Drugs Should Not Displace Diet

A few years ago diet and exercise were considered crucial cornerstones of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Now, drugs seem to have replaced willpower and fitness. We recently received an email from Steve that epitomizes this mindset: “Is it necessary to watch your diet and exercise when you are taking Lipitor or will Lipitor be effective all by itself?� If you read the official prescribing information for Lipitor you will discover, “Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol only when the response to diet and other nonpharmacological measures have been inadequate.� What that means in ordinary English is that people should watch their diet first and maintain prudent, low-fat eating habits even while they are taking Lipitor and related cholesterol-lowering drugs. That’s the theory. In practice, though, people learn quite quickly that statin-type medications such as Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol or Zocor (now available generically as simvastatin) are so effective that they don’t have to fret about dietary indiscretions. One person we know found that by taking Lipitor he could enjoy baked Brie without worry. Other folks relish steak and baked potato with sour cream, while those with a sweet tooth find that cheesecake is still on the menu so long as they take their medicine. It doesn’t take people long to realize that they can “cheat� on their diet and still have fabulous results when they get their blood test back. If they can eat burgers, fries and shakes and still have low cholesterol, why not indulge? The problem with this approach is that cholesterol is only one contributor to heart disease. There are over 240 other risk factors. A high-fat diet may increase inflammation, for example, and bring on other problems. Statin-type drugs are not without cost, both financially and physically. Some people cannot tolerate the muscle pain and weakness that may accompany statins. Other side effects may include memory problems, nerve damage, sexual difficulties and joint pain.

Some people cannot get their cholesterol under control no matter how careful they are with diet and other lifestyle changes. But many people can be successful at reducing their risks by taking several crucial steps:

• Cut back on carbs, especially refined flour and sugar. They raise triglycerides.

• Go for fiber. Psyllium can lower cholesterol. So can vegetables rich in soluble fiber.

• Include nuts such as almonds or walnuts in the diet. They lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Ditch trans fats. Use olive oil instead.

• Eat fish and/or take fish oil.

• Ask your doctor about niacin or red yeast rice. The B-vitamin can lower cholesterol. So can the dietary supplement, which contains natural statin compounds.

• Exercise.

Readers who would like more information on natural approaches to cholesterol control may find helpful information in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies. It can be purchased at your local bookstore or from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Statin drugs can save lives. But they should not take the place of a prudent diet and healthy lifestyle.