Hi Everyone,
Anyone taking statin drugs out there? I know your cholesterol is down, but how is your sexual dysfunction and muscular pain working for you? It is very common for someone to come in to the Optimal Fitness Lifestyle Center with muscle or joint related pain or inflammation. I often tell them there is a huge relationship between one’s biochemistry (chemicals in the environment, food, supplements, chemical interactions, etc.) and one’s inflammatory response and susceptibility to connective tissue pain & strain. I will also typically mention that rehab is sometimes a waste of time and money unless they talk to their doctors about getting them a replacement for the statin. We have seen many spend money on countless hours of rehab with little long term change. Interestingly enough, when most talk to their doctors and rid the statin from their bodies their pains go away. Really, it can be this easy for many to decrease pain.
I tell you this because I am not like the pharmaceutical big business model whose sole purpose is money. I could continue to do massage and exercise with people on a statin; however, I feel that the long term side effects of these statin drugs are not worth the benefits for many and my own business. More and more research and books are coming out with this information, but at the end of the day the pharmaceutical companies are a big business with lots of advertising dollars and power in our mainstream Western Medicine model. With the constant marketing the public, including many doctors have been brainwashed into believing we all need a statin. Doctors are still a powerful force in our society and many will do what the doctor ordered.
Has your doctor ordered you to go on a specific dietary, supplement, or exercise program? Many have not heard this order from their doctor because they are in fact taking pills themselves for their problems and hoping for the best also. Find yourself a good doctor that is up to date with the current research and who can tell you the benefits vs. side effects of every drug recommended.
I do believe that pharmaceuticals have a place; however, I believe that most should be prescribed for short periods of time due to their long term side effects. I have heard that the third medication one takes is to mask the side effects of the first two. It is so much SAFER and EFFECTIVE to change your lifestyle. Notice, I did not say EASIER.
If you are not willing to change your lifestyle, than by all means take the drugs. You should live longer, although you may have side effects including depression, sexual dysfunction, headaches, sleep issues, digestive problems (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, weight gain, belly fat, adrenal & thyroid issues, and more.
My objective of this BLOG is not to convince you that a statin or pharmaceuticals should not be taken but to raise your awareness of the risks involved with their use so you will continue to learn about your options. We all have options…choose wisely because you are not a cat. We only have one life to live (at least in this body) so let’s create the life you desire.
Talk to your doctor about your options and feel free to schedule a free consultation with me so I can help coach you to reach your health & fitness goals. I am well connected in the health and wellness field and can find you the right practitioner for your needs (western or eastern approach).
Check out this article in Business Week which was the cover story on Jan. 17, 2008, Do Cholesterol Drugs Do Any Good?
In Health,
Brien
P.S. If you feel you are being forced into taking statins, below is a standard letter that you can use to question your doctor with solid research attached:
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Feel free to comment on the article or the letter below. I would love to hear the feedback from your doctor.
