As part of the investigations into the cause of the mini-strokes I had in December, it was discovered that my cholesterol level is high. This has been the case before, but at that time I was told that my ratio of HDL ( so called “good” cholesterol) to my total cholesterol was fine and so no treatment was necessary. Interestingly my level this time is only 0.1 higher but I have not been told the exact numbers yet. I will get these from my GP later this week.
The standard treatment to lower cholesterol levels is statins. I was prescribed these at the hospital and agreed to take them as they lessen the risk of stroke after a TIA.
Anyone who knows me, however, knows my reluctance to take prescription drugs. I prefer to do my own research and find out if there is a more natural way to address health issues that I can try first before I agree to medication.
This is particulary true when it comes to lowering my cholesterol level. The side effects associated with statins means I am reluctant to take them long term.
Statins can cause :
muscle pain
nausea and diarrhoea
liver and kidney damage
increased blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes
lower the body’s levels of coenzyme Q10.
Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/coq10-and-statins#CoQ101
The last of these causes me most concern, as someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance similar to a vitamin. It is found in every cell of the body. Your body makes CoQ10, and your cells use it to produce energy your body needs for cell growth and maintenance. It also functions as an antioxidant, which protects the body from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/tc/coenzyme-q10-topic-overview#1
I am reluctant to take anything that will have a negative impact on my energy levels. This led me to research the best dietary advice for lowering cholesterol naturally.
I was astonished to find that it is not fat, but sugar that is the main cause of high cholesterol levels. (see http://drhyman.com/blog/2014/02/07/eggs-dont-cause-heart-attacks-sugar/)
Before Christmas I had signed up for Jason Vale’s Big January cleanup. I have found green juices over the years to be a quick way to lose weight and boost energy. When I came home from the hospital I wondered whether I would still be able to take part in this challenge (http://www.bigjanuarycleanup.com) which involves 14 days on freshly extracted vegetable and fruit juices from Jason’s book Super Juice Me!, followed by 7 days on food from his new book Super Fast Food.
I was encouraged to read in Super Juice Me! that a reduction in cholesterol was one of the results posted by those who had done the plan before.
So, I am giving it a go.
Here is the produce I bought for days 1-5 of the challenge!
