What do statins do besides manage cholesterol?

Statins can, and have saved lives. So, I am certainly not setting up an either or question about them. But, I believe in educating people on options and knowing all the risks and benefits of those options. With that in mind, two points of education:

1. Risk Stratification. Depending on your specific laboratory results and overall risk of cardiovascular disease, you may be able to successfully utilize food, lifestyle, and targeted supplements to optimize your cholesterol. Ask questions, and seek guidance if you are pre-statin to find out if you can optimize your health without these medications.

2. Side effects. You may be informed that statins can result in muscle or joint pain and/or headache. But what is often missed is informing you of the nutrient depletion that can happen with statins. Nutrients RUN YOUR BODY, so in my humble opinion, this piece of data is incredibly important. I”m not suggesting you stop your statin as a result of this new information — but, attend to those nutrients, and ideally work with someone who can help you identify insufficiencies that are unique to YOUR body.

So when a patient comes in with gorgeous cholesterol managed with a statin, *and* brain fog -I’m not confused about why! And hopefully you will be able to advocate for yourself going forward.