Attacks, Strokes, CVD Mortality & Total Mortality. "The American Heart Association Used That Money To Fabricate A Huge Pile Of Evidence To Support The Idea That Cholesterol Causes Heart Attacks." "That Pile Of Evidence Is Nonsense, It's Nonsensical. Smart Scientists Who Have Sifted Thru It, Have Come To The Same Conclusion. There's Nothing Here. There's No Evidence." "Fortify Your Knowledge To Defend The Truth About This Diet You Have Found That's Improving Your Health & Transforming Your Life." "Don't Let Your Doctor Scare You Into Taking a Dangerous Statin Drug. You Have To Know More Than Your Doctor Because Doctors Are Miseducated."

Higher LDL-Cholesterol is Associated with Greater Longevity.

Cary Kelly: If your doctor is badgering you to take statins, you can ask for a coronary artery calcium score. It's a non-invasive way of looking for plaques (repairs) in your arteries and it is a far better predictor of heart disease than cholesterol levels in the blood. In one study, 1,928 people with zero calcium scores were followed for 13 years and not a single person died of a heart attack. This is the power of zero.

"The Only Bad Thing About Cholesterol Is Not Having Enough!" Dr. Hal Huggins "One Of The Biggest Defenses Against Stroke Is Cholesterol." "Cholesterol Is What Makes Estrogen, Testosterone, Aldosterone & Cortisol...& That's Bad??" "This Is The Biggest Fraud. I Have Spent Countless Hours Working On Cholesterol. It Is All From The Scientific Literature. None Of It Says Anything About Cholesterol Being Bad. The Only Bad Thing About Cholesterol Is Not Having Enough." "Depression Is Directly Related To How Much Serotonin Is In The Body. Who Controls The Amount Of Serotonin That's Manufactured? CHOLESTEROL." Low Cholesterol Is Deadly & Dangerous. Healthy Cholesterol Is Crucial For A Thriving Life: Optimal Brain is 60% fat & 25% cholesterol ~~

Prevents dementia & cognitive decline. Protects against all cause mortality. Production of all steroid hormones. Necessary for muscles & bone density. Protective against stroke & heart disease. Important for lungs & airways. Building block of all cells & mitochondria. Absorption of Vitamins A, D, E & K. Critical for digestion & bile acids. Immune system protection against infections. Lowers risk of cancer & death. Lowers risk of depression & suicide. Lowers stress, cortisol & anxiety. Protects against chemicals, toxins & heavy metals.

Those with high LDL live longer.

High cholesterol prevents atherosclerosis.

Low LDL associated with greater risk of cancer.

Low cholesterol causes depression and suicide 

Warren English: Big Pharma wants you sick. I was a pharmacist, so I would know.

Now I’m revealing the 5 biggest health secrets Big Pharma hid from you to sell you more pills:

Secret #1: Eggs Do NOT Raise Cholesterol

Lie: Eating eggs will skyrocket your cholesterol levels. Truth: Your body adjusts cholesterol production based on your diet. The more cholesterol you eat, the less your body produces. Scientific studies confirm this:

Plus, most of your cholesterol comes from your liver, not your diet anyway:

Secret #2: Cholesterol is NOT the only cause of heart disease. Other main causes are high: - Blood sugar - Triglycerides - Blood pressure - Chronic inflammation A high-sugar and junk food diet worsens all of these factors. Fix your diet before resorting to medication.

Dr. Livingood: You Don’t Have a Cholesterol Problem Until you Know These 5 Numbers:

Valerie Anne Smith on X: 

Cholesterol Levels of 300-350 Are Perfectly Normal Barbara O'Neill If Your Level Is 190 & Your Doctor Tells You It's Too High, That You're A "Walking Talking Heart Attack" & Orders You To Take A Statin---FIRE YOUR DOCTOR! It's a money making scheme & it's criminal! To heal an infection, you take an antibiotic for a week. To "heal" cholesterol, you take a statin---for life! It's not only criminal, it's dangerous: Statins cause CoQ10 deficiency, resulting in muscle pain & Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Statins inhibit Heme A, a vital component of the electron transport chain for energy. Statins stop Dolichol, a crucial molecule in protein glycosylation in the brain, deficiency leads to Parkinson's & other brain disorders. Cholesterol should not be lowered, it's critical for Vitamin D & all hormones, digestion, every cell should be saturated with healthy cholesterol. Statins Do Not Lower Cardiovascular Disease, in fact in those over 65, Statins Increase Mortality. Chronic Conditions Caused By Statins: Muscle Pain Weakness Neuropathy Heart Failure Dizziness/Vertigo Cognitive Impairment Dementia Cancer Pancreatitis Liver Damage Diabetes Depression Parkinson's Disease Testosterone Deficiency Estrogen Deficiency Brain Damage

Risks of Statins in Older Adults

The LDL Paradox: Higher LDL Cholesterol is Associated with Greater Longevity

Low cholesterol is associated with mortality from stroke, heart disease, and cancer: the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study

"Cholesterol Has Become A Swear Word. Everybody Thinks it's Evil."

"The moment Cholesterol gets to 200...everybody gets a pill." "Cholesterol is essential for life. 85% of Cholesterol is made by our body & only 15% comes from dietary sources." "Cholesterol is deeply linked to our immune system. It deactivates bacteria, pathogens, viruses, yeast & mold." "It controls infections, protecting damage, reducing the chances of AIDS, Alzheimer's, recovery from illness. All of that is done by Cholesterol." "Cholesterol varies in different times of the day, different seasons, different parts of the year, with winter it increases, with summer it decreases." "Cholesterol increases after infections, after surgery, dental treatment, even stress increases it. And when we are relaxed then the Cholesterol comes down." The greatest myth in the field of medicine is that there is a relationship between high cholesterol & heart disease--it does not exist. There are no benefits to taking a Statin, yes they lower your cholesterol, but they do not lower Cardiovascular Risk or Disease. In fact, low Cholesterol is dangerous & is causal for Heart Attack, Cancer & Stroke. Cholesterol Is Essential, Without It Our Bodies Cannot Make: Testosterone Aldosterone Cortisol DHT Dihydrotestosterone DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone Estradiol Estriol Estrone Progesterone Vitamin D The Benefits Of Total Cholesterol Over 200 mg/dL: Protects against chemicals, toxins & heavy metals.

Prevents dementia & cognitive decline. Protects against all cause mortality. Production of all steroid hormones. Bone density & Osteoporosis prevention. Protective against stroke & heart disease. Important for lungs & airways. Building block of all cells & mitochondria.

Absorption of Vitamins A, D, E & K. Critical for digestion & bile acids. Immune system protection against infections.

Protection against bacteria, pathogens & viruses.

Lowers risk of cancer & death. Lowers risk of depression & suicide. Lowers stress, cortisol & anxiety. Optimal brain is 60% fat & 25% cholesterol. A low carbohydrate diet prioritizing nutrient dense animal foods, eliminating harmful seed oils & excess sugar, provides the best healthy cholesterol profile. This approach keeps Triglycerides low & HDL high, which is one of the best Cardio Biomarkers for Cardiac health. TG/HDL ratio optimally should be less than 2.0 & even better at 1.5 or less.

Low cholesterol is associated with mortality from stroke, heart disease, and cancer: the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study

The Higher Your LDL, The Longer You Live

Low Cholesterol Causes Depression & Suicide

**************************************

If your doctor is pushing cholesterol meds on you, ask for a CAC scan or a CT-angiogram... From a patient: You may remember how my GP panicked when seeing my high cholesterol?! Well, I went and did a CAC heart scan. Here’s my result. Safe to say - My GP is no longer panicking.

Decision to Start Statin Based on Calcium Score. A new study by Joshua Mitchell explains why. Current practice dictates that Cardiologists prescribe statin drugs based on a cholesterol over 200. This has been changed by the Joshua Mitchell study from the Walter Reed Registry which supports a new decision tree. Instead of using the serum cholesterol level, the decision to give a statin drug should be based on the Calcium Score obtained from CAT scan cardiac imaging. The chart below shows that for a Calcium score of 0 to 100, there is no benefit for taking a statin drug. For a score above 100, however, the chart shows considerable reduction in MACE (major adverse cardiac event) for the statin users. Notice cholesterol level is not mentioned in this study.

The Failure of Cholesterol Lowering Drugs. In 2012, the FDA added the warning of possible memory loss to statin drug labels. Although the brain is only 2 percent of the body weight, the brain contains about 25% of the total body cholesterol. Since the blood brain barrier (BBB) prevents cholesterol uptake from the bloodstream, the neurons in the brain must make their own cholesterol, called de novo synthesis. Unfortunately, statin drugs easily cross the blood-brain-barrier and block production of cholesterol in the brain. About 70% of the brain cholesterol is found in myelin sheaths of oligodendrocytes, and 30 percent in cell membranes of neurons and brain cells called astrocytes. Cholesterol depletion in the hippocampus "leads to progressive loss of dendritic spines and synapses". Would you take a drug that prevents your brain from making essential cholesterol?

Forget The Fear Mongering & Let's Get One Thing Straight...LDL Is Absolutely Essential. It Is A Transport Molecule That Carries Cholesterol & Fat Soluble Vitamins Exactly Where They Are Needed. To Build Cell Membranes, To Fuel Hormone Production & To Keep Your Brain Sharp. Without Abundant Cholesterol Our Bodies Cannot Make: Testosterone Aldosterone Cortisol DHT Dihydrotestosterone DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone Estradiol Estriol Estrone Progesterone Vitamin D LDL, HDL & Cholesterol Are Essential For Life: Protects against chemicals, toxins & heavy metals. Prevents dementia & cognitive decline. Protects against all cause mortality. Production of all steroid hormones. Bone density & Osteoporosis prevention. Protective against stroke & heart disease. Important for lungs & airways. Building block of all cells & mitochondria. Absorption of Vitamins A, D, E & K. Critical for digestion & bile acids. Immune system protection against infections. Protection against bacteria, pathogens & viruses. Lowers risk of cancer & death. Lowers risk of depression & suicide. Lowers stress, cortisol & anxiety. For Vibrant Metabolic & Mitochondrial Health: A low carbohydrate diet prioritizing nutrient dense animal foods, eliminating harmful seed oils, sugar & processed foods provides the best healthy cholesterol profile. This approach keeps Triglycerides low & HDL high, which is one of the best Biomarkers for Cardiovascular health. TG/HDL ratio optimally should be 1.5 or less.

The Higher your LDL, the Longer You Live

We have been lied to about saturated fats

High HDL and Cholesterol Extends Life

*****************************************

I realize that there is probably a lot of repetition in this blog post, but I always seem to find more information and I want to get the point across about the dangers of statins and the benefits of cholesterol. ~~ This is more information from Barbara O'Neill:

"We Consider The Cholesterol Level Of 350 Perfectly Fine." Barbara O'Neill "Now, Doctors Want You Down To 150"...Every Time The numbers Are Lowered, Millions More People 'Need' Drugs. That's Not Health Care, That's Greedy Marketing. Statins Are A $22 Billion Dollar Industry. Dr. Uffe Ravnskov, world renowned Lipidologist, "For half a century, a high level of total cholesterol (TC) & low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) has been considered to be the cause of atherosclerosis & cardiovascular disease (CVD), & statin treatment has been widely promoted for cardiovascular prevention. "The Cholesterol Hypothesis was falsified & has been unequivocally proven as false. The Framingham Heart Study failed to prove that cholesterol causes heart disease...in fact it proved the opposite. The findings of the 30year study actually shows that when cholesterol is lowered...mortality INCREASES." "The hypothesis that high total cholesterol causes CVD was introduced in the 1960s by the authors of the Framingham Heart Study. However, in their 30-year follow-up study published in 1987, the authors reported that ‘For each 1 mg/dl drop in total cholesterol per year, there was an 11% increase in coronary & total mortality’.

"If high LDL-C was the major cause of atherosclerosis & CVD, people with the highest LDL-C should have shorter lives than people with low values. However, in a recent systematic review of 19 cohort studies including more than 68,000 elderly people (>60 years of age), we found the opposite. In the largest cohort study, those with the highest LDL-C levels lived the longest." "In a systematic literature review of all statin trials that presented all-cause survival curves concluded that statin therapy only extends life by 3.2 days." "So I make no mistake by saying that long term treatment with a statin is an iatrogenic mitochondrial disease...a physician caused death. Physician's have broken their oath to 'first do no harm' by prescribing the deadly cholesterol lowering statin that is causing Parkinson´s disease, Alzheimer´s, chronic fatigue, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, fibromyalgia, kidney disease, unexplained heart failure, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, etc." There are no benefits in taking a cholesterol lowering statin. It is harmful to every cell in the body to lower cholesterol, which is the building block to every cell membrane. Statins cause a litany of side effects that will cause sickness & a low quality of life. Statins do not lower Cardiovascular Risk or Disease, Stroke, Heart Attack or Mortality. Statins cause more death. Chronic Conditions Caused By Statin Drugs:

Liver Inflammation & Damage New Onset Type 2 Diabetes Heart Failure Vertigo & Dizziness Cognitive Impairment ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Aphasia Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Pancreas Inflammation Parkinson's Disease Muscle Tearing & Pain (Rhabdomyolysis) Fatigue & Weakness Neuropathy Hormone Deficiency Brain Damage MS Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Depression

~~ Elderly with high LDL live the longest.

~~ The higher your LDL, the longer you live.

~~ Statins extend life only 3.2 days.

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Four causes of chronic inflammation and natural remedies:

1) Stress

2) Excess alcohol consumption

3) Lack of sleep

4) Refined carbs  ~~ refined sugar & grains

    *high oleic vegetable oils

    *Dairy products

    *Corn

    *Deep fried foods

    *White potatoes

    *Margarine

    *too much gluten

    *Sweets made with sugar: ice cream, soda, cakes, etc.

Natural Remedies:

1) Yoga

2) Meditate

3) Sleep 7-8 hours

4) Eat anti-inflammatory foods

    *Wild fatty fish

    *Olive oil

    *Grass fed meat

    *Grass fed butter

    *Herbs & Spices

    *Apple Cider Vinegar

5) Follow a Keto diet

6) Avoid NSAIDS

7) Stop eating processed foods

Heart Healthy Foods:

Bacon

Eggs

Butter

Salmon

Coconut

Avocado

Sour cream

Full fat milk & Cheese

Beef/Poultry

Pork

Coconut Oil

Cream cheese

Cream (full fat)

Fish oil

Organ meats

Omega-3 fatty acids (wild caught fish, eggs, grass-fed meats, walnuts, salmon, sardines)

Heart Surgeon Exposes Why Doctors Are Wrong About Cholesterol (with Dr. Ovadia) ~~ 

Ever wonder why your LDL cholesterol might shoot up after you started eating healthier, cutting out seed oils and sugar, and your doctor freaked out? 

It's a common story, and the panic often misses the crucial context. In this conversation with Dr. Ovadia we dive deep into why that single LDL number doesn't tell the whole story about your heart disease risk.

Because understanding your insulin sensitivity, inflammation levels, and even getting specific imaging like a CAC scan paints a far more accurate picture. So even the intense focus on lowering ApoB might be too simplistic, potentially overlooking the root causes of atherosclerosis and the significant downsides of certain medications. 

Hearing directly from a cardiothoracic surgeon who sees the consequences of system failures daily will honestly reveal highlights why a different approach, focused on metabolic health, is desperately needed. So if you've been scared by high cholesterol numbers despite feeling better than ever, this conversation provides critical insights and questions the conventional narrative.

"If cholesterol does not cause heart disease, then what does?" The answer has been published for years. In the largest risk factor study ever conducted. 27,939 women. 21 years. Published in JAMA Cardiology. Here is what they found. And here is why nobody told you.

Sama Hoole on X

Statins are the most prescribed medication in history. 92 million Americans take them. Global sales exceed 20 billion dollars annually. They're considered so essential that some doctors advocate putting them in the water supply like fluoride. Here's what statins actually do: - They extend life expectancy by 3-4 days over 5 years of daily use according to the most optimistic meta-analyses. That's not 3-4 days per year. That's 3-4 days total after 1,825 days of taking the medication. - One in five people on statins experiences significant side effects: muscle pain, liver damage, cognitive impairment, increased diabetes risk, neuropathy, or fatigue. So you take a pill every day for 5 years, have a 20% chance of serious side effects, and gain 3-4 days of life expectancy on average. The pharmaceutical industry made this the best-selling drug class in human history. The mechanism makes it worse: Statins block HMG-CoA reductase in the mevalonate pathway. This pathway doesn't just produce cholesterol. It produces: - CoQ10 (heart energy) - Vitamin K2 (arterial health) - Dolichols (cell signaling) - Heme A (oxygen transport) You're not taking a cholesterol drug. You're taking a metabolic wrecking ball that happens to lower cholesterol as a side effect. The original trials that got statins approved showed minimal benefit, mostly in people who'd already had heart attacks. Then the indications expanded. And expanded. And expanded. Now they're prescribed "preventively" to people with zero cardiac history, normal blood pressure, and good health because one calculated risk score says maybe possibly they might have a problem in 10 years. Doctors prescribe them because guidelines say to. Guidelines say to because pharmaceutical companies funded the research that set the guidelines. The researchers who wrote the guidelines have financial relationships with statin manufacturers. This is documented. This is public. This is normal. And 92 million Americans take the pills every day while rates of heart disease remain unchanged and pharmaceutical companies count their billions.

The greatest scam isn't that statins don't work. The greatest scam is that they convinced the world that everyone needs to be on them.

An honest viewpoint on cholesterol and heart disease by a heart surgeon:

And this video by the same doctor on statins:

Check this out -- an actual movie about cholesterol called The Cholesterol Code. After reversing his pre-diabetes with a low-carb diet, an engineer finds that a rise in cholesterol has doctors convinced he’s headed for a heart attack. His personal health experiment grows into a global search for others like him, culminating in a crowd-sourced research study. Using cutting-edge heart imaging, the study overturns assumptions that have shaped medical guidelines for decades. THE CHOLESTEROL CODE is a high stakes mystery about the power of an everyday citizen to upend medicine by refusing to accept dogma as scientific truth.