Side Stepping Statins

HMG-CoA-reductase enzyme inhibitors are what we have come to know as statins. Prescribed with brand names such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Crestor and Baycol. Each are a variation of a drug that mimics the hydroxmyethyl glutaric acid combining to form mevalonic acid that naturally occurs in our tissues.

These drugs, like a well meaning government program, may do more harm than good.

In The Scary Truth About Statins, Dr. Stephen Sinitra say statins taken to ward off heart disease "is the biggest myth in medicine now." New studies are determining that inflammation, not cholesterol, is what needs to be addressed when attempting to prevent heart disease.

200 million statin prescriptions filled routinely for one year alone and they are one of the most prescribed medications in the country. 11 million people are reported to be on statins despite some serious side effects such as muscle weakness and pain, aching joints and cognition failures. I guess when faced with a heart attack, patients will do anything to ward it off. Except for making lifestyle changes that include losing weight, getting more sleep, taking supplements and participating in stress reducing activities such as meditation.

While the muscle weakness and pain are the main reason people quit statins, there are serious, debilitating and perhaps permanent side effects such as diminishing libido , neurological damage, liver damage and heart failure that should have us avoiding pharmaceutical statins completely.

Statins inhibit Co-Q10 in addition to cholesterol. Co-Q10 is necessary for the body's production of energy. When inhibited by these drugs, our cells break down, leading to neuropathy and nerve damage. That weakness and pain in the muscles that statin users suffer - that's coming from statins creating inflammation (remember those study linking inflammation to heart attacks and strokes) in the muscle fibers, causing them to breakdown then release muscle fiber debris in to our bloodstream, resulting in kidney blockage. Co-Q10 is a vital element to life.

Statins inhibit cholesterol. This is a bad thing. Cholesterol is primary to our health and well being. In addition to rescuing damaged tissue and cell support, it is a building block to the hormones estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA and aldosterone. In reverse, if hormone production is reducing or imbalanced, due to stress or aging, cholesterol levels will increase. How many cardiologists order a hormone panel before writing that Lipitor prescription? Beware: if you are in perimenopause, menopause or andropause, hormones may be attributing to your rising cholesterol and, in some medical opinions, taken into account in any cholesterol treatment.
















There are alternatives to expensive pharmaceutical drugs. Some cardiologists turn to red yeast rice supplements when encountering "statin intolerant" or statin refusing patients. Made from fermented rice, these supplements are widely available and Merck is in the market with its brand, Mevacor. This over-the-counter remedy is affordable and is a completely natural HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor, coming with the same side effects as the pharma statins. Along with RYR extract Niacin (B vitamin that boosts HDL, lowers LDL), Fish oil (reduces triglycerides), Glucomanann (absorbs intestinal bile), Sytinol and Fucothin (metabolism booster) are part of a heart-healthy wellness plan.









Lipitor, a patented chemical

Red Rice Yeast fungus

Afraid to side step your statins?
Restore CoQ10 with supplementation. Lycopene (red fruits and vegetables) is an antioxidant which lowers inflammation. Tumeric (Indian cuisine) is anti-inflammatory. Available as a supplememt in addition to being a great spice.




A 20 mg , 90 ct Lipitor prescription filled at CVS Pharmacy is $383. For the price of a mid-size car payment, we voluntarily pop a pill that has a 50% chance of doing us no good in preventing a heart attack, causes us memory lapses or worse, destroys our muscle fibers, diminishes our body's capacity to make energy, damages our nerves and interrupts our desire to wango tango. This is the best our doctors and pharma companies offer?

Doug was one of those statin users that discontinued the drug due to muscle pain and decreased energy. After researching statins, I am thankful he listened to his body. I don't know about you but getting off my bum and rethinking what I stuff into my mouth seems to be a better solution.

I prescribe Doug Bell a date with me at Fitness 19, dinner of roasted chicken rubbed with turmeric, Smokey Robinson on the music system and some time under the covers.

Herbs And Spices You Must Add To Your Diet Now

"The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal is by choosing foods that are loaded with spices. Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties.


Choose flavor over blandness every time, and try to incorporate these specific herbs and spices into your diet if you have the following health concerns:

* rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
* cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
* cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
* coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
* lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood
* turmeric for its cancer fighting power
* oregano for its fungus-beating power
* garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
* basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
* turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power
* coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

- Dr Eric Bravemen, Younger You

See entire article at the Huffington Post link.
Pictured: Baked eggs with tomato and fresh-from-the-garden basil.

Julie and Julia

Doug and I went to the midday showing of Julie and Julia. I was looking forward to the movie, although I did not care to finish the book.

All the food scenes were pure bliss. I loved how Ephron gave us a mini-biopic of Julia Childs. I think that made the movie, although I find Amy Adams endearing. If you haven't seen the movie, it is a good chick flick, following Nora's usual screenplay devices.



You'd think with the trifecta of the White House, Senate and House, we would be spared the sliders about the right. You would be wrong. Julie's boss, after discovering she had laid out of work to redo a dish, tells her “Anyone else would fire you. A Republican would fire you!” Please.

Pajama Media does a good job of summing things up...Cute, with a Side Of Republican Bashing.

Ageless

Shortly before I left for our vacation in Spain, I determined to investigate the use of bio-identical hormones. I discovered that one of the strongest voices for this therapy was a face many of us know - Suzanne Somers! Oprah and Robin McGraw are also vocal proponents.

I loaded Ageless on my Kindle and was riveted to the "book" while making the transatlantic flight.

As a Pilates teacher, it is important to me to exhibit the image and lifestyle one would expect from someone who is healthy. I educate myself about nutrition, maintain a gluetin/low glycemic diet, regularly exercise and utilize alternative therapies to stay fit and strong.

At 46, I am beginning to see symptoms of the hormonal changes that show up for women my age. Based on Somer's suggestions, I sought out a MD that was a member of the American Society of Anti Aging Medicine.

After thorough testing, I have discovered that I am deficient in Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA and Prognenolone. I am still waiting on Corisol results. My two biggest health concerns, the inability to build muscle mass and osteopenia, all stem from a lack of the hormones listed above. It is likely that in addition to these, I have adrenal fatigue.

Bio Identical Hormone Therapy is not just for peri and menopausal women. Men as well as other post-puberty adults may be suffering from hormone issues, particularly in cases where health solutions are difficult to diagnosis or remedy.

I am exciting about this alternative therapy I am just discovering and encourages us all to look into it.

Marbella 2009

My head seems thick from jet lag. Soon, I'll be doing the laundry and scheduling clients. But a few minutes to relive some of the highlights of our trip in Spain...


The Townhouse
We had one of the most pleasant stays ever at the Townhouse. It's located in Old Town (Casco Antiguo) and a short walk to the beach. We stayed in Room 9, which was spacious and had a private terrace. Room 4 is also a favorite. The staff was impeccable.








Easy Dishes
Our one and only "activity" was with Rashida Reidel. We began at the Old Town Mercado with a lesson about buying the freshest fish. We would later make a seafood paella, Huelva green gazpacho and a peach tortilla at her beachside home. Rashida was so wonderful to cook with. Even Doug had a great time!







La Taberna Del Pintxo
We had tapas several times at this tavern a block up from the beach. Hot tapas are presented to you as you dine. At the end of your meal, they tally up your toothpicks. The scrambled eggs with shrimp were terrific.







Restaurant Barca
Along the boardwalk at Playa Del Faro, we had mutiple lunches overlooking the sea. They had a super cold gazpacho.








Playa Del Faro
We walked down almost every day to the beach. For 10 euro, you can rent 2 chairs with an umbrella for the day. There is a cord and nails provided to hang your bags, towels and clothes. I must say, this is most civilized and I wish American beaches had the same service. I was also delighted to find the public restrooms to be quite clean. Behind you are condos much like you find in Miami.








Hacienda Patagonica
We both agree that this was our favorite meal in Marbella. The dishes were fabulous and the prices were reasonable.



Flamenco Ana Maria
Located on the Plaza de Santo Cristo, the show consists of costumed dancers, vocalists and guitarists. Seating is intimate. You pay $25 for your first drink, which includes entry. It's lively and a not-to-miss. Make reservations in high season.

Tacolote
Our driver from Malaga was Mexican and recommended this restaurant. It was up a couple of blocks from the beach we like to hang out at. We had both lunch and dinner there. We were treated to an authentic Mariachi band one evening. They had the best salad we ate while in Spain and we can attest to the fajitas being traditional.

Bistrot Casanis
On our way to the Plaza de Santo Cristo, we stumbled upon this french bistro. We had the leg of lamb the first visit and suckling pig the second. Both were superb. It was the most beautiful place we dined.

Heladeria La Valenciana
We frequented this ice cream shop daily. There is one on the board walk and on the east side of old town.

Plaza de los Naranjos
The fragrance of the orange trees in the pretty plaza in the middle of Old Town is memorable. There doesn't seem to be a spectacular restaurant on the plaza but the Restaurant Gran Plaza was our pick for late night snacks and drinks as well as a simple lunch. The tourist office is located on the plaza. We found live belly dance and flamenco exhibitions posted there. Celebrity sighting: Minnie Driver.

Puetro Banus
Playground of the rich and famous. Splendid harbour. The yachts featured here were mostly those owned by those from the Middle East - at least that is what we were told. Something to see.






At the corner bar, I had a Sangria Con Cava while we people watched. Can't wait to make this at home.

Bar Altamirano
Touted as one of the best fish restaurants in Marbella, it is located onthe Plaza Altamirano. We had a jumbo calamari that was delicious...the price was steep (28 E) however and not what we expected.








El Corte Ingles
Located in Puerto Banus, this is the go to place for gourmet foods and department store goods. I loaded up on sherry vinegar, Jean Leon cabernet, brown paella rice and Valour chocolate.

Cines Gran Marbella
In the heart of Puerto Banus we found a theater that plays movies in their original language. So, we got to see Harry Potter without dubbing or subtitles.

With no Starbucks to go for a cafe latte, I pretty much stuck to coffee at the hotel. They had a strong brewed coffee and they would steam a pitcher of milk for me. Past half way of our trip, we found ourselves out and about early in the am. Ordering the cafe con leche, I found I had to brace myself to get it down. Almost the end of our trip, a kind waitress explained I should order "cafe nube". Loved it so much, I had three that day!

Cafe manchado = spotted with milk
Cafe nube = clouded with milk
Cafe sombre = with a shadow of milk
Cafe corto = short in milk
Cafe mitad = half milk
Cafe largo = large with milk
Cafe cortado = cut with milk
... and last but not least ...
Cafe solo = black coffee