Interesting Thing About Cholesterol Medication…

Feb 28

Cholesterol medication is often prescribed for conditions like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

All cholesterol medications belong to a class of drugs called “statins”.

According to a 2021 study, statin treatment is associated with a modern increased risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in those with insulin resistance or prediabetes. (the same condition its prescribed to treat). Another study showed statin treatment to significantly increase fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels.

Multiple studies have also shown statin medications decrease Coq10.

Coq10 is a lipid compound found in the mitochondria. Its made and used in the body for the growth and maintenance of cells. It helps the cell make energy by facilitating electrons to make atp. Its an antioxidant and has been found to inhibit oxidation of DNA and LDL cholesterol peroxidation. Low levels of coq10 have been correlated with increased oxidative stress.

Keep in mind statins are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol and sometimes that is a necessary intervention but its important to be mindful of a holistic approach when it comes to addressing high cholesterol rather than just suppressing a symptom with medication.

What is it about your nutrition, behaviours and lifestyle that can be causing high cholesterol? Consider looking at inflammation levels, thyroid hormones and the liver because dysfunction in those areas can enable elevated levels of cholesterol.

When prescribed medication for long term use, always consider lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the root cause of the problem and consider implementing supports to offset any possible effects from long term use of specific medications.