Review by A. Elsworth Boss Ed.D. – Word Press – August 11, 2021
I remember the day my doctor looked at me and said, “You have bad cholesterol and that is a prime indicator of heart disease.” He recommended Lipitor a statin medication. I wasn’t anxious to take a statin-based drug because of the bad reviews I’d heard in the past.
As I sat there on the examining table wondering how long I would have to take the stupid little pill the doctor said to me, ”In order to control your cholesterol levels you will be on this medication for the rest of your life.” I followed the doctor’s instructions and took Lipitor for about 8 days and thought I was going to die. I developed a fever, sore muscles and a nagging headache within the first 48 hours. In the mornings I felt tired, dizzy, no appetite and lived in the bathroom. Finally, after the 9th day I tossed the Lipitor.
I began to research cardiovascular disease in relation to cholesterol levels. My journey led me to Dr. Jonny Bowden’s book, “The Great Cholesterol Myth.” I liked Dr. Bowden right away because he said things like, “Cholesterol is harmless. The real killer is inflammation.” The brain depends on cholesterol to function optimally. Cholesterol helps stimulate thinking and memory. And Dr. Bowden backs up these claims with solid science and research studies.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death. What scientific evidence shows is more than 50% of the people hospitalized because of heart attacks had perfectly normal cholesterol levels. Therefore, using cholesterol levels to predict heart disease is not a good idea.
Dr. Bowden points out that most doctors prescribe statin drugs for high cholesterol. But when you consider the side effects and the health risks involved, the idea of taking statins to lower cholesterol becomes concerning. Doctors generally use statins because they do a good job lowering cholesterol but it also depletes CoQ10 an important nutrient for the heart. It causes muscle pain, fatigue, mental confusion and physical weakness. Researchers are also concerned that statin drugs reduce sex hormones in men and woman and cause diabetes.
This book is packed with good information. The last chapter is devoted to helping the reader put together a blueprint for a healthy heart and life.
People say, “Ak why should I listen to you? You don’t have an M.D. after your name.” I say, “Yeah and I don’t take any prescription medication and I feel great.” But as always you can do what you want to do. Why not research it for yourself?
Monster Reads 