Lipitor or not

[hlpage56]

One month ago I started the PP program to try and reduce my high cholestrol levels without statins. Well one month into the program and my lipid levels have gotten worse. Mainley my LDL . These are my #s so maybe everyone could give me advice on weather to take the Lipitor 10mg or wait for the next test in two months. Total Chol 276-Trig 66-HDL 55-VLDL 13-LDL 208 . Thanks in advance for your advice. Howard

[Ottawa]

My LDL also rose initially when starting PP. It took a few months to reverse and a year before they became normal. At three years they were "exemplary".

Check out http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=558 and http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=523 as well for some intersting points on Statins.

[mcsblues]

Welcome Howard, as Ottawa says , these things take time, but that being said, with your readings my answer would be "never" (take Lipitor). As well as re-reading the sections on the cholesterol myth in PP and PPLP, have a look at some of the other books and sites which provide some independent (non drug company funded) analysis of the supposed 'health' claims of the statin pushers;

eg THINCS (http://www.thincs.org/)


or look up Anthony Colpo, Malcolm Kendrick (has a new book out), Uffe Ravnskov ...

- or consider that the biggest study (Framingham) found subjects who lowered their cholesterol increased their incidence of CHD!

The most compelling model for the true cause of CHD is the inflammation theory (which is why statins have some effect independent of cholesterol lowering - they are accidentally also anti - inflammatory) The best way to deal with inflammation is to do what you are already doing - control carb intake - and to address your omega 3/omega 6 ratio (more omega 3 much less omega 6) - again something stressed in PPLP.

If you are still worried have your LDL type assessed (low carb improves this too), and get your CRP, homocysteine, fibrinogen and serum ferritin levels checked (and while you are at it ask your doctor why he/she didn't do this at the outset!).

[maxlharris]

I will speak from personal experience and some reading:

First, the reading:
4 weeks is probably too soon to see the movement you want. This plan is very good at fixing triglycerides very quickly, HDL a little slower, and LDL slower than that. Atkins recommended 8-10 weeks between first and second test. In PP, Eades recommended 6-8 (if I recall correctly).

Personal Experience: I got tested at one week into the program, 10 weeks in, and 16 weeks in. I went from total of 295 to a total of 211. My HDL went from 56 to 57. My triglycerides went from 75 to 50. And my LDL went from 210-ish to 130-ish. Oh, and doc went from, "Statins, Statins and More Statins" to "We'll check it again in three years." A little annoyed with that last bit, but it's better than the alternative.

If can happen for you. But you have to trust in it and let it ride.

[Dodger]

I would recommend waiting at least 4 months before getting a retest. Give your body lots of time to fully adjust to it's new food environment.

On statins, I say no.

[Caveman]

You might want to try ProFibe (http://www.ProFibe.com). ProFibe is a water-soluble fiber that reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, C-Reactive Protein, and after prolonged use, reverses atherolsclerosis. It has been on the market for 25 years.

After my heart attack 5 years ago, my doctor gave me two choices: either take prescription medicine (lipitor, blood thinners, etc) or take ProFibe. ProFibe is natural (made from grapefruit fiber) has 4 g of protein, 7 g of carbs, and 6 g of fiber per serving.

[jack02]

Well these are some positive signs for me as I am also asked to go with the said medicine, but I have always been wary of the side effects that a medicine can give us so am wondering if there was any option to overcome it the natural way, now it looks like the PP is a good program which can work in my favor.

[tileman]

I took Lipitor for several months. It got my cholestrol levels perfect. BUT. It caused the worst side effects of any meds I have ever taken. My joints and muscles hurt. It was horrible!! :eek:

[Caveman]

I took Lipitor for several months. It got my cholestrol levels perfect. BUT. It caused the worst side effects of any meds I have ever taken. My joints and muscles hurt. It was horrible!! :eek:

Good point. Here's a great web site from another thread exposing the lies and dangers about statins: http://www.hecksel.com/statin%20dangers.htm

The truth is that cholesterol is not the overall heart-health indicator that statin drug makers are trying to make it out to be. Better indicators are blood pressure, A1c levels (i.e. blood glucose), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

The PP diet will lower all three of these, but you should remember to keep your carbohydrate intake to a minimum. If you have diabetes, I would also advise you to read The Diabetes Solution by Dr. Richard Bernstein: http://www.diabetes-book.com