Of course your physician discussed the possible side effects of taking cholesterol medicine. And the label on your prescription has a clear warning about these side effects. But there’s one side effect that, for some unknown reason, drug companies do not completely tell you about: These drugs can rob the body of Coenzyme Q10, a nutrient vital for heart and muscle function. In some cases, a deficiency of Co-Q10 can be life threatening. As important as this nutrient is, it’s still necessary to ask your physician about taking Co-Q10 supplements along with your current prescription.

WHAT IS Co-Q10?
Co-Q10 is an antioxidant enzyme needed for energy production in cells, with the greatest demand required by heart muscle cells. Studies have showed that when heart patients were given Co-Q10, there were improvements in heart function. In addition, Co-Q10 has been found to be so effective that some people were able to reduce their use of other medications.1 This gives you an idea of how important Co-Q10 is to the heart. But besides its obvious heart benefits, the fact is, Co-Q10 is essential for cellular energy. Without energy production, life ceases to exist. So it’s not just the heart Co-Q10 targets, it’s the sustenance of life itself.

WHERE DO YOU GET Co-Q10?
Foods that are naturally high in Co-Q10 are beef heart, liver and kidney, red meat, mackerel, peanuts, sesame seeds, grape seed, and soy oil. However, a person would have to consume huge quantities to get even a minimal amount of Co-Q10. For example, 2 1/2 lbs. of peanuts, 2 lbs. of beef, or 1 lb. of sardines yield just 30 mg. of Co-Q10. Typically a person consumes just 5 mg. of Co-Q10 per day, but it takes much more than that to keep you healthy. That is why, with permission from your physician, Co-Q10 supplements may be prudent.

IS THERE A NATURAL WAY TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL?
Solving your Co-Q10 deficiency is one aspect of a good cholesterol-lowering regimen, which also begs the question, “Is there a natural approach to lowering cholesterol so you can either lower your statin dosage or maybe no longer rely on it altogether?” The answer is, “Yes, there is an effective natural alternative.”

There are many natural cholesterol-lowering compounds out on the market, but only one has been approved by the FDA. It’s a special plant Sterol and is a special blend of three different plant extracts, which have been shown to be very effective when combined with a healthy, low-fat diet and moderate exercise.

HOW DO STEROLS WORK?
Similar in structure to cholesterol, plant sterols take up the space (receptor sites) where cholesterol would normally sit, reducing its absorption into the bloodstream. Cholesterol is then excreted out of the body along with the sterols. Sterols are so effective that the FDA has found that approximately .8 of a gram of these sterols eaten with meals twice a day may significantly reduce the risk for heart disease. Combining a low fat diet, exercise, and well-studied Sterol compound with Co-Q10 may provide you with a natural alternative to statins. Of course, before beginning any alternative regimen, consult with your physician.

1. Mol Aspects Med (Engl), 1994, 15 Suppl ps165-75.