- Today, CNN and Time-Warner's Health.com published articles
warning you to avoid 30 herbs if you are taking drugs like the allegedly
cholesterol lowering statins and "blood-thinning" Coumadin (warfarin).
- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20340370_20,00.html
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- As an inveterate and intrepid nurse practitioner (over
30 years), medical herbalist and otherwise expert and advocate in natural
health (50+ years), I am staking my claim to equal time and offering a
second opinion.
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- Statin drugs by and large are a class of very expensive
drugs with a range of mixed results. The very serious effects of these
drugs include liver failure, sudden cardiac death, increased risk of cancer,
kidney failure, destruction of CO-Enzyme Q 10 and specific B vitamins needed
by the heart, muscle pain and destruction, as well as being questionable
over all because they appear not to serve the purpose described in the
advertising according to many recent studies.
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- There are many natural approaches to lowering cholesterol
including changes in diet and exercise, as well as making sure your thyroid
is functioning properly.
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- One common supplement to help lower cholesterol is lecithin.
Health.com' s expert Bill Benda MD says he has no knowledge of the benefit
of lecithin yet suggests using red rice yeast. Red Rice Yeast is LOVASTATIN
and has the same risk of rhabdomyolysis leading to kidney failure as do
the Rx strength drugs.
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- Each tablespoon (7.5 grams) of lecithin granules contains
about 1700 mg of phosphatidyl choline, 1000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol,
and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids as linoleic acid. It also contains
the valuable omega-3 linolenic acid. These constituents should be supllied
daily.
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- Rinse, Jacobus (1975) Atherosclerosis: prevention
and cure (parts 1 and 2). Prevention. November and December. Very important
reading. Ask your librarian to get you these specific issues (or photocopies)
through inter-library loan.
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- Rinse, Jacobus (1978) Cholesterol and phospholipids
in relation to atherosclerosis. American Laboratory Magazine, April.
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- Glabridin shows a significant 10 percent drop in
LDL cholesterol levels. These studies show a 20 percent reduction
in oxidized LDL cholesterol and measures of oxidative stress, well-known
risks for development of atherosclerosis. No change in these predictive
markers, was seen in the placebo group.1
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- Glabridin is a powerful polyphenol flavonoid derived
from Glycyrrhiza glabra L root (licorice). Animal studies have
revealed that daily doses of glabridin can suppress abdominal fat accumulation
and blood sugar elevation in diabetic mice, while human trials show that
it can reduce weight gain and body fat-especially visceral or belly fat.
And according to another recently published clinical trial, this botanical
extract packs the same punch against LDL cholesterol, too.
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- 1 Carmeli E, Fogelman Y. Antioxidant effect of polyphenolic
glabridin on LDL oxidation. Toxicol Ind Health. 2009 May-Jun;25(4-5):321-4.
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- Herbs and foods included in the report that help thin
the blood naturally include: Garlic, saw palmetto, ginkgo, green tea, alfalfa,
ginger, bilberry, fenugreek, ginseng, Butcher's Broom and capsicum (cayenne).
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- The report did not explain that long term use of aspirin
or warfarin increases the risk of silent bleeding, ulcers and the severe
risk of destruction of the cell wall membrane and clotting disorders.
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- Statins, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers
can be effected by St. John's wort, Echinacea, grapefruit juice, and Black
Cohosh. But remember that statins come with the risk of liver damage. Calcium
channel blockers can cause sudden death at one point were almost taken
off the market because of the risk. Beta blockers have come into question
for safety and efficacy in recent years.
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- Hawthorn has been shown to strengthen the contractions
of heart muscle, which may interact negatively with prescription heart-failure
medications.Hawthorn has always been a first line of defense for heart
health in herbal medicine. I have worked with many people who lived with
heart health issues. I've always found Hawthorn to be a key factor in their
improved quality of life.
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- Night blooming cereus and Lily of the Valley may also
be an experienced herbalist' s choice for cardiovascular care.
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- Yohimbe can elevate blood pressure and at times and for
some people this would be helpful, but in general it is not one I often
suggest.
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- Aloe vera can effect potassium levels. Licorice can interfere
with digoxin and it can raise blood pressure. Like aloe vera, it can also
cause a dangerous drop in blood potassium levels.
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- Other herbs in the study mentioned in this report include
Butcher's broom, angelica, capsicum (cayenne), fumitory, gossypol,
Irish moss, kelp, khella, lily of the valley, ephedra, night-blooming
cereus (cactus flower), oleander, and strophanthus can all interact negatively
with heart medications.
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- Health care is your choice. Natural remedies like herbs
and supplements can do an effective job helping you heal when you do not
wish to choose or cannot tolerate prescription drugs.
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- Because doctor's work for you, the question must be asked:
When will today's medicine and today's doctors meet you half way and support
natural choice?
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- Always stay in communication with your health provider
and contact an experienced herbalist or naturally oriented doctor for additional
resources.
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- Copyright©2010 Gayle Eversole, DHom, PhD, MH, NP,
ND. All rights reserved.
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