I can tell you that there is a rebound effect on lipids when statins are discontinued. If that is what you are experiencing, it should normalize. But, again, you need to check with your physician on this.

Well, just got new test results back. My HDL has dropped to 52 and my triglycerides and LDL levels are double what they were before with the Lovastatin (Trig now 243, LDL 152). My D level was 56.

So — where do I go from here? I had a stroke about 5 years ago and various poor cardiac tests thereafter. I loved having my HDL above 60 since low-carbing/niacin/fish oil — but now I’m thinking I need to get back on the statin and that the D just isn’t jacking up my HDL like I hoped it would. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

D is a short term solution like Prednisone – there is an temporary reduction in symptoms because of the flush of nutrients being released from the bones. Those nutrients run out however leaving us children at risk for fractures. It has been misunderstood and if you consider native garb from equatorial regions you might notice a trend toward covering up the skin.

So BS kind of depends on your viewpoint. I have five years of my own vitamin D levels (posted) and my husband’s (private) that reflect chronically depressed vitamin D and chronically elevated hormone D (1,25-D). D is part of the answer but it is not a magic bullet solution that seems to be envisioned. Our paleolithic ancestors did not have soil full of bromide, fluoride and perchlorates. Their soil had iodine and magnesium – unfortunately flooding over the centuries washed much of into the sea and brine pits.

We still make vitamin D in the north and there are not tons of bow legged people or babies hobbling around like rodeo cowboys. In my fifteen years of working with northern families in the WIC program, I met only one infant with early rickets. He was very dark complected like his mom. She had a severe dairy allergy and he was completely breastfed. He took right to sardines when I met them around 18 months old and his legs grew nice and straight.

So I have to say I agree with Dr Barbara Gilchrist – there is a much larger body of evidence pointing towards sensible sun protection then excessive sun-tanning (not sun avoidance though).

Stupid question maybe, but what does ‘BS’ stand for?

Thx,
Hans

I got basal cell carcinoma on my nose, some 10 years ago, and my dermatologist told me to stay out of the sun. Period. Little did I know then, what I know now.

Some years later, as we were treating melanoma #2 on my body (both occurred where sun would never shine), I looked at her and asked, “Why would I be getting melanoma here? The sun has never touched this area.” I’ll never forget that she had NO ANSWER. Thank goodness for the internet. I set out to research this myself. By this time, it had been almost six years with NO sun exposure. And, I had never even heard of Vitamin D supplementation.

Fast forward to today. I do get modest sun exposure. I do supplement with Vitamin D3. I do have a (naturopathic) doctor that has helped me change my health and life. My vitamin D levels are now in the 70-80 range, as opposed to 32, when she first tested my blood.

I’ve learned a lot, and it’s not over yet. Excellent post, and I’m getting the book!